(in former times) what one is allowed to wear depending on social status
HSK 7, v, 16 strokes, rank #2672, Very Hard
制服
zhìfú
uniform (army, party, school etc)
HSK 7, v, 16 strokes, rank #2672, Very Hard
制服
zhìfú
livery (for company employees)
HSK 7, v, 16 strokes, rank #2672, Very Hard
zhìfú(zhi4fu2) T4
1to subdue
2to check
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March 24, 2026
制服zhìfú(zhi4fu2)
制服 (zhìfú) primarily means 'uniform' and is commonly used to refer to clothing worn by members of organizations such as schools, military, or companies. It can also imply the act of subduing or controlling someone or something, often in a historical context related to social status and attire.
Strokes16Frequency#2672DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, uniforms often symbolize discipline and conformity, reflecting values of order and hierarchy. The concept of '制服' can be seen in the strict dress codes of schools and the military, highlighting societal expectations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier in a crisp, orderly uniform that represents authority. The '制' (zhì) radical resembles a ruler controlling the '服' (fú), which looks like a person wearing clothes. This imagery helps you remember that '制服' relates to both control and specific attire.
Meanings of 制服
zhìfú(zhi4fu2)
1to subdue
2to check
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 制服
制服Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2672Frequency Rank
套Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 制服
Podcast: 制服
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AI Study Notes for 制服
Quick Contrast
制服 (zhìfú) vs 服装 (fúzhuāng) — use 制服 when specifically referring to 'uniforms' associated with organizations, while 服装 refers to general clothing or attire.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using '制服'; it can refer to clothing or the action of controlling. It's usually informal when speaking about uniforms in daily life, but can also be used formally in military and organizational contexts. Common collocations include '学校制服' (school uniform) and '军队制服' (military uniform).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '制服' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to authority and organization. Students should focus on the dual meanings and practice using it in sentences that reflect both clothing and the act of control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '制服' with '衣服' (clothing) and use it too broadly. For instance, saying '我穿制服去商店' (I wear a uniform to the store) is incorrect if the context doesn't involve wearing a uniform; it should be more specific to when you're actually wearing one.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 制服
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制服 (zhìfú) primarily means 'uniform' and is commonly used to refer to clothing worn by members of organizations such as schools, military, or companies. It can also imply the act of subduing or controlling someone or something, often in a historical context related to social status and attire.
When to use 制服
Be mindful of the context when using '制服'; it can refer to clothing or the action of controlling. It's usually informal when speaking about uniforms in daily life, but can also be used formally in military and organizational contexts. Common collocations include '学校制服' (school uniform) and '军队制服' (military uniform).
制服 or something close to it
制服 (zhìfú) vs 服装 (fúzhuāng) — use 制服 when specifically referring to 'uniforms' associated with organizations, while 服装 refers to general clothing or attire.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '制服' with '衣服' (clothing) and use it too broadly. For instance, saying '我穿制服去商店' (I wear a uniform to the store) is incorrect if the context doesn't involve wearing a uniform; it should be more specific to when you're actually wearing one.
Write 制服
制
服
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Practice writing 制服 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 制服
制服 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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
只有一名穿____的无聊警卫可能偷听到了他们的谈话。
Only a uniformed guard stultified with boredom might have overheard them.
Example Sentences for 制服 (10)
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1
只有一名穿制服的无聊警卫可能偷听到了他们的谈话。
zhī yǒu yī míng chuān zhì fú de wú liáo jǐng wèi kě néng tōu tīng dào le tā mén de tán huà。
Only a uniformed guard stultified with boredom might have overheard them.
2
他一看到夏普浸满鲜血的制服，脸色顿时变得煞白。
tā yī kàn dào xià pǔ jìn mǎn xiān xiě de zhì fú， ， liǎn sè dùn shí biàn dé shā。
His face blanched as he looked at Sharpe's blood-drenched uniform.
