奶粉

• Pinyin: nǎi fěn
• Hanzi breakdown: 奶 = 女 (woman) + 乃 (phonetic), breast milk/dairy; 粉 = 米 (rice) + 分 (divide), powder. Powdered milk.

Meaning

Milk powder; powdered milk; infant formula.

Refers to dried milk products, especially infant formula (婴儿奶粉). A major consumer product in China, with imported brands highly valued after past safety incidents. Also includes adult milk powder and specialty formulas.

Examples

1. 这款进口奶粉在国内卖得特别好，经常断货。 This imported infant formula sells extremely well domestically and is often out of stock.
2. 宝宝快满一岁了，该换成二段奶粉了。 The baby is almost one year old — it's time to switch to stage two formula.
3. 冲奶粉的水温不能太高，否则会破坏营养成分。 The water temperature for mixing formula shouldn't be too high, or it will destroy the nutrients.

Usage Guide

Context: parenting, food, shopping

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这个奶粉适合几岁的宝宝？(What age is this formula suitable for?)
• 奶粉要用温水冲。(Mix the formula with warm water.)

Don't Say

• 把奶粉和牛奶混淆 (奶粉 is powdered; 牛奶 is liquid milk)

Origin & History

Compound of 奶 (milk) + 粉 (powder). Powdered form of milk.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal