穿上

• Pinyin: chuān shang
• Hanzi breakdown: 穿 = 穴 (cave, hole) + 牙 (tooth), originally meaning to pierce through; 上 = indicator of upward direction

Meaning

To put on (clothing, shoes). The action of dressing oneself with a garment or footwear.

A verb-complement phrase where 穿 means 'to wear/put on' and 上 indicates the completion or upward motion of the action. Used specifically for the act of putting something on, as opposed to 穿着 which describes the state of wearing. Works with clothes, shoes, socks, hats, and accessories.

Examples

1. 外面很冷，你快穿上外套再出去。 It's very cold outside — put on your coat before you go out.
2. 她穿上那条红色的裙子特别好看。 She looks especially beautiful when she puts on that red dress.
3. 孩子自己学会了穿上鞋子。 The child learned to put on shoes by himself.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, family

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 快穿上衣服，我们要迟到了。(Hurry up and put on your clothes — we're going to be late.)
• 穿上这双新鞋试试看合不合适。(Put on these new shoes and see if they fit.)

Don't Say

• 说'穿上手表'或'穿上眼镜' (Don't say 穿上 for watches or glasses — use 戴上 instead; 穿 is for clothing that goes on the body or feet)

Origin & History

穿 (to wear, to pierce through) + 上 (up, onto). The directional complement 上 conveys the upward movement of pulling clothing onto the body, completing the action of dressing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal