noun HSK 4
mián
cotton cloth · cotton fabric

Meaning

棉布 refers to fabric made from cotton fibers. It is one of the most common textile materials in Chinese-speaking regions and worldwide, valued for its breathability, softness, and comfort. The term combines 棉 (cotton) with 布 (cloth/fabric).

Usage

棉布 is used in everyday contexts when discussing clothing materials, bedding, or textiles. It's a neutral, standard term appropriate for both casual conversation and formal contexts. Commonly appears when shopping for clothes, describing fabric composition, or discussing textile production.

Examples

  1. 01
    这件衬衫是纯棉布做的,穿着很舒服。
    Zhè jiàn chèn shān shì chún mián zuò de, chuān zhe hěn shū fu.
    This shirt is made of pure cotton fabric and is very comfortable to wear.
  2. 02
    妈妈用棉布给我做了一条裙子。
    ma yòng mián gěi zuò le tiáo qún zi.
    Mom made me a skirt out of cotton cloth.

Characters

Measure words

  • kuài一块棉布
  • 一匹棉布

Common collocations

  • 棉布
    chún mián
    pure cotton fabric
  • 棉布衣服
    mián fu
    cotton clothing
  • 棉布制品
    mián zhì pǐn
    cotton products

Origin

The word combines two straightforward morphemes: 棉 (cotton plant/fiber) and 布 (woven cloth). Both characters have ancient origins related to textile production in China.

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