滑雪

• Pinyin: huá xuě
• Hanzi breakdown: 滑 = 氵+ 骨 (glide); 雪 = 雨 + 彐 (snow)

Meaning

To ski; to glide over snow on skis as a sport or recreation.

Encompasses alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and other ski disciplines. A growing sport in China following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Popular resorts include Zhangjiakou and Changbai Mountain.

Examples

1. 他每年冬天都要去东北滑雪，乐此不疲。 Every winter he goes skiing in the Northeast and never gets tired of it.
2. 这个滑雪场的坡道设计颇为专业，适合高水平选手。 The slopes at this ski resort are designed quite professionally and are suitable for advanced skiers.
3. 初学者在学习滑雪时最容易在转弯处摔倒。 Beginners are most likely to fall when learning to ski while turning.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, leisure, winter

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们计划这个冬天去张家口滑雪。(We plan to go skiing in Zhangjiakou this winter.)
• 参加专业滑雪培训可以更快掌握技巧。(Joining professional ski training helps you master techniques faster.)

Don't Say

• 滑雪 and 滑雪橇 interchangeably — 雪橇 refers to sledding or tobogganing; 滑雪 specifically means skiing on skis

Origin & History

滑 (glide) + 雪 (snow)

Cultural Context

Generation: Young adults to middle-aged

Social background: Middle to upper