围巾

• Pinyin: wéi jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 围 = 囗(enclosure) + 韦 (phonetic); 巾 = pictograph of a hanging cloth

Meaning

Scarf; muffler; a length of fabric worn around the neck for warmth or fashion.

Refers to any scarf worn around the neck, whether for warmth or as a fashion accessory. Different from 头巾 (tóujīn, headscarf worn over the head). A very common winter item in northern China. Can be knitted (织的), woven, or made from wool, cashmere, or other fabrics.

Examples

1. 冬天出门时，她总是戴着一条鲜红色的毛线围巾。 In winter she always wears a bright red woollen scarf when she goes out.
2. 这条围巾是奶奶亲手织的，软和又暖和。 This scarf was knitted by hand by Grandma — it's soft and very warm.
3. 他把围巾裹得紧紧的，抵御凛冽的寒风。 He wrapped his scarf tightly around himself to keep out the biting cold wind.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 天冷了，记得戴围巾出门。(It's cold — remember to wear a scarf when you go out.)
• 她送给朋友一条漂亮的羊绒围巾作为圣诞礼物。(She gave her friend a beautiful cashmere scarf as a Christmas gift.)

Don't Say

• 围巾 ≠ 头巾 — 围巾 is worn around the neck; 头巾 is a headscarf worn on or over the head. Don't use them interchangeably.

Origin & History

Compound of 围 (to surround/wrap around, from 囗 enclosure + 韦 phonetic) and 巾 (cloth/towel, pictograph of a cloth hanging down), literally 'a cloth that wraps around.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal