Liaozi refers to both physical fabric and a person's natural aptitude for a task.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to fabric or material for making clothes.
- Metaphorically describes a person's inherent talent or potential.
- Commonly used in informal everyday conversations.
Overview
- 1概览：“料子”本义指布料、衣料，是生活中非常高频的词汇。在口语中，它被广泛引申为评价一个人的才能或天分，带有主观评价色彩。2) 使用模式：作为物质时，常与“好”、“坏”、“厚”、“薄”等形容词搭配。作为评价人时，常用于“是……的料子”或“不是……的料子”句式。3) 常见语境：在购买服装时，人们会讨论“这件衣服的料子怎么样”。在评价学生、员工或某种职业潜质时，长辈或领导常说某人“是做科研的料子”。4) 近义词辨析：与“材料”相比，“料子”更口语化，且带有更多评价人的感情色彩，而“材料”多指客观的物质或资料。
Examples
这件裙子的料子很舒服。
everydayThe fabric of this dress is very comfortable.
他不是做生意的料子。
informalHe is not cut out for business.
这块料子可以做一件上衣。
everydayThis piece of fabric is enough to make a top.
老师认为他是学艺术的料子。
academicThe teacher thinks he has the potential for art.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
是块料子
Has great potential
好料子
High-quality fabric
不是那块料
Not cut out for that
Often Confused With
Material is a broader term used for data, physical raw materials, or construction supplies. Liaozi is specifically for fabrics or individual talent.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Liaozi is primarily informal and conversational. When referring to people, it carries a sense of subjective judgment or observation. It is rarely used in professional or official written contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '材料' instead of '料子' when talking about clothing fabric. Also, avoid using '料子' to describe inanimate materials like steel or plastic in a technical context.
Tips
Focus on the context of use
Pay attention to whether the speaker is talking about fabric or a person's ability. The context will clarify the meaning immediately.
Avoid using in formal reports
Do not use '料子' to describe a person in formal documents or professional evaluations. Use '人才' or '苗子' instead.
The cultural weight of talent
In Chinese culture, identifying someone as a '料子' expresses high expectations and recognition of their innate potential.
Word Origin
The word combines '料' (material/stuff) and '子' (diminutive suffix). It evolved from referring to physical textile pieces to describing the 'internal stuff' of a person.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, '料子' is often used by mentors or parents to encourage young people. It highlights the belief that innate potential is a crucial part of success.
Memory Tip
Think of '料子' as the 'raw stuff' of a dress or a human. If the 'stuff' is good, the person will succeed!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“料子”更偏向口语，常指衣物布料或人的素质；“材料”范围更广，可指建筑材料、研究资料或客观事物。
这是夸奖对方很有天分或潜力，适合从事某项工作或学习。
它主要用于口语或非正式场合，在书面语中评价人时建议使用“人才”或“苗子”。
可以说“这件衣服的料子真好”或“这料子摸着很舒服”。
Test Yourself
这件衣服的___摸起来很柔软。
描述衣物材质时，‘料子’是最地道的口语表达。
他真是个___。
‘好料子’是评价某人具备做某事潜力的固定搭配。
料子 / 读书 / 他 / 的 / 是 / 块
这是评价某人具备某方面潜力的标准句式。
Score: /3
Summary
Liaozi refers to both physical fabric and a person's natural aptitude for a task.
- Refers to fabric or material for making clothes.
- Metaphorically describes a person's inherent talent or potential.
- Commonly used in informal everyday conversations.
Focus on the context of use
Pay attention to whether the speaker is talking about fabric or a person's ability. The context will clarify the meaning immediately.
Avoid using in formal reports
Do not use '料子' to describe a person in formal documents or professional evaluations. Use '人才' or '苗子' instead.
The cultural weight of talent
In Chinese culture, identifying someone as a '料子' expresses high expectations and recognition of their innate potential.
Examples
4 of 4这件裙子的料子很舒服。
The fabric of this dress is very comfortable.
他不是做生意的料子。
He is not cut out for business.
这块料子可以做一件上衣。
This piece of fabric is enough to make a top.
老师认为他是学艺术的料子。
The teacher thinks he has the potential for art.
