拖鞋

• Pinyin: tuō xié
• Hanzi breakdown: 拖 = 扌(hand) + 它 (it); 鞋 = 革 (leather) + 圭 (jade tablet)

Meaning

Slippers; flip-flops. Loose footwear that can be easily slipped on and off.

General term for casual footwear worn at home or in casual settings. In China, it's customary to change into indoor slippers when entering homes. Types include 棉拖鞋 (cotton slippers), 凉拖鞋 (flip-flops), 一次性拖鞋 (disposable slippers in hotels).

Examples

1. 进门的时候请换上拖鞋，这是我们家的习惯。 Please change into slippers when you come in. That's our family's custom.
2. 夏天我喜欢穿拖鞋，又凉快又方便。 In summer, I like to wear flip-flops. They're cool and convenient.
3. 酒店房间里提供了一次性拖鞋。 The hotel room provided disposable slippers.

Usage Guide

Context: home, casual, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 请换上拖鞋。(Please put on slippers.)
• 我的拖鞋在哪儿？(Where are my slippers?)

Don't Say

• 他穿着拖鞋去上班 — 这在中国文化中通常被认为不得体，除非是非常随便的工作环境

Origin & History

Compound of 拖 (to drag) + 鞋 (shoe). Named for the dragging sound they make when walking, as they are not secured to the foot.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal