上衣

• Pinyin: shàng yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = above, upper; 衣 = pictograph of a robe or garment with sleeves

Meaning

Upper garment; top; jacket. Any clothing worn on the upper body.

A general term for any piece of clothing worn on the upper body, including shirts, blouses, jackets, and sweaters. Paired with 裤子 (trousers) for a full outfit description. More specific than 衣服 (clothes in general) since it only refers to the top half. Used in everyday conversation, shopping, and clothing descriptions.

Examples

1. 今天有点冷，你多穿一件上衣吧。 It's a bit cold today — put on an extra top.
2. 她买了一件白色的上衣，很好看。 She bought a white top — it looks really nice.
3. 把脏上衣换下来放进洗衣机里。 Take off the dirty top and put it in the washing machine.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, shopping, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这件上衣和你的裤子很配。(This top goes well with your trousers.)
• 请把上衣扣子扣好。(Please button up your top.)

Don't Say

• 我穿了一件上衣裤子。(Don't combine 上衣 and 裤子 into one phrase — they are separate garments. Say 上衣和裤子.)

Origin & History

上 means upper or top; 衣 means clothing or garment. Together: upper-body clothing, as opposed to 裤子 (lower-body clothing).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal