胶囊

• Pinyin: jiāo náng
• Hanzi breakdown: 胶 = 月 (flesh) + 交 — glue, gelatin; 囊 = 口 + 襄 — bag, sac

Meaning

Capsule. A small container, usually of gelatin, enclosing medicine or supplements.

Primarily used for medicine in capsule form. Also used metaphorically to describe other small, enclosed spaces, such as 胶囊旅馆 (capsule hotel) or 太空舱 (space capsule). The term emphasizes the compact, self-contained nature of the object.

Examples

1. 这种感冒药是胶囊剂型，一天吃两次，每次一粒。 This cold medicine comes in capsule form — take one twice a day.
2. 他住在一间胶囊旅馆里，空间虽小但设施齐全。 He stayed in a capsule hotel — small space but complete facilities.
3. 把药粉装进胶囊里，吃起来就不会感到苦味了。 Put the medicine powder into capsules and you won't taste the bitterness when taking it.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, health, accommodation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个胶囊可以直接吞服。(This capsule can be swallowed directly.)
• 胶囊旅馆很适合一个人出差住。(Capsule hotels are great for solo business trips.)

Don't Say

• 用'胶囊'描述所有药物 (Don't use 胶囊 for all medicine — it specifically means capsule form; use 药片 for tablets, 药水 for liquid medicine)

Origin & History

Composed of 胶 (glue; gelatin) + 囊 (bag; sac). Describes the gelatin container that holds medicine.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal