When you're talking about clothes, 内衣 (nèiyī) is a very useful word to know. It directly translates to "inside clothes" and refers to any garments worn underneath your outer clothing. This includes underwear, bras, and even undershirts.
So, whether you're shopping for new lingerie or just trying to describe what you're wearing, 内衣 is the word you'll use. It's a broad term that covers many different types of undergarments.
When talking about clothes in Chinese, 内衣 (nèiyī) is a really useful word to know. It directly translates to "inner clothing," which makes a lot of sense.
You can use 内衣 to refer to all kinds of underwear, both for men and women, including bras, panties, briefs, and even thermal underwear. It's a general term, so it's quite versatile.
§ Basic Usage
The word 内衣 (nèiyī) is a noun, so it functions like other nouns in Chinese sentences. It means 'underwear' or 'lingerie'. Let's look at some basic examples to get you started.
她买了一件新内衣。
- Translation Hint
- She bought a new piece of underwear.
我的内衣需要洗了。
- Translation Hint
- My underwear needs washing.
§ Using Classifiers with "内衣"
In Chinese, you often need to use a classifier (also called a measure word) when counting nouns or referring to a specific item. For 内衣, common classifiers include:
- 一件 (yī jiàn): for individual items of clothing, including underwear.
- 套 (tào): for a set or suit (e.g., a set of lingerie).
她喜欢买漂亮的内衣。
- Translation Hint
- She likes to buy pretty lingerie.
我需要买三件新内衣。
- Translation Hint
- I need to buy three new pieces of underwear.
她穿了一套性感的内衣。
- Translation Hint
- She wore a sexy set of lingerie.
§ Describing "内衣" with Adjectives
You can use adjectives to describe 内衣 just like any other noun. The adjective usually comes before the noun.
这件黑色内衣很漂亮。
- Translation Hint
- This black underwear is very pretty.
舒适的内衣很重要。
- Translation Hint
- Comfortable underwear is very important.
§ Related Verbs
Here are some common verbs you might use with 内衣:
- 穿 (chuān): to wear
- 洗 (xǐ): to wash
- 买 (mǎi): to buy
- 晾 (liàng): to air dry
你今天穿什么颜色的内衣？
- Translation Hint
- What color underwear are you wearing today?
妈妈正在洗我的内衣。
- Translation Hint
- Mom is washing my underwear.
Practice using 内衣 in these different sentence structures. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
Alright, let's talk about "内衣" (nèiyī) and how it fits in with other words you might hear for undergarments in Chinese. This section will help you understand the nuances so you use the right word at the right time.
§ What "内衣" (nèiyī) means
- DEFINITION
- Underwear; lingerie. This is a general term for clothing worn directly against the skin, underneath outer clothing.
Think of "内衣" (nèiyī) as the most common and versatile term. It covers both men's and women's underwear, including bras, panties, briefs, boxers, and even undershirts or slips.
我需要买一些新的内衣。
Wǒ xūyào mǎi yīxiē xīn de nèiyī.
I need to buy some new (underwear/lingerie).
§ Specific types of "内衣" (nèiyī)
While "内衣" (nèiyī) is a good general term, you'll also encounter more specific words:
- 胸罩 (xiōngzhào): This means 'bra'. It's specifically for women's brassieres.
她正在挑选一件漂亮的胸罩。
Tā zhèngzài tiāoxuǎn yī jiàn piàoliang de xiōngzhào.
She is choosing a beautiful (bra).
- 内裤 (nèikù): This refers specifically to 'pants/trousers' worn underneath, so it means 'underwear' in the sense of briefs or panties. It can be used for both men and women.
他的内裤是蓝色的。
Tā de nèikù shì lán sè de.
His (underwear/briefs) are blue.
- 文胸 (wénxiōng): This is another term for 'bra', often used interchangeably with 胸罩 (xiōngzhào), though sometimes it can sound a bit more formal or literary.
- 底裤 (dǐkù): This is similar to 内裤 (nèikù), meaning 'underwear' or 'panties/briefs', especially in some regional dialects. It's less common than 内裤 (nèikù) in general usage.
§ When to use "内衣" (nèiyī)
Use "内衣" (nèiyī) when you want a general term for any type of undergarment. It's safe and widely understood in most contexts.
For example, if you're shopping in a store and looking for the 'underwear section', you'd ask for the "内衣区" (nèiyī qū).
请问，内衣区在哪里？
Qǐngwèn, nèiyī qū zài nǎlǐ?
Excuse me, where is the (underwear/lingerie) section?
§ Summary: Key differences
- 内衣 (nèiyī): General term for all undergarments (bras, panties, briefs, undershirts).
- 胸罩 (xiōngzhào) / 文胸 (wénxiōng): Specific terms for 'bra'.
- 内裤 (nèikù): Specific term for 'underwear' (briefs, panties, boxers).
So, if you're talking about a bra, you can say "胸罩" (xiōngzhào) or "文胸" (wénxiōng). If you're talking about panties or briefs, say "内裤" (nèikù). If you just want to refer to inner garments in general, "内衣" (nèiyī) is your go-to word.
Grammar to Know
Nouns can be used directly as subjects or objects in a sentence.
我喜欢穿舒适的内衣。 (Wǒ xǐhuān chuān shūshì de nèiyī.) I like to wear comfortable underwear.
Adjectives often precede nouns to describe them.
这件内衣很漂亮。 (Zhè jiàn nèiyī hěn piàoliang.) This underwear is very pretty.
Measure words are typically used between a number and a noun.
她买了三件新内衣。 (Tā mǎi le sān jiàn xīn nèiyī.) She bought three new pieces of underwear.
The particle '的' (de) can be used to show possession or modify a noun.
这是我的内衣。 (Zhè shì wǒ de nèiyī.) This is my underwear.
Verbs like '穿' (chuān - to wear) or '洗' (xǐ - to wash) are commonly used with '内衣'.
请洗你的内衣。 (Qǐng xǐ nǐ de nèiyī.) Please wash your underwear.
Examples by Level
洗完澡后，我把干净的内衣穿上。
After showering, I put on clean underwear.
这件内衣的颜色很漂亮。
The color of this lingerie is very beautiful.
内衣店有很多不同款式的内衣。
The underwear store has many different styles of underwear.
我需要买新的内衣。
I need to buy new underwear.
这件内衣穿起来很舒服。
This underwear is very comfortable to wear.
她喜欢穿棉质的内衣。
She likes to wear cotton underwear.
请把内衣放在洗衣机里。
Please put the underwear in the washing machine.
我昨天忘记晾内衣了。
I forgot to hang the underwear to dry yesterday.
她买了一套新内衣。
She bought a new set of underwear.
洗完澡后，我换上了干净的内衣。
After showering, I changed into clean underwear.
这件内衣的材质很柔软。
The material of this underwear is very soft.
他只穿着内衣在房间里走动。
He walked around the room only in his underwear.
这家商店出售各种款式的内衣。
This store sells various styles of lingerie.
请把内衣和外衣分开洗。
Please wash underwear and outerwear separately.
运动员穿特殊的内衣来吸汗。
Athletes wear special underwear to absorb sweat.
内衣是贴身衣物，需要经常更换。
Underwear is close-fitting clothing and needs to be changed frequently.
她买了一套新的蕾丝内衣。
She bought a new set of lace underwear.
洗内衣最好用手洗。
It's best to hand wash underwear.
这件内衣的材质很舒服。
The material of this underwear is very comfortable.
请把内衣和外衣分开洗。
Please wash underwear and outerwear separately.
他穿着一件旧的运动内衣。
He was wearing old athletic underwear.
这家店有各种款式的内衣。
This store has various styles of lingerie.
旅行时别忘了带足够的内衣。
Don't forget to bring enough underwear when traveling.
她喜欢穿纯棉的内衣。
She likes to wear pure cotton underwear.
Often Confused With
内裤 specifically means 'underpants' or 'briefs', a type of 内衣.
胸罩 specifically means 'bra', another type of 内衣.
These refer to 'thermal underwear' or 'long johns', which are also types of 内衣 for colder weather.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both 内衣 and 衣服 refer to clothing, but 衣服 is a general term for any garment.
衣服 is a broad category, while 内衣 is a specific type of clothing worn underneath outer garments.
我穿衣服。 (Wǒ chuān yīfu.) - I wear clothes.
裤子 refers to trousers or pants, which are also worn on the lower body, similar to some types of underwear.
裤子 are outer garments for the lower body, while 内衣 can refer to various undergarments, including briefs or panties.
我穿裤子。 (Wǒ chuān kùzi.) - I wear pants.
衬衫 refers to a shirt, which is worn on the upper body, similar to some types of underwear like undershirts.
衬衫 is an outer garment for the upper body, whereas 内衣 includes items like undershirts or bras.
他穿衬衫。 (Tā chuān chènshān.) - He wears a shirt.
袜子 are worn on the feet, and like underwear, they are typically worn directly against the skin.
袜子 are specifically for the feet, while 内衣 covers other parts of the body.
我穿袜子。 (Wǒ chuān wàzi.) - I wear socks.
睡衣 (pajamas) are worn for sleeping and are often soft and worn close to the skin, similar to underwear.
睡衣 is specifically for sleeping, while 内衣 is worn under regular clothing.
她穿睡衣睡觉。 (Tā chuān shuìyī shuìjiào.) - She wears pajamas to sleep.
Sentence Patterns
subject + 需要 (xūyào, need) + verb + object
我需要买新的内衣。(Wǒ xūyào mǎi xīn de nèiyī.)
这件 (zhè jiàn, this piece) + object + 很 (hěn, very) + adjective
这件内衣很舒服。(Zhè jiàn nèiyī hěn shūfú.)
请 (qǐng, please) + 把 (bǎ, a preposition for direct objects) + object + 放在 (fàng zài, put in) + location
请把内衣放在抽屉里。(Qǐng bǎ nèiyī fàng zài chōutì lǐ.)
Test Yourself 54 questions
她买了一件新____。
The sentence means 'She bought a new ____.' '内衣' (nèiyī) means 'underwear' or 'lingerie'. The other options do not fit the context.
这件____很舒服。
The sentence means 'This ____ is very comfortable.' '内衣' (nèiyī) means 'underwear' or 'lingerie', which can be comfortable. The other options are not typically described as 'comfortable' in this general context.
商店里有很多不同款式的____。
The sentence means 'There are many different styles of ____ in the store.' '内衣' (nèiyī) comes in different styles. The other options are not typically bought in 'styles' in this context.
请把你的____放在抽屉里。
The sentence means 'Please put your ____ in the drawer.' '内衣' (nèiyī) is typically stored in a drawer. The other options are less likely to be stored in a drawer in this context.
她喜欢穿丝绸的____。
The sentence means 'She likes to wear silk ____.' '内衣' (nèiyī) is often made of silk. The other options are less commonly silk in this context.
洗完澡后，她换上干净的____。
The sentence means 'After showering, she put on clean ____.' It is common to put on clean '内衣' (nèiyī) after a shower. While '衣服' (clothes) is also possible, '内衣' is more specific and fits the context well.
What is the speaker buying?
How does the speaker feel about the underwear?
Where should the underwear be placed?
Read this aloud:
我喜欢白色的内衣。
Focus: nèi yī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他在商店里买内衣。
Focus: mǎi nèi yī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这件内衣有点小。
Focus: yǒu diǎn xiǎo
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is Subject-Verb-Object. '她' (she) is the subject, '买' (buy) is the verb, and '新 内衣' (new underwear) is the object.
Start with '这件' (this piece) to refer to '内衣' (underwear), then describe it with '很 舒服' (very comfortable).
The sentence follows a Subject-Verb-Object structure, meaning 'I need to wash underwear'.
You are going shopping for clothes. Mention that you need to buy new underwear in your shopping list.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
购物清单： - 衬衫 - 裤子 - 新内衣
Write a short sentence saying that the underwear is comfortable.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这件内衣很舒服。
Describe what kind of underwear you prefer to wear, e.g., color, material, style.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我喜欢穿棉质的白色内衣。
这篇文章主要讲了什么？
Read this passage:
商店里有很多不同颜色的内衣。有红色的，蓝色的，还有黑色的。你喜欢哪种颜色？
这篇文章主要讲了什么？
文章中明确提到了“商店里有很多不同颜色的内衣”。
文章中明确提到了“商店里有很多不同颜色的内衣”。
为了保护内衣，洗衣服时应该怎么做？
Read this passage:
洗衣服的时候，内衣应该单独洗，或者用洗衣袋。这样可以保护内衣，让它穿得更久。
为了保护内衣，洗衣服时应该怎么做？
文章中提到“内衣应该单独洗，或者用洗衣袋”。
文章中提到“内衣应该单独洗，或者用洗衣袋”。
根据文章，夏天人们喜欢穿什么样的内衣？
Read this passage:
夏天天气很热，很多人喜欢穿轻薄透气的内衣。冬天天气冷，大家会选择保暖的内衣。
根据文章，夏天人们喜欢穿什么样的内衣？
文章中说“夏天天气很热，很多人喜欢穿轻薄透气的内衣”。
文章中说“夏天天气很热，很多人喜欢穿轻薄透气的内衣”。
她想买一套新的_______。
The sentence indicates she wants to buy a new set of 'underwear' or 'lingerie', which is '内衣'.
在商店里，'内衣'通常在哪个区域？
'内衣' (underwear/lingerie) is a type of clothing, so it's found in the '服装区' (clothing area).
哪一个词可以用来形容女士的贴身衣物？
'内衣' specifically refers to underwear or lingerie, which are close-fitting garments.
你可以在寒冷的天气穿内衣出门。
'内衣' (underwear) is worn underneath other clothes and is not suitable for wearing outdoors in cold weather.
游泳时，人们通常会穿泳衣而不是内衣。
When swimming, people wear '泳衣' (swimwear) for practical reasons, not '内衣' (underwear).
运动时，穿合适的内衣很重要。
Wearing appropriate '内衣' (underwear), especially sports bras for women, is important for comfort and support during exercise.
This sentence asks someone to fold the underwear neatly and put it into the drawer. The structure is '请 (please) + 把 (introduces direct object) + object + verb + complement + place.'
This sentence describes that the underwear is a bit small and the speaker needs to buy a larger one. The structure '有点 (a bit) + adjective' is used to express a slight degree, and '大一点的 (a bit larger one)' is a common way to express comparison.
This sentence explains the importance of choosing breathable underwear for skin during exercise. 'A 对 B 很 重要' means 'A is very important to B'.
她精心挑选了一套精致的___，准备在特殊的场合穿着。
句子语境是“精致的...，准备在特殊的场合穿着”，显然是指贴身的衣物，因此“内衣”是最佳选择。
这家高级百货公司专门设有一个区域，陈列着各种品牌和款式的___，供顾客挑选。
根据语境“各种品牌和款式的...供顾客挑选”，并且是在“高级百货公司”的“专门区域”，最符合这一描述的是“内衣”。
为了追求极致的舒适感，她总是选择由天然丝绸制成的___。
“极致的舒适感”和“天然丝绸制成”是选择“内衣”的关键，因为它与身体直接接触。
设计师在发布会上展示了一系列创新而大胆的___设计，引发现场观众的阵阵惊叹。
“创新而大胆的...设计”和“引发现场观众的阵阵惊叹”在时尚发布会的语境下，最可能是“内衣”设计。
选择合适的___对于保持个人卫生和舒适度至关重要。
“保持个人卫生和舒适度至关重要”是与“内衣”紧密相关的日常健康习惯。
她觉得有些尴尬，因为她不小心在公共场合暴露了自己的___边缘。
在公共场合“暴露...边缘”并感到“尴尬”，通常是指不慎露出的“内衣”部分。
在寒冷的冬天，穿什么可以让你感到更温暖？
内衣是贴身衣物，有助于保暖。
如果你的衣服被雨淋湿了，你应该先更换哪种衣物？
内衣直接接触皮肤，湿了容易感冒，应优先更换。
下列哪种物品通常需要手洗或单独清洗，以保护其面料和形状？
精致的内衣通常由 delicate fabrics 制成，需要特别护理。
“内衣”通常指穿着在最外层的衣物。
“内衣”是指贴身穿着的衣物，而不是最外层的。
在选择运动服时，内衣的透气性是一个重要的考量因素。
运动时出汗多，内衣的透气性好能保持干爽舒适。
在中文中，“内衣”也可以指代用于表演的华丽服装。
“内衣”特指贴身衣物，不用于指代华丽的表演服装。
Imagine you are an expert fashion critic. Write a short review (3-4 sentences) for a new line of luxury lingerie. Describe its design, material, and overall appeal, incorporating the word "内衣" naturally.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这套全新的奢华内衣系列以其精致的蕾丝设计和丝滑的桑蚕丝材质，完美诠释了优雅与舒适。设计师巧妙地将古典元素与现代剪裁相结合，使得每一件内衣都散发着独特的魅力。它不仅仅是贴身衣物，更是一种艺术品，能让穿着者感受到无与伦比的自信和美丽。穿上这套内衣，您将体验到前所未有的奢华感受。
You are writing a blog post about sustainable fashion. Discuss the importance of choosing eco-friendly materials for everyday items, specifically mentioning underwear. Explain the environmental benefits and ethical considerations in 3-4 sentences, using "内衣" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在可持续时尚日益受到关注的今天，我们对日常穿着的选择也应更加谨慎。选择由有机棉或竹纤维制成的内衣，不仅能为我们的皮肤带来更健康的体验，更能显著减少对环境的负面影响。这种环保的选择体现了对地球的责任，也避免了传统纺织业中常见的化学污染和资源浪费。每一件环保内衣的选择，都是对可持续生活方式的有力支持。
You are composing a descriptive paragraph for a short story. Describe a character's feeling of comfort and confidence after putting on a favorite piece of clothing, which happens to be a new set of lingerie. Focus on the sensory details and emotional impact, using "内衣" twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
她轻轻套上那件新买的丝质内衣，瞬间，柔软的触感如同第二层肌肤般贴合。镜中的她，虽然只穿着内衣，却散发出一种前所未有的自信与光芒。那不仅仅是布料的舒适，更是内心深处被唤醒的优雅。这件精致的内衣，仿佛有魔力一般，让她感到自己可以征服世界。
根据文章，现代社会中内衣的主要功能是什么？
Read this passage:
在现代社会中，内衣不仅仅是贴身衣物，更是一种时尚宣言和自我表达的方式。设计师们将创新面料、精湛工艺和艺术美学融入内衣设计，使其成为展现个性与品味的载体。消费者在选择内衣时，除了考虑舒适度，也会更加注重其款式、颜色和材质是否符合自身的审美和生活态度。这种趋势反映了人们对生活品质和自我认同的追求。
根据文章，现代社会中内衣的主要功能是什么？
文章明确指出“内衣不仅仅是贴身衣物，更是一种时尚宣言和自我表达的方式”。
文章明确指出“内衣不仅仅是贴身衣物，更是一种时尚宣言和自我表达的方式”。
智能内衣在普及过程中面临哪些主要挑战？
Read this passage:
随着科技的进步，智能内衣逐渐进入人们的视野。这些内衣内置传感器，能够监测心率、睡眠质量甚至身体姿态，并通过蓝牙将数据传输到智能手机应用程序。它们旨在提供个性化的健康管理和运动追踪。然而，智能内衣的普及仍面临隐私保护、电池续航和洗涤保养等方面的挑战，这需要制造商与消费者共同探索解决方案。
智能内衣在普及过程中面临哪些主要挑战？
文章中明确提到“智能内衣的普及仍面临隐私保护、电池续航和洗涤保养等方面的挑战”。
文章中明确提到“智能内衣的普及仍面临隐私保护、电池续航和洗涤保养等方面的挑战”。
根据文章，内衣的演变与哪些因素有关？
Read this passage:
历史上，内衣的演变反映了社会文化、审美观念和科技发展的变迁。从古代的简单遮蔽到中世纪的束身衣，再到现代的多元化风格，内衣的功能和形态都在不断革新。每一次变革都与女性地位的提升、时尚潮流的转变以及纺织技术的突破息息相关。因此，研究内衣史也能为我们理解人类文明史提供独特的视角。
根据文章，内衣的演变与哪些因素有关？
文章指出“内衣的演变反映了社会文化、审美观念和科技发展的变迁”。
文章指出“内衣的演变反映了社会文化、审美观念和科技发展的变迁”。
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
