手套

• Pinyin: shǒu tào
• Hanzi breakdown: 手 = pictograph of a hand with five fingers; 套 = 大 (big) + 长 (phonetic component), meaning a cover or sheath

Meaning

Gloves; mittens. A covering for the hand worn for warmth, protection, or hygiene.

Refers to any type of hand covering, including winter gloves, rubber gloves, work gloves, and disposable gloves. The measure word is 双 (pair) or 只 (single). Used in contexts of weather, work, sports, and hygiene.

Examples

1. 冬天出门别忘了戴手套。 Don't forget to wear gloves when going out in winter.
2. 做饭的时候最好戴上一次性手套。 It's best to wear disposable gloves when cooking.
3. 她买了一双红色的皮手套。 She bought a pair of red leather gloves.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, everyday, work

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 天气太冷了，你应该戴上手套。(It's too cold; you should put on gloves.)
• 这双手套是羊毛做的，很暖和。(These gloves are made of wool and are very warm.)

Don't Say

• 请穿上你的手套。(Don't use 穿 with 手套 — use 戴 for items worn on hands, head, or face.)

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (hand) and 套 (cover, sheath), literally 'hand cover.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal