带外套吧。
dai waitao ba.
Bring a jacket.
Literally: Carry/Bring (带) outer garment (外套) [suggestion particle] (吧).
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly suggestion to bring a jacket for comfort.
- Uses the particle 'ba' to sound warm and suggestive.
- Commonly used among friends, family, and caring colleagues.
Meaning
This is a friendly suggestion or reminder to bring a jacket because it might get cold later. It is a very common way to show you care about someone's comfort.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving the house with a roommate
外面有点凉,带外套吧。
It's a bit cool outside, bring a jacket.
Texting a friend before a movie
电影院冷,带外套吧!
The cinema is cold, bring a jacket!
A polite reminder to a client after a meeting
快下雨了,您带外套吧。
It's about to rain, please bring your jacket.
Cultural Background
In China, suggesting someone bring a jacket is a classic 'mom' move that has evolved into a general expression of care. It stems from a traditional focus on 'preventing cold' (防寒) to maintain health. It's often the first thing people say when checking the weather app for a friend.
The Magic of 'Ba'
Without `吧`, `带外套` sounds like a command. Adding `吧` makes you sound like a caring friend instead of a strict boss.
Air Con Awareness
In many Chinese cities, malls and offices keep AC very high. Even in 35°C weather, people will say `带外套吧` specifically for the indoors.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly suggestion to bring a jacket for comfort.
- Uses the particle 'ba' to sound warm and suggestive.
- Commonly used among friends, family, and caring colleagues.
What It Means
带外套吧 is your go-to phrase for looking out for others. It literally means "bring a jacket." The particle 吧 at the end softens the command. It turns a direct order into a warm suggestion. It implies you are thinking about the weather or the AC. It is the linguistic equivalent of a warm hug before leaving the house.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone sentence. Just say it as you see someone heading for the door. You can also add a reason before it. For example, mention it is raining or the office is freezing. It works perfectly in person or over a quick text message. No complex grammar is needed here. Just the verb, the noun, and that friendly particle.
When To Use It
Use it when the weather forecast looks unpredictable. It is great for evening plans when the temperature drops. Use it if you are going to a mall or cinema. Chinese indoor spaces often have very strong air conditioning. It is a standard phrase among friends, family, and even colleagues. It shows you are observant and considerate of their well-being.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in a high-stakes formal presentation. It is too casual for a speech to a large audience. Avoid it if the person is already wearing a heavy coat. That would just be confusing! Also, if you are at a black-tie event, specify the type of clothing. 外套 is a general term for a jacket or coat. Don't use it if you are trying to be extremely demanding. The 吧 makes it too polite for an angry command.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, caring for someone's physical health is a love language. Asking if someone has eaten or telling them to dress warmly is common. It is not seen as bossy or intrusive. Instead, it is a sign of intimacy and protection. Mothers are famous for saying this constantly. Even young friends use it to show they value each other's health. It reflects a collective culture that prioritizes mutual care.
Common Variations
You might hear 记得带外套 which means "remember to bring a jacket." Another version is 外面冷,带件外套吧. This adds "it's cold outside" for extra context. If you want to be more specific, you can say 带件薄外套 for a light jacket. Adding the measure word 件 makes the sentence sound more natural and rhythmic. These variations all carry the same spirit of kindness.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe to use in almost any social situation. It sits in the 'neutral' to 'informal' zone, making it a versatile tool for showing social intelligence and care.
The Magic of 'Ba'
Without `吧`, `带外套` sounds like a command. Adding `吧` makes you sound like a caring friend instead of a strict boss.
Air Con Awareness
In many Chinese cities, malls and offices keep AC very high. Even in 35°C weather, people will say `带外套吧` specifically for the indoors.
Don't Forget the Measure Word
While `带外套吧` is fine, adding `件` (jiàn) as in `带件外套吧` makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Examples
6外面有点凉,带外套吧。
It's a bit cool outside, bring a jacket.
A standard, everyday use of the phrase.
电影院冷,带外套吧!
The cinema is cold, bring a jacket!
Warning about strong indoor air conditioning.
快下雨了,您带外套吧。
It's about to rain, please bring your jacket.
Using 'nin' (formal you) makes this professional yet caring.
听我的,带外套吧。
Listen to me, just bring a jacket.
The 'listen to me' part adds a bit of parental authority.
求你了,今天带外套吧。
I beg you, bring a jacket today.
Using 'beg you' adds a humorous touch to a repetitive situation.
山上风大,大家都带外套吧。
It's windy on the mountain, everyone should bring a jacket.
Addressing a group to ensure everyone is prepared.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to make the sentence a friendly suggestion.
外面冷,带外套___。
The particle `吧` is used for suggestions, while `吗` is for questions and `了` indicates a change of state.
Complete the sentence to tell someone to 'bring' a jacket.
别忘了___外套吧。
`带` (dài) means to bring or carry, which fits the context of taking a jacket with you.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Bring a Jacket'
Used with close friends or siblings.
带外套!
Standard friendly suggestion for most people.
带外套吧。
Polite concern for a superior or elder.
请记得带件外套。
When to say '带外套吧'
Going to a Movie
Cinemas are notoriously cold.
Evening Walk
Temperature drops after sunset.
Office Work
The AC is set to 'Arctic'.
Weather Change
The forecast says rain or wind.
Practice Bank
2 exercises外面冷,带外套___。
The particle `吧` is used for suggestions, while `吗` is for questions and `了` indicates a change of state.
别忘了___外套吧。
`带` (dài) means to bring or carry, which fits the context of taking a jacket with you.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral, but for a boss, you should add 请 (please) or use 您 (formal you). Say 您带件外套吧 to show respect while being caring.
带 (dài) means to bring or carry it with you. 穿 (chuān) means to actually put it on and wear it.
Yes! Just swap the noun. 带雨伞吧 (Dài yǔsǎn ba) means 'Bring an umbrella.'
Mostly, yes. In this context, it softens the tone to make it a suggestion or a gentle nudge rather than a direct order.
No, 外套 is a very general term for any outer layer, from a light hoodie to a heavier coat.
They are likely thinking about the 'indoor winter' caused by powerful air conditioning in malls, buses, or offices.
A simple 好的,谢谢 (Hǎo de, xièxiè - Okay, thanks) is the perfect response.
Absolutely. It's a very common 'checking in' text to send someone before they head out to meet you.
You can say 别忘了带外套 (Bié wàngle dài wàitào). It’s a bit more emphatic than just using 吧.
The phrase is standard across China, though southern regions might use it more often for AC, while northern regions use it for actual weather changes.
Related Phrases
多穿点 (Duō chuān diǎn) - Wear a bit more.
别感冒了 (Bié gǎnmàole) - Don't catch a cold.
外面冷 (Wàimiàn lěng) - It's cold outside.
记得带伞 (Jìdé dài sǎn) - Remember to bring an umbrella.