纸巾 (zhǐjīn) refers to a paper towel or tissue, commonly used for drying hands, wiping surfaces, or blowing one's nose. It is a staple item in many households and public places in China, reflecting the importance of hygiene and convenience in daily life.
HSK 4, 16 strokes, Hard
zhǐjīn(zhi3jin1) T3
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May 27, 2026
纸巾zhǐjīn(zhi3jin1)
纸巾 (zhǐjīn) refers to a paper towel or tissue, commonly used for drying hands, wiping surfaces, or blowing one's nose. It is a staple item in many households and public places in China, reflecting the importance of hygiene and convenience in daily life.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and using 纸巾 is a common practice in public places, reflecting a collective awareness of hygiene. It's often seen in restaurants and public restrooms.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'paper' (纸) 'towel' (巾) that is always within reach to catch spills or wipe noses. Imagine a scene where someone spills a drink and quickly grabs a paper towel to clean it up, reminding you of the practical use of 纸巾.
About 纸巾
纸巾Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 纸巾
Podcast: 纸巾
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AI Study Notes for 纸巾
Quick Contrast
纸 (paper) vs 手纸 (toilet paper) — use 纸巾 when referring specifically to paper towels or tissues, not general paper or toilet paper.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a 'paper' (纸) 'towel' (巾) that is always within reach to catch spills or wipe noses. Imagine a scene where someone spills a drink and quickly grabs a paper towel to clean it up, reminding you of the practical use of 纸巾.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 纸巾 with other types of paper, like 纸 (paper) or 手纸 (toilet paper). 纸巾 is typically informal; in formal contexts, you might specify the type, like '一次性纸巾' (disposable tissue).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 4, focus on using 纸巾 in conversations about health and cleanliness. Connect it with other related vocabulary like 洗手 (wash hands) and 清洁 (cleaning). Familiarize yourself with phrases like '用纸巾' (use a tissue).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and using 纸巾 is a common practice in public places, reflecting a collective awareness of hygiene. It's often seen in restaurants and public restrooms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 纸 (paper) instead of 纸巾 when referring to tissues, as in saying '我需要纸' (I need paper) instead of '我需要纸巾' (I need a tissue). Also, avoid saying '纸巾纸' as it's redundant.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 纸巾
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Cultural Notes for 纸巾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and using 纸巾 is a common practice in public places, reflecting a collective awareness of hygiene. It's often seen in restaurants and public restrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions about 纸巾
纸巾 refers to paper towels or tissues used for wiping, while 手纸 specifically means toilet paper.
Yes, 纸巾 can also be used to clean surfaces or as a napkin during meals.
While 纸巾 is mainly informal, it can be used in casual dining settings, but in formal restaurants, cloth napkins are often preferred.
