Words to Describe Textures and Materials in Chinese

When learning Chinese, expanding your vocabulary to describe the world around you is crucial, particularly when discussing various textures and materials. Here is a list of words that can help you describe what something feels or looks like in Mandarin Chinese:

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光滑 (guānghuá) – Smooth
This adjective is used to describe a surface without roughness or bumps. It could refer to materials like glass or silk.
这块木头经过打磨,现在非常光滑。

粗糙 (cūcāo) – Rough
The opposite of smooth, this word is often used to describe something with a coarse texture, like unpolished wood or coarse sandpaper.
这块手工纸感觉很粗糙。

(ruǎn) – Soft
To describe a texture that is gentle to touch and not hard, “软” is the word to go for. It’s often used to describe things like a soft pillow or a soft sweater.
她喜欢那张软床垫。

(yìng) – Hard
This adjective is used to describe materials with a solid and firm texture, such as metal or hardwood floors.
这块巧克力放冰箱里后变得很硬。

棉质 (mián zhì) – Cotton (as a material)
Used to describe anything made from cotton or cotton-like textures, “棉质” can be used for clothes, furnishings, etc.
她穿的是棉质T恤。

丝质 (sī zhì) – Silk (as a material)
When something is made of silk or has a silky texture, this term is applicable. It implies a smooth, lustrous, and fine quality.
这条丝巾摸起来质地非常好。

皮革 (pígé) – Leather
This noun is used when referring to leather goods, including clothing, bags, or furniture.
这些皮革沙发非常耐用。

橡胶 (xiàngjiāo) – Rubber
An item made of rubber or with rubbery properties, such as elasticity, could be described using this word.
这双鞋的橡胶底很防滑。

塑料 (sùliào) – Plastic
Use this word to address any object made of plastic or having the typical characteristics of plastic, like durability and lightness.
许多玩具都是用塑料制成的。

金属 (jīnshǔ) – Metal
If you’re describing something made of metal, “金属” covers it all, from iron to silver to gold.
这架飞机主要由轻质金属材料制成。

(chóu) – Damask or fine silk
Often associated with traditional Chinese garments and high-quality textiles, “绸” refers to a silky, luxurious material.
她的嫁衣是用最高级的绸做的。

麻质 (má zhì) – Linen
Items made of linen, known for its breathable and natural qualities, are described with this term.
夏天我喜欢穿麻质衣服。

泡沫 (pàomò) – Foam
This word is used to describe materials that have a foamy texture, like a foam mattress or sponge.
这种泡沫填充物可以保护货物不受损伤。

(róng) – Velvet
“绒” is the word to describe the texture of velvet, soft, and with a short, dense pile.
她穿的绒裙子触感非常舒适。

This vocabulary list should help you describe various textures and materials in Chinese. Whenever you encounter a new object, try to describe it using these words to practice and enhance your language skills.

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