The Chinese word for 'pillow' is 枕头 (zhěntou). It's a common noun you'll hear in everyday conversations, especially when talking about sleep or bedrooms. You'll often use it when you want to say something like 'I need a pillow' or 'The pillow is soft.' The character 枕 (zhěn) refers to the pillow itself, and 头 (tou) is a common suffix for nouns, often meaning 'head.' So, literally, it's a 'head pillow.'
The word for "pillow" in Chinese is 枕头 (zhěntou). It's a common noun that you'll definitely want to know when talking about a bedroom or sleeping. You can use it in sentences like "我喜欢软的枕头" (Wǒ xǐhuān ruǎn de zhěntou), which means "I like soft pillows." Or, if you want to say "Do you have a pillow?", you can say "你有枕头吗?" (Nǐ yǒu zhěntou ma?). It's a straightforward word, so don't overthink it!
枕头 in 30 Sekunden
- Sleep comfort item
- Head support
- Soft bedding
§ What '枕头' Means
- Definition
- Pillow. This is a common noun you'll hear when talking about sleep, bedrooms, or comfort.
When you're learning Chinese, it's super helpful to know the everyday words. '枕头' (zhěntou) is one of those. It means 'pillow', plain and simple. You'll use it in any situation where you'd talk about pillows in English. Think about your bedroom, hotels, or even just getting comfy on a sofa. It's a fundamental word for describing your surroundings and daily life.
§ How to Use '枕头' in Sentences
Let's look at some examples of how '枕头' fits into conversations. These examples show you natural ways to use the word, just like a native speaker would.
这个枕头很软，睡起来很舒服。(Zhège zhěntou hěn ruǎn, shuì qǐlái hěn shūfú.)
This means: This pillow is very soft, it's comfortable to sleep on.
我需要一个新的枕头。(Wǒ xūyào yī gè xīn de zhěntou.)
This means: I need a new pillow.
他把头埋在枕头里。(Tā bǎ tóu mái zài zhěntou lǐ.)
This means: He buried his head in the pillow.
§ Where You'll Actually Hear '枕头'
You'll encounter '枕头' in various real-life situations. Here's a breakdown of where and when this word commonly appears:
- At Home: This is the most obvious place. Whether you're talking about your own bed, your kids' beds, or just making a space comfortable, '枕头' will come up. You might hear someone say, "我的枕头太高了" (Wǒ de zhěntou tài gāo le - My pillow is too high) or "你喜欢硬的枕头还是软的枕头？" (Nǐ xǐhuān yìng de zhěntou háishì ruǎn de zhěntou? - Do you like a firm pillow or a soft pillow?).
- In Stores (Shopping): If you're buying bedding, '枕头' is a keyword. You'll see it on labels, hear it from sales assistants, and use it when asking for what you need. Imagine asking, "请问，有记忆棉枕头吗？" (Qǐngwèn, yǒu jìyì mián zhěntou ma? - Excuse me, do you have memory foam pillows?).
- At Hotels: When checking into a hotel, especially in China, you might discuss bedding preferences. You could say, "我可以多要一个枕头吗？" (Wǒ kěyǐ duō yào yīgè zhěntou ma? - Can I have an extra pillow?).
- In Healthcare/Comfort Discussions: If someone is talking about neck pain or needing a specific type of support, '枕头' is relevant. A doctor or physical therapist might ask about your pillow, or you might mention your pillow contributing to discomfort. For example, "我的颈椎疼，可能需要一个支撑好的枕头" (Wǒ de jǐngzhuī téng, kěnéng xūyào yīgè zhīchēng hǎo de zhěntou - My neck hurts, I might need a pillow with good support).
- In Casual Conversation: People often complain about not sleeping well, and the pillow can be a part of that. "昨晚睡得不好，我的枕头太硬了" (Zuó wǎn shuì dé bù hǎo, wǒ de zhěntou tài yìng le - I didn't sleep well last night, my pillow was too hard).
Aussprachehilfe
- Mispronouncing 'zh' as 'z' or 'j'.
- Forgetting the neutral tone on 'tou'.
Wichtige Grammatik
Nouns usually come after measure words and numbers to indicate quantity. The measure word for 枕头 (zhěntou - pillow) is 个 (gè).
一个枕头 (yī gè zhěntou) - one pillow
Nouns can be used as the object of a verb. For example, if you want to say 'buy a pillow', you'd say '买枕头' (mǎi zhěntou).
我买了一个枕头 (wǒ mǎi le yī gè zhěntou) - I bought a pillow.
You can use 的 (de) to show possession with nouns. For example, 'my pillow' would be '我的枕头' (wǒ de zhěntou).
这是我的枕头 (zhè shì wǒ de zhěntou) - This is my pillow.
Nouns can be modified by adjectives. For example, 'soft pillow' would be '软的枕头' (ruǎn de zhěntou).
我喜欢软的枕头 (wǒ xǐhuān ruǎn de zhěntou) - I like soft pillows.
Nouns can be used in location phrases. For example, 'on the pillow' would be '在枕头上' (zài zhěntou shàng).
猫在枕头上睡觉 (māo zài zhěntou shàng shuìjiào) - The cat is sleeping on the pillow.
Beispiele nach Niveau
我的枕头很软。
My pillow is very soft.
我喜欢用高的枕头睡觉。
I like to sleep with a high pillow.
这个枕头是新的。
This pillow is new.
枕头在床上。
The pillow is on the bed.
你喜欢什么样的枕头？
What kind of pillow do you like?
我没有枕头。
I don't have a pillow.
请给我一个枕头。
Please give me a pillow.
他睡在枕头上。
He sleeps on the pillow.
我喜欢软的枕头。
I like soft pillows.
这个枕头很舒服。
This pillow is very comfortable.
请给我一个新枕头。
Please give me a new pillow.
他把头放在枕头上。
He put his head on the pillow.
你喜欢高枕头还是低枕头？
Do you prefer high pillows or low pillows?
枕头套需要换了。
The pillowcase needs to be changed.
我睡前会调整枕头。
I adjust my pillow before sleeping.
酒店提供了两种枕头。
The hotel provided two types of pillows.
我昨天晚上睡得很好，因为我的新枕头很舒服。
I slept very well last night because my new pillow is very comfortable.
你喜欢软枕头还是硬枕头？
Do you prefer a soft pillow or a hard pillow?
酒店的枕头总是太扁了，我睡不习惯。
The hotel's pillows are always too flat, I'm not used to sleeping on them.
把枕头翻个面，可能睡得更凉快。
Flip the pillow over, maybe you'll sleep cooler.
这个枕头是用羽绒做的，非常轻软。
This pillow is made of down, it's very light and soft.
医生建议我用一个能支撑颈部的枕头。
The doctor advised me to use a pillow that supports my neck.
我喜欢在枕头旁边放一杯水。
I like to put a glass of water next to my pillow.
小狗总是喜欢把头枕在我的枕头上睡觉。
The puppy always likes to sleep with its head on my pillow.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我需要一个新枕头。
I need a new pillow.
这个枕头很软。
This pillow is very soft.
你喜欢硬枕头还是软枕头？
Do you prefer a hard pillow or a soft pillow?
我睡觉时喜欢用两个枕头。
I like to use two pillows when I sleep.
请给我一个枕头。
Please give me a pillow.
他的枕头很舒服。
His pillow is very comfortable.
我在找一个羽绒枕头。
I'm looking for a down pillow.
枕头套脏了。
The pillowcase is dirty.
我们玩枕头大战吧！
Let's have a pillow fight!
旅行时我总是带上我的旅行枕头。
I always bring my travel pillow when I travel.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
我喜欢软的枕头。
Wǒ xǐhuān ruǎn de zhěntou. (I like soft pillows.)
这个枕头很舒服。
Zhège zhěntou hěn shūfu. (This pillow is very comfortable.)
你可以给我一个枕头吗？
Nǐ kěyǐ gěi wǒ yīgè zhěntou ma? (Can you give me a pillow?)
我买了一个新枕头。
Wǒ mǎi le yīgè xīn zhěntou. (I bought a new pillow.)
睡觉时我需要两个枕头。
Shuìjiào shí wǒ xūyào liǎng gè zhěntou. (I need two pillows when I sleep.)
你的枕头在哪里？
Nǐ de zhěntou zài nǎlǐ? (Where is your pillow?)
小猫睡在枕头上。
Xiǎomāo shuì zài zhěntou shàng. (The kitten is sleeping on the pillow.)
这个枕头有点硬。
Zhège zhěntou yǒudiǎn yìng. (This pillow is a bit hard.)
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
So verwendest du es
Use 枕头 (zhěntou) as a standalone noun for 'pillow'. It's pretty straightforward. You'll hear it a lot in everyday conversation when talking about sleep or bedding.
The most common mistake is overthinking it. Don't try to add extra words. Just say 枕头. For example, you wouldn't say 'sleeping pillow' unless you're distinguishing it from some other kind of pillow, which is rare. Just say 枕头.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a **pillow** that looks like a **zhen** (real) **tou** (head) when you're sleeping. So, 枕头 (zhěntou) is a pillow.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a soft, fluffy pillow with the characters 枕头 written on it. Imagine yourself resting your head on it comfortably.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to say 'I need a pillow' in Chinese. (我需要一个枕头。 Wǒ xūyào yīgè zhěntou.) Or, 'The pillow is soft.' (枕头很软。Zhěntou hěn ruǎn.)
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
At home, in the bedroom.
- 我喜欢软的枕头。(I like soft pillows.)
- 这个枕头很舒服。(This pillow is very comfortable.)
- 请给我一个新枕头。(Please give me a new pillow.)
Shopping for bedding.
- 我想买一个记忆棉枕头。(I want to buy a memory foam pillow.)
- 这种枕头多少钱？(How much is this kind of pillow?)
- 有没有适合侧卧的枕头？(Are there pillows suitable for side sleepers?)
Talking about sleep habits or comfort.
- 没有枕头我睡不着。(I can't sleep without a pillow.)
- 你喜欢高枕头还是低枕头？(Do you prefer high pillows or low pillows?)
- 换个枕头，你的颈椎会好一点。(Change your pillow, your neck will feel better.)
Packing for a trip.
- 我需要带一个旅行枕头。(I need to bring a travel pillow.)
- 飞机上有没有枕头？(Are there pillows on the plane?)
- 这个枕头太大了，放不进行李箱。(This pillow is too big, it won't fit in the suitcase.)
In a hotel room.
- 我需要一个额外的枕头。(I need an extra pillow.)
- 这个酒店的枕头很硬。(The pillows in this hotel are very hard.)
- 请问有荞麦枕头吗？(Do you have buckwheat pillows?)
Gesprächseinstiege
"你家里的枕头是什么样的？(What kind of pillows do you have at home?)"
"你觉得什么样的枕头最舒服？(What kind of pillow do you think is the most comfortable?)"
"你有没有用过特别的枕头？(Have you ever used a special pillow?)"
"如果你要买一个新枕头，你会考虑什么？(If you were to buy a new pillow, what would you consider?)"
"旅行的时候你会带自己的枕头吗？(Do you bring your own pillow when traveling?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述你最喜欢的枕头，它为什么让你觉得舒服。(Describe your favorite pillow and why it makes you feel comfortable.)
你认为一个好的枕头对睡眠有多重要？(How important do you think a good pillow is for sleep?)
如果你可以设计一个理想的枕头，它会有什么功能？(If you could design an ideal pillow, what features would it have?)
你有没有因为枕头不合适而睡不好的经历？(Have you ever had a bad night's sleep because of an unsuitable pillow?)
写一篇关于如何选择适合自己的枕头的建议。(Write an advice piece on how to choose a pillow that suits you.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenA good way to remember 枕头 (zhěntou) is to associate it with an image. Think of a pillow as something you lay your head on. The first character, 枕 (zhěn), means 'to pillow' or 'a pillow'. The second character, 头 (tóu), means 'head'. So, literally, it's 'pillow for your head'. You can also try saying it out loud many times, focusing on the tones.
Yes, just like in English, there are different types of 枕头. For instance, you might hear things like 羽绒枕 (yǔróngzhěn) for a 'down pillow' or 记忆棉枕 (jìyìmiánzhěn) for a 'memory foam pillow'. But 枕头 itself is the general word for 'pillow'.
You can use 枕头 like this:
我的枕头很软。 (Wǒ de zhěntou hěn ruǎn.)
My pillow is very soft.
她喜欢睡在高枕头上。 (Tā xǐhuan shuì zài gāo zhěntou shàng.)
She likes to sleep on a high pillow.
枕头 is a very common and neutral word. It's perfectly fine to use in any context, whether you're talking to a friend, in a store, or in a more formal setting. It's the standard term for 'pillow'.
The most common measure word for 枕头 is 个 (gè).
For example:
一个枕头 (yī gè zhěntou) - one pillow
两个枕头 (liǎng gè zhěntou) - two pillows
No, 枕头 (zhěntou) itself is a noun meaning 'pillow'. However, the first character 枕 (zhěn) can be a verb meaning 'to pillow' or 'to rest one's head on'. For example, 枕着胳膊 (zhěnzhe gēbo) means 'to pillow one's arm'.
You could say:
请给我一个枕头。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè zhěntou.)
Please give me a pillow.
Or, if you need an extra one:
我需要一个额外的枕头。 (Wǒ xūyào yī gè éwài de zhěntou.)
I need an extra pillow.
枕头 (zhěntou) is the common, everyday word for 'pillow' as a noun.
枕 (zhěn) can be used as a noun, but it's often more literary or seen in compounds (like 枕巾 zhěnjīn - pillowcase). More commonly, 枕 (zhěn) is used as a verb meaning 'to pillow' or 'to lean on'. For example: 枕着手 (zhěnzhe shǒu) - to rest one's head on one's hands.
Yes, a common phrase is 高枕无忧 (gāozhěnwúyōu).
It literally means 'to sleep on a high pillow without worries', and it's an idiom that means 'to be free from anxiety' or 'to rest easy'.
枕头 (zhěntou) is pronounced with a third tone on 枕 (zhěn) and a neutral tone on 头 (tou).
The third tone dips and rises, so it's 'zhěn' going down and then up slightly. The 'tou' is light and quick. Practice saying it slowly, focusing on the tones: zhěn-tou.
Teste dich selbst 54 Fragen
我的 ___ 很软。(Wǒ de ___ hěn ruǎn.) My ___ is very soft.
The sentence describes something soft that you would use in bed. '枕头' (zhěntou) means pillow, which fits the context perfectly.
睡觉的时候，我喜欢把头放在 ___ 上。(Shuìjiào de shíhou, wǒ xǐhuan bǎ tóu fàng zài ___ shàng.) When I sleep, I like to put my head on the ___.
This sentence talks about where you rest your head when sleeping. '枕头' (zhěntou) is the correct word for pillow.
这个 ___ 是新的，很干净。(Zhège ___ shì xīn de, hěn gānjìng.) This ___ is new and very clean.
The sentence mentions something new and clean. While other options can be new and clean, '枕头' (zhěntou) often gets replaced or cleaned, making it a good fit here.
请给我一个 ___。(Qǐng gěi wǒ yī gè ___.) Please give me a ___.
This is a simple request for an item. '枕头' (zhěntou) fits grammatically and is a common object someone might ask for.
我的猫喜欢睡在 ___ 上。(Wǒ de māo xǐhuan shuì zài ___ shàng.) My cat likes to sleep on the ___.
Cats often find soft, comfortable spots to sleep. A '枕头' (zhěntou) is a very common place for a cat to nap.
旅行的时候，我带了一个小 ___。(Lǚxíng de shíhou, wǒ dài le yī gè xiǎo ___.) When traveling, I brought a small ___.
People often bring a small '枕头' (zhěntou) or travel pillow when traveling for comfort. The other options are modes of transport, not items to bring.
The word '软' (ruǎn) means soft.
The word '舒服' (shūfu) means comfortable.
The word '新' (xīn) means new.
Read this aloud:
我有一个白色的枕头。
Focus: zhěntou
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
枕头在床上。
Focus: chuángshàng
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请给我一个枕头。
Focus: qǐng gěi wǒ
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I like this pillow.' The correct order is Subject-Verb-Object.
This sentence means 'She bought a new pillow.' The structure is Subject-Verb-Particle-Number-Adjective-Noun.
This sentence means 'This pillow is very soft.' The structure is Demonstrative-Noun-Adverb-Adjective.
My pillow is very soft.
What kind of pillow do you like?
This pillow is a bit hard.
Read this aloud:
我需要一个新枕头。
Focus: 枕头 (zhěntou)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你的枕头舒服吗？
Focus: 舒服 (shūfu)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我睡觉的时候喜欢用两个枕头。
Focus: 睡觉 (shuìjiào)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'My pillow is very old.' The correct order is '我的' (my), '枕头' (pillow), '很' (very), '旧' (old).
This sentence means 'You need a new pillow.' The correct order is '你' (you), '需要' (need), '一个' (a/an), '新' (new), '枕头' (pillow).
This sentence means 'I bought two pillows.' The correct order is '我' (I), '买' (bought), '了' (past tense particle), '两个' (two), '枕头' (pillows).
Imagine you're staying at a hotel. Write a short message to the front desk asking for an extra pillow. Mention why you need it (e.g., for comfort, because yours is too soft).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好，我住在302房间。请问可以给我一个额外的枕头吗？我的枕头有点太软了，我想睡得更舒服一些。谢谢！ (Hello, I'm in room 302. May I please have an extra pillow? My pillow is a bit too soft, and I want to sleep more comfortably. Thank you!)
You are describing your ideal sleeping environment to a friend. Write 2-3 sentences about what kind of pillow you prefer and why.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢比较硬的枕头，因为它能很好地支撑我的脖子。如果枕头太软，我的脖子会不舒服。 (I prefer a harder pillow because it supports my neck well. If the pillow is too soft, my neck will be uncomfortable.)
You're shopping for a new pillow online. Write a short review (2-3 sentences) for a pillow you just bought. Include if you like it and why, using the word "枕头".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我刚买了这个枕头，非常满意。它软硬适中，让我晚上睡得很好。我强烈推荐这个枕头！ (I just bought this pillow and I'm very satisfied. It's not too soft and not too hard, which helps me sleep very well at night. I highly recommend this pillow!)
小明昨晚为什么没睡好？
Read this passage:
小明昨晚睡不好，因为他的枕头太高了。他决定今天去商店买一个新的枕头。他希望新枕头能让他睡得更舒服。
小明昨晚为什么没睡好？
文章中明确提到“因为他的枕头太高了”。
文章中明确提到“因为他的枕头太高了”。
根据短文，选择一个适合自己的枕头有什么好处？
Read this passage:
很多人都觉得一个好的枕头对睡眠质量很重要。不同的人对枕头的软硬和高度有不同的喜好。选择一个适合自己的枕头，可以帮助我们睡得更香。
根据短文，选择一个适合自己的枕头有什么好处？
文章结尾说“选择一个适合自己的枕头，可以帮助我们睡得更香”。
文章结尾说“选择一个适合自己的枕头，可以帮助我们睡得更香”。
丽丽有多少个枕头？
Read this passage:
丽丽的卧室里有三个枕头。一个是很软的羽绒枕，一个是中等硬度的记忆棉枕，还有一个是形状特殊的颈椎枕。她通常会根据当晚的感觉选择用哪个枕头。
丽丽有多少个枕头？
文章开头提到“丽丽的卧室里有三个枕头”。
文章开头提到“丽丽的卧室里有三个枕头”。
她把头轻轻地放在软软的___上，很快就进入了梦乡。
Contextually, '她把头轻轻地放在软软的___上' (She gently rested her head on the soft ___) implies an object used for resting one's head, which is a pillow (枕头).
为了缓解颈部疼痛，医生建议他使用一个特殊的记忆棉___。
The sentence '为了缓解颈部疼痛，医生建议他使用一个特殊的记忆棉___' (To relieve neck pain, the doctor suggested he use a special memory foam ___) points to an item that supports the neck during sleep, which is a pillow (枕头).
这家酒店的服务很周到，连___的软硬度都可以根据客人的喜好进行调整。
The phrase '连___的软硬度都可以根据客人的喜好进行调整' (even the softness/firmness of the ___ can be adjusted according to the guest's preference) refers to a common hotel amenity that can be customized for comfort during sleep, which is a pillow (枕头).
睡觉时，一个合适的枕头能够有效支撑颈椎，预防落枕。
This statement is true. A suitable pillow (合适的枕头) is indeed crucial for neck support (支撑颈椎) and can prevent stiff neck (预防落枕).
运动过后，应该立即躺在枕头上休息，以缓解肌肉疲劳。
This statement is false. While rest is important after exercise, '立即躺在枕头上休息' (immediately lying on a pillow to rest) isn't necessarily the primary or most effective way to alleviate muscle fatigue, and the immediate action of lying on a pillow isn't directly related to muscle fatigue relief in general.
在中国文化中，送人枕头通常被视为一种非常普遍且没有特殊含义的礼仪。
This statement is false. In Chinese culture, giving a pillow (送人枕头) can sometimes have negative connotations due to the homophone '落枕' (lào zhěn, to have a stiff neck), which sounds like '落枕' (lào zhěn, to fall into a pillow), implying something negative related to sleep or rest. Therefore, it's not always considered a gift without special meaning.
她把头深深地埋进柔软的___，试图找回一丝慰藉。
这句话描述了角色将头埋入柔软的物体以寻求慰藉，'枕头'是最符合语境的选择。
失眠的夜晚，他翻来覆去，总觉得身下的___不够舒适。
在失眠的情况下，人们通常会关注床铺的舒适度，尤其是头部支撑，所以'枕头'是正确的。
那只猫咪喜欢蜷缩在我的___旁边，享受温暖的午后阳光。
猫咪通常喜欢在柔软温暖的地方休息，'枕头'是一个非常合适的位置。
设计师建议选用记忆棉___，以改善颈椎不适的问题。
记忆棉常用于改善睡眠时的颈部支撑，所以与'枕头'搭配使用是合理的。
旅行时，一个可充气的___能大大提升长途飞行的舒适度。
在长途旅行中，提供颈部支撑的充气式物品通常是'枕头'，以提高舒适度。
她睡前习惯在___底下藏着一本小说，方便随时阅读。
人们有时会把书或其他小物件藏在'枕头'下，以便睡前或醒来时取用。
她夜不能寐，辗转反侧，最终选择了一个软硬适中的___来改善睡眠质量。
此句描述了主人公因睡眠问题而更换寝具，'枕头'在此情境下最为恰当。
在长途旅行中，一个舒适的充气___对缓解颈部疲劳至关重要。
在旅途中缓解颈部疲劳的物品通常是枕头。
为了达到最佳的睡眠姿势，医生建议他使用专门为颈椎健康设计的___。
为了颈椎健康而使用的寝具，最直接的关联是枕头。
他习惯性地将手臂垫在头下，而不是使用___，这导致了他的颈部不适。
将手臂垫在头下与不使用枕头形成对比，表明枕头是此处缺失的词。
许多人认为，高品质的___是投资健康睡眠的关键一环。
在投资健康睡眠的语境中，枕头是核心元素。
酒店客房通常会提供多种不同材质和高度的___，以满足不同客人的需求。
酒店客房为满足不同客人需求而提供的不同材质和高度的寝具，通常是枕头。
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '枕头' (zhěntou) is a common noun in Chinese meaning 'pillow', essential for discussing sleep and bedding.
- Sleep comfort item
- Head support
- Soft bedding
Beispiel
我的枕头很软。
