化纤

• Pinyin: huà xiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 化 = 亻+ 匕 (chemical/transform); 纤 = 纟+ 千 (fine fiber)

Meaning

Synthetic fiber; chemically manufactured textile fiber such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic.

Widely used in clothing and industrial applications. Often contrasted with 天然纤维 (natural fibers). A cornerstone of the modern textile industry and China's manufacturing sector.

Examples

1. 这件衬衫的材质是化纤，穿着不如纯棉舒适透气。 This shirt is made of synthetic fiber, and it’s not as comfortable or breathable as pure cotton.
2. 化纤产业在改革开放初期对中国经济发展贡献巨大。 In the early days of Reform and Opening Up, the synthetic fiber industry made a major contribution to China’s economic development.
3. 部分消费者对化纤面料过敏，购买时应仔细查看标签。 Some consumers are allergic to synthetic fabrics, so they should check the label carefully when buying.

Usage Guide

Context: textiles, manufacturing, shopping

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 购买衣物时最好区分化纤和天然面料的差异。(When buying clothes, it's best to distinguish between synthetic and natural fabrics.)
• 该工厂专业生产高性能化纤材料，广泛用于航空制造领域。(The factory specializes in high-performance synthetic fibers widely used in aerospace manufacturing.)

Don't Say

• 化纤 as a general term for 'fabric' — use 面料 or 布料 for fabric in general; 化纤 specifically means synthetic fiber

Origin & History

化 (chemical) + 纤 (fiber/fine thread)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal