塑料

• Pinyin: sù liào
• Hanzi breakdown: 塑 = 朔 (beginning) + 土 (earth), meaning to mould or shape; 料 = 米 (rice) + 斗 (measure), meaning material

Meaning

Plastic; a synthetic material made from polymers.

Refers to plastic as a material. Used as both a noun and a modifier. Very common in discussions about packaging, products, and environmental issues. In internet slang, 塑料 can describe something fake or superficial.

Examples

1. 这个杯子是塑料做的，很轻。 This cup is made of plastic; it's very light.
2. 现在越来越多的人开始减少使用塑料。 More and more people are starting to reduce their use of plastic.
3. 超市里的塑料包装太多了。 There is too much plastic packaging in supermarkets.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, environment, shopping

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 塑料瓶可以回收利用。(Plastic bottles can be recycled.)
• 这张椅子是塑料的，不太结实。(This chair is made of plastic; it's not very sturdy.)

Don't Say

• 这块塑料很好吃。(Don't confuse material descriptions — 塑料 is a material, not edible. This is a common joke sentence.)

Origin & History

Compound of 塑 (to mould, to shape) and 料 (material), literally 'mouldable material.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal