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March 24, 2026
妆(妝)zhuāng(zhuang1)
The character 妆 (zhuāng) refers to the act of adorning oneself, particularly in the context of makeup or dress. It is commonly used when talking about women preparing for special occasions or performances, emphasizing the beauty and enhancement aspect of personal appearance.
Strokes6Radical女Frequency#5095DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 妆 is significant in Chinese culture, particularly during festivals and weddings where elaborate makeup and attire are essential. Traditional Chinese opera also emphasizes stage makeup, showcasing the cultural importance of this character.
Memory Tip
Imagine a woman putting on a dazzling 'zhuāng' of makeup before a grand ball, with the character 妆 resembling a mirror reflecting her beauty. The radical for 'woman' (女) is present, highlighting its feminine context.
Meanings of 妆
zhuāng(zhuang1)
1(of a woman) to adorn oneself
2makeup
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 妆
妆Simplified
妝Traditional
6Strokes
女Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5095Frequency Rank
Podcast: 妆
Podcast: 妆
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AI Study Notes for 妆
Quick Contrast
妆 (makeup) vs 装 (to decorate) — use 妆 when specifically referring to makeup on the face, while 装 can refer to general decoration or adornment, not limited to makeup.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a woman putting on a dazzling 'zhuāng' of makeup before a grand ball, with the character 妆 resembling a mirror reflecting her beauty. The radical for 'woman' (女) is present, highlighting its feminine context.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 妆 with other similar-sounding words. It is primarily used in informal contexts related to beauty; however, the word can also appear in formal discussions about art and performance. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronouncing zhuāng can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 妆 is not in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other HSK words related to beauty and clothing, such as 衣 (clothes) and 美 (beautiful). Focus on recognizing its use in everyday conversations about fashion and makeup.
Cultural Note
The concept of 妆 is significant in Chinese culture, particularly during festivals and weddings where elaborate makeup and attire are essential. Traditional Chinese opera also emphasizes stage makeup, showcasing the cultural importance of this character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 妆 in formal contexts, thinking it can replace more general terms for clothing or dress. For example, saying '我今天穿妆' is incorrect; it should be '我今天穿衣服' (I am wearing clothes).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 妆
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Grammar Patterns of 妆
妆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她已化好____，并涂黑了睫毛。
She had put on her make-up and darkened her eyelashes.
Example Sentences for 妆 (10)
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1
她已化好妆，并涂黑了睫毛。
tā yǐ huà hǎo zhuāng， ， bìng tú hēi le jié。
She had put on her make-up and darkened her eyelashes.
2
她化好妆，准备出发。
tā huà hǎo zhuāng， ， zhǔn bèi chū。
She was made-up and ready to go.
3
涂有深色唇彩的嘴唇看上去和浓艳的眼妆不相称。
tú yǒu shēn sè chún cǎi de zuǐ chún kàn shàng qù hé nóng yàn de yǎn zhuāng bù xiāng chēng。
Very dark glossy lips look wrong with heavily made-up eyes.
4
她将一些衣服、化妆品和零碎物品放了进去。
tā jiāng yī xiē yī fú、 、 huà zhuāng pǐn hé líng suì wù pǐn fàng le jìn。
She put in some clothes, odds and ends, and make-up.
5
那名女化妆师往杰里米的脸上涂抹假血。
nà míng nǚ huà zhuāng shī wǎng jié lǐ mǐ de liǎn shàng tú mǒ jiǎ xiě。
Put some moisturizer on as a base before applying your make - up.
Cultural Notes for 妆
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 妆 is significant in Chinese culture, particularly during festivals and weddings where elaborate makeup and attire are essential. Traditional Chinese opera also emphasizes stage makeup, showcasing the cultural importance of this character.
Word Family of 妆
Words Containing This Character17
化妆huàzhuāngto put on makeup化妝
妆zhuāngmakeup妝
化妆品cosmetic化妝品
卸妆to remove makeup卸妝
嫁妆jiàzhuangdowry嫁妝
梳妆台dressing table梳妝檯
梳妆to dress and groom oneself梳妝
浓妆艳抹to apply makeup conspicuously (idiom)濃妝艷抹
化妆室dressing room化妝室
淡妆light makeup淡妝
浓妆heavy makeup and gaudy dress濃妝
红妆splendid gay female clothing紅妝
化妆舞会masquerade化妝舞會
靓妆to make up靚妝
淡妆浓抹in light or heavy makeup (idiom)淡妝濃抹
妆饰to dress up妝飾
妆奁trousseau妝奩
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 化妆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 妆
You can say '她今天化妆很漂亮' (Tā jīntiān huàzhuāng hěn piàoliang), meaning 'She looks beautiful with her makeup today.'
While it primarily refers to women's makeup, it can also be used in contexts discussing stage makeup for performances, which can include both genders.
妆 (zhuāng) generally refers to the makeup itself or the act of adorning, while 化妆 (huàzhuāng) specifically means 'to apply makeup.'
