化妆

• Pinyin: huà zhuāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 化 = 亻+ 匕 (transform); 妆 = 爿 + 女 (adorn/dress up)

Meaning

To apply cosmetics; to make up one's face for appearance, performance, or special occasions.

Used for everyday makeup, theatrical makeup, and costume work. 化妆品 means 'cosmetics.' Note: 化装 (same pronunciation, different character 装) means to disguise oneself or dress in costume.

Examples

1. 她每天出门前都要花半个小时化妆。 She spends half an hour putting on makeup before going out every day.
2. 演员在上台之前必须经过专业化妆师的精心化妆。 Before going on stage, actors have to have their makeup carefully done by professional makeup artists.
3. 适当的化妆可以让人显得更加精神焕发。 Appropriate makeup can make a person look more refreshed and energetic.

Usage Guide

Context: beauty, entertainment, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她擅长化妆，每次出席活动都光彩夺目。(She is skilled at makeup and always looks radiant at events.)
• 这部电视剧的化妆团队荣获了最佳造型奖。(The makeup team of this TV drama won the Best Styling Award.)

Don't Say

• 化妆 and 化装 interchangeably — 化妆 means applying cosmetics for beauty; 化装 means disguising oneself or dressing in theatrical costume

Origin & History

化 (transform) + 妆 (adorn/dress up)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal