At the A1 level, '香水' (xiāngshuǐ) is introduced as a basic noun for 'perfume'. Students learn that '香' (xiāng) means 'smells good' and '水' (shuǐ) means 'water'. The focus is on simple identification: '这是香水' (This is perfume). Learners should know how to use the basic verb '喜欢' (xǐhuān - like) and '买' (mǎi - buy) with this word. The measure word '瓶' (píng - bottle) is also introduced here. At this stage, the goal is simply to recognize the word in a shopping context or when describing a person's scent very simply. You might hear '我很喜欢你的香水' (I really like your perfume). This is a foundational word for building a vocabulary related to personal items and gifts.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '香水' to include basic descriptions and actions. You will learn to use verbs like '喷' (pēn - spray) and '送' (sòng - give as a gift). You should be able to describe the perfume using simple adjectives like '好闻' (hǎowén - good smelling) or '贵' (guì - expensive). For example, '我送给妈妈一瓶香水' (I gave my mom a bottle of perfume). You also start to differentiate between '浓' (nóng - strong) and '淡' (dàn - light). At A2, you are expected to handle basic interactions at a store, such as asking for the price or asking to smell a sample. '我可以闻一下这个香水吗?' (Can I smell this perfume?) is a typical A2-level sentence.
At the B1 level, you can discuss '香水' in more detail, including personal preferences and brand names. You start using terms like '味道' (wèidào - scent/taste) and '品牌' (pǐnpái - brand). You can explain why you like a certain perfume, perhaps because it reminds you of something or because it is '特别' (tèbié - special). You also begin to understand the use of '香水' in social etiquette, such as not wearing too much in public. Sentences become more complex: '虽然这瓶香水很贵,但是它的味道非常持久' (Although this perfume is expensive, its scent is very long-lasting). You might also encounter related words like '古龙水' (cologne) or '香氛' (fragrance).
At the B2 level, '香水' is used in discussions about marketing, consumer culture, and more nuanced sensory descriptions. You will learn about the 'notes' of a perfume: '前调' (top notes), '中调' (middle notes), and '后调' (base notes). You can participate in debates about the luxury industry or the psychology of scent. You might read articles about how '香水品牌如何吸引年轻消费者' (How perfume brands attract young consumers). Your vocabulary expands to include words like '成分' (chéngfèn - ingredients) and '过敏' (guòmǐn - allergy). You can also use '香水' metaphorically in literature or songs to describe atmosphere or memory.
At the C1 level, you can use '香水' in professional, academic, or literary contexts. You might analyze the '香水工业' (perfume industry) in China or discuss the history of '香道' (the art of incense) and how it evolved into modern perfume usage. You can describe scents with high precision using a wide range of vocabulary: '木质调' (woody), '柑橘调' (citrus), '东方调' (oriental). You understand the cultural nuances of perfume in different regions of China and can write reviews or marketing copy. You can discuss the chemical composition, such as '酒精含量' (alcohol content) and '精油' (essential oils), with ease.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '香水' and its related concepts. You can appreciate and use poetic language involving scent. You can discuss the nuances of the 'niche perfume' (沙龙香 shālóng xiāng) market versus 'commercial perfume' (商业香 shāngyè xiāng). You can interpret complex metaphors in literature where perfume represents identity, social class, or ephemeral beauty. You are comfortable using professional terminology in the fragrance industry and can engage in high-level business negotiations or creative writing involving olfactory elements. You understand the deepest historical roots of fragrance in Chinese culture and its modern globalized state.

香水 em 30 segundos

  • Xiangshui means perfume in Chinese.
  • It consists of 'fragrant' and 'water'.
  • The verb 'pen' (spray) is used with it.
  • The measure word is 'ping' (bottle).
The Chinese word 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) is a compound noun that literally translates to 'fragrant water.' In the context of modern Mandarin, it refers specifically to perfume or cologne—liquid substances typically made from essential oils and alcohol used to provide a pleasant scent to the body. Understanding this word requires looking at its two components: 香 (xiāng), which means fragrant, sweet-smelling, or incense, and 水 (shuǐ), which means water or liquid. Together, they form the standard term for any scented spray used for personal grooming.
Literal Meaning
Fragrant Water (Incense Water).
Modern Usage
Used for all types of liquid fragrances, regardless of gender or concentration levels like EDT or EDP.
People use this word in a variety of social and commercial settings. In a shopping mall (商场 shāngchǎng), you will see '香水柜台' (perfume counters). In daily life, it is a common topic when discussing personal style or gifts. For instance, giving perfume is a popular choice for Valentine's Day or birthdays in China.

这瓶香水的味道很好闻。(Zhè píng xiāngshuǐ de wèidào hěn hǎowén.) - The smell of this perfume is very pleasant.

Beyond the physical product, the word carries connotations of elegance and personal care. In Chinese culture, while excessive use of perfume was historically less common than in Western cultures, modern urban China has embraced it as a symbol of 'lifestyle' (生活方式) and 'taste' (品味). When you use this word, you are often engaging in conversations about aesthetics, memories (since scents are linked to memory), or consumer habits. You might also hear it in the context of '香水味' (the smell of perfume), which can sometimes be used negatively if someone has applied too much. In professional environments, a '淡' (dàn, light) fragrance is generally preferred over a '浓' (nóng, strong) one. Understanding the nuance between these two adjectives is key to using '香水' correctly in a social context.

我不喜欢太浓的香水。(Wǒ bù xǐhuān tài nóng de xiāngshuǐ.) - I don't like perfume that is too strong.

Historically, China used '香' (incense) in solid forms or sachets (香包), but '香水' as a liquid spray is a more modern linguistic development influenced by global trade. Today, it is an essential part of the vocabulary for anyone living in or visiting a Chinese city.
Cultural Nuance
In China, floral and citrus scents are often more popular than heavy musks.

出门前,她喷了一点香水。(Chūmén qián, tā pēnle yīdiǎn xiāngshuǐ.) - Before going out, she sprayed a little perfume.

Using 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) correctly involves mastering a few specific verbs and measure words. The most common verb is 喷 (pēn), which means 'to spray.' This reflects how most modern perfumes are packaged. If the perfume is a rollerball or a solid, you might use 涂 (tú) or 擦 (cā), meaning 'to apply' or 'to rub.'
Common Verbs
喷 (pēn - spray), 闻 (wén - smell), 选 (xuǎn - choose), 买 (mǎi - buy), 送 (sòng - give as a gift).
When describing the scent, we use 味道 (wèidào). You can say '香水的味道' (the scent of the perfume). Adjectives are crucial here: 好闻 (hǎowén) means 'smells good,' while 难闻 (nánwén) means 'smells bad.' To describe the intensity, use 浓 (nóng) for strong/heavy and 淡 (dàn) for light/subtle.

你今天喷了什么香水?好香啊!(Nǐ jīntiān pēnle shénme xiāngshuǐ? Hǎo xiāng a!) - What perfume did you spray today? It smells so good!

Another important grammatical aspect is the measure word. While 瓶 (píng) is standard for a bottle, 种 (zhǒng) is used for 'kind' or 'type,' and 股 (gǔ) is sometimes used for a 'whiff' or 'scent' of perfume in more literary contexts. For intermediate learners, you can combine '香水' with other nouns. 香水瓶 (xiāngshuǐ píng) is a perfume bottle, and 香水品牌 (xiāngshuǐ pǐnpái) is a perfume brand.

这款香水是限量版的。(Zhè kuǎn xiāngshuǐ shì xiànliàng bǎn de.) - This perfume is a limited edition.

In more complex sentences, you might describe the 'notes' of the perfume. Chinese uses 前调 (qiántiào) for top notes, 中调 (zhōngtiào) for middle/heart notes, and 后调 (hòutiào) for base notes.
Perfume Structure
前调 (Top), 中调 (Middle), 后调 (Base).
If you want to say someone is wearing perfume, you can say '身上有香水味' (shēnshang yǒu xiāngshuǐ wèi - there is a scent of perfume on the body).

这种香水的味道很持久。(Zhè zhǒng xiāngshuǐ de wèidào hěn chíjiǔ.) - The scent of this perfume is very long-lasting.

Lastly, in social etiquette, you might say '你的香水很特别' (Nǐ de xiāngshuǐ hěn tèbié - Your perfume is very unique) as a compliment.
You will encounter 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) in several key environments. The most obvious is in commercial spaces. In any large Chinese department store like SKP in Beijing or K11 in Shanghai, the ground floor is usually dedicated to cosmetics and perfume. You will hear salespeople (柜姐 guìjiě or 柜员 guìyuán) asking, '您想试一下这款新出的香水吗?' (Would you like to try this new perfume?).
Commercial Setting
Department stores, Duty-free shops (免税店 miǎnshuì diàn), and Sephora (丝芙兰 sīfúlán).
Another place is in social media and advertising. On platforms like Little Red Book (小红书 Xiǎohóngshū), influencers frequently post '香水测评' (perfume reviews) or '我的本命香水' (my soulmate perfume). Here, the language becomes very descriptive, using terms like '木质调' (mùzhì tiào - woody notes) or '花香调' (huāxiāng tiào - floral notes).

他在机场的免税店买了两瓶香水。(Tā zài jīchǎng de miǎnshuì diàn mǎile liǎng píng xiāngshuǐ.) - He bought two bottles of perfume at the airport duty-free shop.

In daily conversation, friends might discuss '香水' when getting ready for a date or a party. It's a common topic for small talk among colleagues as well, especially if someone is wearing a noticeable scent. You might also hear it in pop culture, specifically in songs or movies. There is a famous song called '香水有毒' (Xiāngshuǐ Yǒudú - Perfume is Toxic), which uses the scent as a metaphor for a deceptive or painful love. This highlights how the word is used metaphorically in Chinese to represent attraction, memory, or even betrayal.

电视上正在播那个法国香水的广告。(Diànshì shàng zhèngzài bō nàgè Fǎguó xiāngshuǐ de guǎnggào.) - There is a French perfume advertisement playing on TV.

Lastly, in professional training for hospitality or luxury retail, '香水礼仪' (perfume etiquette) is taught, emphasizing that one should not wear too much in shared spaces.
Professional Use
Etiquette training, fragrance marketing, and luxury brand management.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) is using the wrong verb. Because '水' means water, some beginners reflexively use '喝' (hē - drink). Obviously, you should never say '喝香水'. Even the verb '用' (yòng - use) is a bit generic. While not grammatically wrong, it's much more natural to use 喷 (pēn - spray) or 擦 (cā - apply).
Verb Error
Incorrect: 喝香水 (Drink perfume). Correct: 喷香水 (Spray perfume).
Another mistake involves the measure word. Beginners often use '个' (gè) for everything. While '一个香水' might be understood, it sounds uneducated. Always use 瓶 (píng) for a bottle. If you are talking about a sample, use 支 (zhī) or 个 (gè) for a small vial.

错误:我买了一个香水。正确:我买了一瓶香水。(Wǒ mǎile yī píng xiāngshuǐ.)

Confusing 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) with 汗水 (hànshuǐ) is another common slip-up because they sound somewhat similar. 汗水 means 'sweat'. Mixing these up in a sentence like '你身上的汗水很好闻' (Your sweat smells good) instead of '你身上的香水很好闻' (Your perfume smells good) could lead to an awkward situation! Learners also struggle with the placement of adjectives. In English, we say 'strong perfume.' In Chinese, you should say '浓的香水' or '香水的味道很浓.' Make sure to include the particle '的' (de) when the adjective is modifying the noun directly.

不要喷太多的香水。(Bùyào pēn tài duō de xiāngshuǐ.) - Don't spray too much perfume.

Lastly, be careful with '香' (xiāng) itself. While '香水' is perfume, '香' on its own often refers to incense sticks used in temples. If you say '我要买香' (I want to buy incense), you might be directed to a religious shop rather than a beauty store.
Noun Confusion
香 (Incense) vs. 香水 (Perfume). Context matters!
There are several words related to 香水 (xiāngshuǐ) that can help you sound more precise. For example, 古龙水 (gǔlóngshuǐ) is the transliteration for 'Cologne.' While '香水' is a broad term, '古龙水' is often specifically used for men's lighter fragrances.
Comparison: 香水 vs. 古龙水
香水 is the general term for perfume. 古龙水 (Cologne) is specifically light and often marketed to men.
Another term is 香氛 (xiāngfēn). This word translates to 'fragrance' or 'scent' and is often used for body mists, room sprays, or scented candles. It sounds a bit more elegant and less 'chemical' than '香水.' If you are at a high-end spa, they will likely use the word '香氛.'

这个房间里有一种淡淡的香氛。(Zhège fángjiān lǐ yǒu yīzhǒng dàndàn de xiāngfēn.) - There is a faint fragrance in this room.

If you are talking about solid perfume, the word is 香膏 (xiānggāo). '膏' (gāo) refers to a paste or ointment. These are becoming popular in China for their portability. For the actual smell itself, you have 香气 (xiāngqì) and 香味 (xiāngwèi). '香气' is more literary and often used for the aroma of tea or flowers. '香味' is the most common way to say 'pleasant smell' or 'fragrance' in everyday life.
Comparison: 香味 vs. 臭味
香味 (xiāngwèi) is a pleasant smell. 臭味 (chòuwèi) is a bad smell or stink.

花朵散发出迷人的香味。(Huāduǒ sànfà chū mírén de xiāngwèi.) - The flowers give off a charming fragrance.

In a technical or manufacturing context, you might hear 香精 (xiāngjīng), which means 'essence' or 'fragrance oil.' This is the concentrated substance used to make perfume.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In ancient China, people didn't use 'xiangshui' in spray bottles. They used 'xiangbao' (scented sachets) filled with dried flowers and herbs to keep their clothes smelling fresh.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈpɜːfjuːm/
US /ˈpɜːrfjuːm/
First syllable in English; Chinese uses tones (1st and 3rd).
Rima com
Shānshuǐ (landscape) Mòshuǐ (ink) Kǒushuǐ (saliva) Yǔshuǐ (rainwater) Qìshuǐ (soda) Hànshuǐ (sweat) Xǐshǒushuǐ (hand sanitizer) Bīngshuǐ (ice water)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'Xiang' as 'Zhiang'
  • Missing the 3rd tone on 'shui'
  • Confusing the 'x' sound with 'sh'

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Characters are relatively simple; 'Xiang' is common.

Escrita 3/5

'Xiang' has many strokes and requires practice.

Expressão oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce if tones are correct.

Audição 2/5

Clear and distinct sound.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

香 (fragrant) 水 (water) 好 (good) 买 (buy) 喜欢 (like)

Aprenda a seguir

味道 (scent) 品牌 (brand) 礼物 (gift) 喷 (spray) 瓶 (bottle)

Avançado

调香师 (perfumer) 前调 (top note) 柑橘调 (citrus) 沉香 (agarwood) 檀香 (sandalwood)

Gramática essencial

Measure words

一瓶香水 (A bottle of perfume)

Adjective modifiers with 'de'

好闻的香水 (Good-smelling perfume)

Verbs of application

喷香水 (Spray perfume)

Resultative complements

闻出味道 (Smell and identify the scent)

Degree adverbs

太浓了 (Too strong)

Exemplos por nível

1

这是香水。

This is perfume.

'这是' (zhè shì) means 'this is'.

2

我喜欢香水。

I like perfume.

'喜欢' (xǐhuān) is the verb for 'to like'.

3

香水很香。

The perfume smells very good.

'很香' (hěn xiāng) means 'very fragrant'.

4

一瓶香水。

A bottle of perfume.

'瓶' (píng) is the measure word for bottles.

5

他不买香水。

He doesn't buy perfume.

'不' (bù) is used to negate the verb '买' (mǎi).

6

你有香水吗?

Do you have perfume?

'吗' (ma) is a question particle.

7

香水不贵。

The perfume is not expensive.

'贵' (guì) means expensive.

8

这是谁的香水?

Whose perfume is this?

'谁的' (shéi de) means 'whose'.

1

我想买一瓶香水。

I want to buy a bottle of perfume.

'想' (xiǎng) expresses desire.

2

这瓶香水很好闻。

This perfume smells very good.

'好闻' (hǎowén) literally means 'good to smell'.

3

她喷了一点香水。

She sprayed a little perfume.

'喷' (pēn) is the verb 'to spray'.

4

我送她香水。

I give her perfume.

'送' (sòng) means to give as a gift.

5

香水的颜色很漂亮。

The color of the perfume is very beautiful.

'颜色' (yánsè) means color.

6

你的香水太浓了。

Your perfume is too strong.

'太...了' (tài...le) means 'too...'.

7

这种香水很便宜。

This kind of perfume is very cheap.

'种' (zhǒng) is the measure word for 'kind/type'.

8

商店里有很多香水。

There are many perfumes in the store.

'有很多' (yǒu hěn duō) means 'there are many'.

1

这种香水的味道很特别。

The scent of this perfume is very special.

'味道' (wèidào) refers to the scent.

2

我不习惯喷香水。

I'm not used to spraying perfume.

'习惯' (xíguàn) means 'to be used to'.

3

这瓶香水是法国品牌。

This perfume is a French brand.

'品牌' (pǐnpái) means brand.

4

你能推荐一款香水吗?

Can you recommend a perfume?

'推荐' (tuījiàn) means recommend.

5

香水的包装很精致。

The packaging of the perfume is very exquisite.

'包装' (bāozhuāng) means packaging.

6

这个香水的味道能持续多久?

How long can the scent of this perfume last?

'持续' (chíjiù) means to last/continue.

7

她喜欢收集各种香水。

She likes to collect various perfumes.

'收集' (shōují) means collect.

8

这瓶香水是我在免税店买的。

I bought this perfume at the duty-free shop.

'免税店' (miǎnshuì diàn) means duty-free shop.

1

这款香水的前调是柑橘味。

The top note of this perfume is citrus.

'前调' (qiántiào) means top note.

2

香水能反映一个人的性格。

Perfume can reflect a person's personality.

'反映' (fǎnyìng) means reflect.

3

很多香水广告都很抽象。

Many perfume advertisements are very abstract.

'抽象' (chōuxiàng) means abstract.

4

她对某些香水成分过敏。

She is allergic to certain perfume ingredients.

'过敏' (guòmǐn) means allergic.

5

这个品牌的香水非常受欢迎。

This brand's perfume is very popular.

'受欢迎' (shòu huānyíng) means popular.

6

你闻出香水里的玫瑰味了吗?

Did you smell the rose scent in the perfume?

'闻出' (wén chū) means to detect by smelling.

7

香水的价格取决于它的成分。

The price of perfume depends on its ingredients.

'取决于' (qǔjué yú) means depends on.

8

他专门去巴黎学习香水制作。

He went specifically to Paris to study perfume making.

'制作' (zhìzuò) means making/production.

1

这款香水的后调带有一种木质的沉稳。

The base note of this perfume has a woody steadiness.

'沉稳' (chénwěn) means steady/composed.

2

香水工业在过去的十年里飞速发展。

The perfume industry has developed rapidly over the past decade.

'飞速' (fēisù) means at lightning speed.

3

气味往往能勾起深藏的记忆。

Scent often evokes deep-seated memories.

'勾起' (gōuqǐ) means to evoke/call up.

4

这款沙龙香水展现了调香师的独特品味。

This niche perfume showcases the perfumer's unique taste.

'调香师' (tiáoxiāngshī) means perfumer.

5

香水的层次感是评价其质量的关键。

The layering of the perfume is key to evaluating its quality.

'层次感' (céngcìgǎn) means sense of layers.

6

她正在撰写一篇关于香水历史的论文。

She is writing a thesis about the history of perfume.

'撰写' (zhuànxiě) is a formal word for write.

7

天然香料的使用显著提升了香水的格调。

The use of natural spices significantly elevated the style of the perfume.

'格调' (gédiào) means style/class.

8

这款香水的营销策略非常成功。

The marketing strategy for this perfume is very successful.

'营销策略' (yíngxiāo cèlüè) means marketing strategy.

1

香水之于她,不仅是点缀,更是灵魂的延伸。

For her, perfume is not just an embellishment, but an extension of the soul.

'之于' (zhī yú) is a formal way to say 'as for' or 'to'.

2

他笔下的文字仿佛自带一种清冷的香水味。

The words in his writing seem to carry a cold perfume scent.

'仿佛' (fǎngfú) means as if.

3

调香是一门在瓶中捕捉瞬间的艺术。

Perfume making is an art of capturing moments in a bottle.

'捕捉' (bǔzhuō) means to capture.

4

这款香水的芬芳在空气中弥漫,久久不散。

The fragrance of this perfume pervades the air and doesn't dissipate for a long time.

'弥漫' (mímàn) means to pervade/fill the air.

5

这种复古香水的配方早已失传。

The formula for this vintage perfume has long been lost.

'失传' (shīchuán) means lost (of traditional skills/knowledge).

6

香水的嗅觉体验往往超越了语言的界限。

The olfactory experience of perfume often transcends the boundaries of language.

'超越' (chāoyuè) means to transcend.

7

在这场感官盛宴中,香水扮演了至关重要的角色。

In this sensory feast, perfume played a vital role.

'至关重要' (zhìguān zhòngyào) means vital/crucial.

8

她对香水的鉴赏力已经达到了炉火纯青的地步。

Her appreciation for perfume has reached the level of perfection.

'炉火纯青' (lúhuǒ chúnqīng) is an idiom for high proficiency.

Colocações comuns

一瓶香水
喷香水
闻香水
香水品牌
香水味道
香水瓶子
香水广告
名牌香水
劣质香水
淡香水

Frases Comuns

香水百合

— A type of lily known for its strong fragrance.

桌上放着一束香水百合。

香水有毒

— A metaphorical phrase meaning love can be deceptive, popularized by a song.

这首歌的名字叫《香水有毒》。

擦香水

— To apply perfume, usually by dabbing.

她往手腕上擦了一点香水。

试香

— To test or sample a fragrance.

我们在柜台试香。

香水柜台

— Perfume counter in a store.

香水柜台在一楼。

身体香氛

— Body fragrance/mist.

这款身体香氛很便宜。

香水小样

— Perfume sample/vial.

柜员给了我几个香水小样。

沙龙香

— Niche perfume.

很多人现在喜欢沙龙香。

商业香

— Designer/Commercial perfume.

这是一款典型的商业香。

斩男香

— Slang for a perfume that is supposed to be very attractive to men.

这款香水被称为“斩男香”。

Frequentemente confundido com

香水 vs 汗水

Means sweat. Sounds similar but has a very different meaning.

香水 vs 香皂

Means soap. Both are 'xiang' but one is 'shui' (water) and one is 'zao' (soap).

香水 vs 花露水

A specific type of traditional Chinese toilet water, used for different purposes.

Expressões idiomáticas

"国色天香"

— Used to describe a woman of great beauty, literally 'national color and heavenly fragrance'.

她真是国色天香。

Literary
"古色古香"

— Describes something with an antique, classical flavor.

这间书房古色古香。

Neutral
"鸟语花香"

— Describes a beautiful spring day with birds singing and flowers smelling sweet.

春天到了,到处鸟语花香。

Neutral
"口齿生香"

— To describe delicious food or beautiful words.

这篇文章读完让人口齿生香。

Literary
"香气扑鼻"

— A strong, pleasant smell hitting the nose.

厨房里传来了香气扑鼻的饭菜味。

Neutral
"怜香惜玉"

— To treat women with tenderness and consideration.

他是个懂得怜香惜玉的人。

Neutral
"班香宋艳"

— Refers to beautiful literary style.

他的文章具有班香宋艳之美。

Literary
"桂子飘香"

— The sweet scent of osmanthus in autumn.

八月里,到处桂子飘香。

Literary
"抹粉施脂"

— To apply makeup, often used metaphorically for covering up flaws.

他试图为这个计划抹粉施脂。

Neutral
"闻香下马"

— To stop because of a wonderful smell (usually of food or wine).

这里的酒好得让人闻香下马。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

香水 vs 香水

General term for perfume.

Broadest term.

我买了一瓶香水。

香水 vs 古龙水

Transliteration of Cologne.

Usually lighter, often for men.

他喜欢古龙水的味道。

香水 vs 香精

Concentrated extract.

Stronger, used as an ingredient.

香精不能直接喷太多。

香水 vs 香氛

Means fragrance.

Softer, used for mists or room scents.

这个酒店的香氛很好。

香水 vs 花露水

Fragrant water.

Traditional, used for cooling/bugs.

夏天喷点花露水很凉快。

Padrões de frases

A1

这是 [Noun].

这是香水。

A2

我想买 [Measure Word] [Noun].

我想买一瓶香水。

B1

[Noun] 的味道很 [Adjective].

香水的味道很淡。

B1

虽然...但是...

虽然香水很贵,但是很好闻。

B2

这款香水有 [Notes].

这款香水有前调、中调和后调。

B2

...取决于...

香水的价格取决于它的品牌。

C1

不仅是...更是...

香水不仅是装饰,更是生活态度。

C2

之于...

香水之于他,是不可或缺的。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

香水瓶 (Perfume bottle)
香水师 (Perfumer)
香水味 (Perfume scent)

Verbos

喷香水 (To spray perfume)
闻香水 (To smell perfume)
买香水 (To buy perfume)

Adjetivos

香的 (Fragrant)
好闻的 (Good smelling)
浓的 (Strong)

Relacionado

香 (Incense/Fragrance)
水 (Water)
味道 (Scent/Taste)
品牌 (Brand)
化妆品 (Cosmetics)

Como usar

frequency

Very high in urban daily life and retail.

Erros comuns
  • 喝香水 喷香水

    You spray perfume, you don't drink it. 'Shui' means water but it's not for drinking here.

  • 一个香水 一瓶香水

    The correct measure word for a bottle of perfume is 'ping'.

  • 香水很臭 香水很浓

    If you don't like it because it's strong, use 'nong'. 'Chou' means stinky.

  • 汗水很好闻 香水很好闻

    Confusing 'Han' (sweat) with 'Xiang' (fragrant) leads to very different meanings.

  • 用香水 喷香水

    'Yong' is okay, but 'Pen' is more natural and specific for spraying.

Dicas

Learn the Components

Remember 'Xiang' (fragrant) and 'Shui' (water). This makes it easy to remember the meaning.

Use the Correct Measure Word

Always use 'Ping' (瓶) for bottles. Avoid using 'Ge' (个) if you want to sound more native.

Gift Etiquette

Perfume is a safe and high-quality gift choice for many social occasions in China.

Tone Practice

Practice the 1st tone (high flat) and 3rd tone (low dipping) transition between 'Xiang' and 'Shui'.

Complimenting

Use '你的香水很好闻' as an easy conversation starter in social settings.

Verb Choice

Use 'Pen' (喷) for spraying. It's the most common action associated with perfume.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ping' and 'wei dao' (scent) in a store, the speaker is likely talking about 'xiangshui'.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of 'Xiang'. It's a complex character but very common.

Radical Recognition

The radical for 'Shui' is the water radical, which helps you identify it in other words too.

Learn the Notes

If you are a fragrance fan, learn 'Qian tiao', 'Zhong tiao', and 'Hou tiao' to discuss scents deeply.

Memorize

Mnemônico

'Xiang' sounds like 'shang' (up), and perfume makes your mood go up. 'Shui' is water. So it's 'Mood-up water'.

Associação visual

Imagine a bottle of water with a flower inside it. The flower makes the water 'Xiang'.

Word Web

香 (Fragrant) 水 (Water) 花 (Flower) 瓶 (Bottle) 喷 (Spray) 味道 (Scent) 品牌 (Brand) 礼物 (Gift)

Desafio

Try to describe your favorite scent using 'Xiangshui' and three adjectives (e.g., dàn, hǎowén, tèbié).

Origem da palavra

The word is a modern Chinese compound. '香' (Xiāng) dates back to ancient oracle bone script, depicting grains and a container, signifying the smell of cooked food or incense. '水' (Shuǐ) is a pictograph of flowing water.

Significado original: Fragrant water.

Sino-Tibetan.

Contexto cultural

Be aware that some people in China may have sensitivities or allergies to strong synthetic scents; always apply moderately in public transport.

In English-speaking countries, 'perfume' is often for women and 'cologne' for men. In Chinese, 'xiangshui' is more gender-neutral.

The song '香水有毒' (Perfume is Toxic). The movie 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' (translated as 香水). Patrick Süskind's novel 'Perfume'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Shopping

  • 这瓶香水多少钱?
  • 我可以试一下吗?
  • 有男士香水吗?
  • 我想买淡一点的。

Gifting

  • 我想送她一瓶香水。
  • 你觉得这款香水怎么样?
  • 包装很漂亮。
  • 这是生日礼物。

Complimenting

  • 你的香水很好闻。
  • 你用的是什么香水?
  • 味道很特别。
  • 我很喜欢这个味道。

At home

  • 我的香水用完了。
  • 香水在那儿。
  • 别喷太多。
  • 香水瓶碎了。

Airport

  • 免税店有香水吗?
  • 这款香水有限量版吗?
  • 两瓶有折扣吗?
  • 我要这一款。

Iniciadores de conversa

"你平时喜欢喷香水吗? (Do you usually like to spray perfume?)"

"你最喜欢的香水品牌是什么? (What is your favorite perfume brand?)"

"你觉得这瓶香水的味道怎么样? (What do you think of this perfume's scent?)"

"你买过最贵的香水是多少钱? (What is the most expensive perfume you've bought?)"

"你喜欢花香调还是木质调的香水? (Do you like floral or woody perfumes?)"

Temas para diário

今天我买了一瓶新的香水,它的味道是... (Today I bought a new perfume, its scent is...)

我不喜欢在办公室里闻到太浓的香水,因为... (I don't like smelling strong perfume in the office because...)

香水对我来说意味着... (Perfume means ... to me.)

如果我要设计一种香水,我会用这些成分... (If I were to design a perfume, I would use these ingredients...)

写一段关于你最难忘的一种香水味。 (Write a paragraph about your most unforgettable perfume scent.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, 'xiangshui' is a general term used for both men's and women's fragrances. For specificity, you can say '男士香水' (nánshì xiāngshuǐ).

The most common measure word is '瓶' (píng), which means bottle. For example, '一瓶香水'.

Yes, you can say '用香水' (yòng xiāngshuǐ), but '喷' (pēn - spray) is more specific and natural for bottled perfume.

You say '好闻' (hǎowén). For example, '这瓶香水很好闻'.

Yes, it is a very popular and appropriate gift for friends, partners, or family members.

'Nong' (浓) means strong or heavy. It is used when the scent is very intense.

You can say '我可以试一下吗?' (Wǒ kěyǐ shì yīxià ma?).

They are called '调' (tiào). Top notes are '前调', middle are '中调', and base are '后调'.

'Xiangshui' usually refers to the liquid perfume in a bottle, while 'xiangfen' is a more general term for 'fragrance' or 'scent'.

It's a slang term for a perfume that is believed to be particularly attractive to men.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '香水' and '喜欢'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '喷' and '香水'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe the smell of a perfume using '味道' and '淡'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Ask someone what perfume they are wearing.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence about buying perfume as a gift.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'This French perfume is very expensive.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe the three notes of a perfume.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Use the word '品牌' in a sentence about perfume.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '免税店' and '香水'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The scent of this perfume is very long-lasting.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a short review of a perfume (3 sentences).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Explain why you don't like strong perfume.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Use '推荐' to ask for a perfume suggestion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence about being allergic to perfume.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Niche perfumes are becoming more popular.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe a perfume bottle's appearance.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using the idiom '国色天香'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence about the importance of perfume in daily life.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I smelled a hint of rose in the perfume.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '调香师'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I like this perfume' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Ask 'How much is this perfume?' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Your perfume smells very good' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe a perfume as 'too strong' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I want to buy a bottle of perfume for my mom' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Ask 'Can I try this perfume?' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I prefer light scents' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'This perfume is a French brand' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Ask 'What perfume are you wearing today?' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'The packaging is very beautiful' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe a woody scent in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I am allergic to some perfumes' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'The scent is very long-lasting' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Compliment someone on their unique perfume.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I bought this at the duty-free shop'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Discuss the top notes of a perfume.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Perfume reflects personality'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I collect perfume samples'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Don't spray too much perfume'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'This perfume is a limited edition'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 我喜欢这瓶香水。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 这瓶香水多少钱?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 她的香水很好闻。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 我在免税店买香水。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 这个味道太浓了。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 这种香水的味道很淡。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 你喜欢哪种品牌的香水?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 这款香水有前调和后调。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 包装非常精致。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 味道可以持续很久。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 我对香水过敏。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 调香师正在工作。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 这是限量版的香水。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 你能推荐一款香水吗?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and repeat: 香水有毒是一首歌。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!