布

• Pinyin: bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 布 = originally a pictograph of cloth being spread; contains 巾 (towel/cloth) as a component

Meaning

Cloth; fabric. A general term for woven textile material used for clothing, decoration, or other purposes.

Can refer to any type of fabric or cloth material. Commonly appears in compounds like 棉布 (cotton cloth), 布料 (fabric/material), and 布置 (to arrange/decorate). Also used figuratively in 宣布 (to announce) and 分布 (to distribute).

Examples

1. 这块布的颜色很好看，我想用它做一条裙子。 This piece of fabric has a beautiful colour — I want to use it to make a skirt.
2. 妈妈在市场上买了一些布，准备给我做新衣服。 Mum bought some fabric at the market, planning to make me new clothes.
3. 这种布摸起来很柔软，很适合做夏天的衣服。 This kind of cloth feels very soft and is perfect for making summer clothes.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, clothing, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这块布是纯棉的。(This piece of cloth is pure cotton.)
• 她买了很多布来做窗帘。(She bought a lot of fabric to make curtains.)

Don't Say

• 我穿了一件布 (Don't use 布 alone to mean clothing — say 布做的衣服 or specify the garment)

Origin & History

Originally a pictograph depicting a hand spreading cloth. In ancient China, cloth was an important trade commodity and even used as a form of currency.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal