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装饰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
装饰
zhuāngshì
to decorate
HSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #4031, Hard
装饰
zhuāngshì
decoration
HSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #4031, Hard
装饰
zhuāngshì
decorative
HSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #4031, Hard
装饰
zhuāngshì
ornamental
HSK 5, n, 20 strokes, rank #4031, Hard
zhuāngshì(zhuang1shi4)zhuang shi T1
1to decorate
2decoration
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March 24, 2026
装饰(裝飾)zhuāngshì(zhuang1shi4)
装饰 (zhuang1 shi4) refers to the act of decorating or embellishing something to enhance its appearance. It is commonly used in contexts related to interior design, events, and art, where aesthetics are a priority. The nuance of this word suggests not just a functional addition, but a thoughtful enhancement that brings beauty and style.
Strokes20Frequency#4031DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, decoration is often linked to festivals and family gatherings, where homes are adorned to create a festive atmosphere. For instance, during the Lunar New Year, people use red decorations symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'zhuang' (装), which sounds like 'zong' for 'decorate,' dressing up a 'shi' (饰) with vibrant colors and patterns. Visualize a room transformed with beautiful ornaments, making it lively and inviting. The character combines 'to dress' (装) with 'to adorn' (饰), creating a vivid image of decoration.
Meanings of 装饰
zhuāngshì(zhuang1shi4)
1to decorate
2decoration
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 装饰
装饰Simplified
裝飾Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4031Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 装饰
Podcast: 装饰
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AI study notes for 装饰
Quick Contrast
美化 (měihuà) - use 美化 when focusing on beautification for improvement, while 装饰 emphasizes decorative embellishment.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 装饰 with related verbs like 装 (zhuang) meaning 'to install' or 'to pack.' This term is more formal and often used in artistic contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation about simple tasks. Common collocations include '装修' (zhuang1 xiu1 - renovation) and '装饰品' (zhuang1 shi4 pin3 - decorative items).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 装饰 connects with other vocabulary related to aesthetics and design, such as 美 (mei3 - beauty) and 设计 (she4 ji4 - design). Students should focus on using it in sentences describing places, objects, or events they find beautiful or appealing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 装饰 with 装 (zhuang), using it incorrectly in contexts like packing: '我装饰行李' (I decorate my luggage) should be '我装行李' (I pack my luggage). Remember, 装饰 is specifically about beautification.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 装饰
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装饰 (zhuang1 shi4) refers to the act of decorating or embellishing something to enhance its appearance. It is commonly used in contexts related to interior design, events, and art, where aesthetics are a priority. The nuance of this word suggests not just a functional addition, but a thoughtful enhancement that brings beauty and style.
When to use 装饰
Be careful not to confuse 装饰 with related verbs like 装 (zhuang) meaning 'to install' or 'to pack.' This term is more formal and often used in artistic contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation about simple tasks. Common collocations include '装修' (zhuang1 xiu1 - renovation) and '装饰品' (zhuang1 shi4 pin3 - decorative items).
装饰 or something close to it
美化 (měihuà) - use 美化 when focusing on beautification for improvement, while 装饰 emphasizes decorative embellishment.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 装饰 with 装 (zhuang), using it incorrectly in contexts like packing: '我装饰行李' (I decorate my luggage) should be '我装行李' (I pack my luggage). Remember, 装饰 is specifically about beautification.
Write 装饰
装
饰
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Grammar patterns of 装饰
装饰 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 4 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
墙上唯一的____是几支蜡烛和一面镜子。
The only wall decorations are candles and a single mirror.
To welcome the New Year, we decided to decorate the whole town with lanterns and ribbons.
13
这家餐厅的墙壁上装饰着许多当地艺术家的作品，别具一格。
Zhè jiā cāntīng de qiángbì shàng zhuāngshìzhe xǔduō dāngdì yìshùjiā de zuòpǐn, biéjù yī gé.
The walls of this restaurant are decorated with works by local artists, giving it a unique style.
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Frequently asked questions about 装饰
装饰 (zhuang1 shi4) focuses on decorative elements, while 装修 (zhuang1 xiu1) refers specifically to renovation or remodeling, often involving structural changes.
It's more appropriate in formal or artistic contexts, so for casual talks, consider simpler terms like '美化' (mei3 hua4 - beautify).
Primarily, yes, it refers to physical decorations, but it can also describe abstract concepts, like the decoration of ideas in art.
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