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:

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。

软 (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。

硬 (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。

绸 (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。

绒 (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.