内衣

• Pinyin: nèi yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 内 = inside/inner; 衣 = clothing/garment. Inner garments.

Meaning

Underwear; undergarments; intimate apparel.

General term for garments worn beneath outer clothing, including bras, underpants, undershirts, etc. Encompasses 内裤 (underpants) and other intimate wear. Large retail category with many specialty stores. May also refer specifically to women's lingerie in some contexts.

Examples

1. 这家店的内衣款式很多，质量也不错。 This store has many styles of underwear, and the quality is quite good.
2. 运动时最好穿透气性好的内衣。 When exercising, it's best to wear breathable underwear.
3. 冬天里面穿一件保暖内衣，外面不用穿太厚。 In winter, wear thermal underwear inside and you don't need to wear too much on top.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, shopping, daily life

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 内衣要经常换洗。(Underwear should be changed and washed frequently.)
• 这是内衣品牌专卖店。(This is an underwear brand specialty store.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合详细讨论内衣 (While factual, avoid overly detailed discussion in formal settings)

Origin & History

Compound of 内 (inside/inner) + 衣 (clothing). Clothing worn on the inside.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal