毛巾

• Pinyin: máo jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 毛 = pictograph of hair or fur; 巾 = pictograph of a hanging cloth

Meaning

Towel. A piece of absorbent fabric used for drying or wiping.

The general term for any towel. Includes 浴巾 (bath towel), 面巾 (face towel), and 毛巾被 (towel blanket). In Chinese culture, hotels and households often provide separate small face towels. 毛巾 is one of the most basic daily necessity items.

Examples

1. 洗完脸以后，用毛巾擦干。 After washing your face, dry it with a towel.
2. 请给我一条干净的毛巾。 Please give me a clean towel.
3. 这条毛巾用了很久，该换新的了。 This towel has been used for a long time — it's time to get a new one.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, hygiene

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的毛巾在浴室里。(Your towel is in the bathroom.)
• 运动完别忘了带毛巾擦汗。(Don't forget to bring a towel to wipe your sweat after exercising.)

Don't Say

• 给我一条毛巾擦桌子 — for cleaning surfaces, use 抹布 (rag/cleaning cloth), not 毛巾 (personal towel)

Origin & History

毛 means 'hair' or 'fur' (referring to the fabric texture) and 巾 means 'cloth' or 'towel.' Together they describe a cloth with a soft, fuzzy texture.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal