Meanings of 女子
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Podcast: 女子
Podcast: 女子
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AI Study Notes for 女子
女性 (nǚxìng) vs 妇女 (fùnǚ) — use 女子 when referring to a woman in a more general or neutral sense, while 女性 emphasizes gender identity and 妇女 often refers to married women in specific social contexts.
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 女子; the third tone can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 女子学校 (nǚzǐ xuéxiào, women's school) or 女子运动 (nǚzǐ yùndòng, women's movement). This term is more formal than just saying 'woman' in casual conversation, where you might simply use 妇女 (fùnǚ).
女子 is a useful term for learners at HSK level 2 or 3, as it introduces gender-specific vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences related to daily life, such as discussing family or friends. Connecting it with other gender-related words can enhance understanding.
Learners often confuse 女子 with 妇女 (fùnǚ), which is also a term for women but carries a more mature tone. For instance, saying '女子们' (nǚzǐmen) is incorrect; instead, use '女人们' (nǚrénmen) to refer to women collectively.
Pronunciation of 女子
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Component Characters
How to say woman in Chinese
“woman” in Chinese is女子
女子 (nǚzǐ) refers to a woman or female, often used in both formal and informal contexts. This term highlights gender and is commonly used in phrases related to women's roles, rights, and identities in Chinese society.
When to use 女子
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 女子; the third tone can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 女子学校 (nǚzǐ xuéxiào, women's school) or 女子运动 (nǚzǐ yùndòng, women's movement). This term is more formal than just saying 'woman' in casual conversation, where you might simply use 妇女 (fùnǚ).
女子 or something close to it
女性 (nǚxìng) vs 妇女 (fùnǚ) — use 女子 when referring to a woman in a more general or neutral sense, while 女性 emphasizes gender identity and 妇女 often refers to married women in specific social contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 女子 with 妇女 (fùnǚ), which is also a term for women but carries a more mature tone. For instance, saying '女子们' (nǚzǐmen) is incorrect; instead, use '女人们' (nǚrénmen) to refer to women collectively.
Write 女子
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Practice writing 女子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 女子
While 'woman' in Western cultures may emphasize independence and equality, the term 女子 can carry historical connotations of traditional roles in Chinese culture, though this is changing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 女子
Yes, 女子 is considered more formal compared to other words for 'woman'.
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