皮带

• Pinyin: pí dài
• Hanzi breakdown: 皮 = leather/skin (pictographic — an animal hide being stretched and peeled); 带 = a decorated sash (pictographic — a band worn around the waist)

Meaning

Belt; leather strap; driving belt. Refers to a waist belt worn with clothing, or a mechanical transmission or conveyor belt.

In daily life: a waist belt worn with trousers (腰带 is more formal). In engineering: 传动皮带 (drive belt) or 传送皮带 (conveyor belt). 皮带扣 (belt buckle). The word implies leather (皮) though modern belts may be synthetic.

Examples

1. 他系上那条牛皮皮带，整个人的气质立刻显得更为干练利落。 He buckled that leather belt, and his whole look immediately seemed sharper and more put-together.
2. 工厂流水线上的传动皮带突然断裂，导致整条生产线被迫停工检修。 The drive belt on the factory assembly line suddenly snapped, forcing the entire production line to shut down for repairs.
3. 这款皮带采用意大利进口头层牛皮制作，表面光洁细腻，经久耐用。 This belt is made from imported top-grain Italian leather, with a smooth, refined finish and long-lasting durability.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, accessories, manufacturing, machinery

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这条手工缝制的皮带是父亲几十年前传下来的，虽已略显陈旧，却依然结实耐用，承载着深厚的家族情感。(This hand-stitched belt was passed down from his father decades ago; though it has grown a little worn, it remains sturdy and durable, carrying deep family sentiment.)
• 机器运行过程中，皮带传动系统需要定期检查松紧程度，以防因过度磨损引发安全事故。(During machine operation, the belt drive system needs regular inspection of its tension to prevent safety accidents caused by excessive wear.)

Don't Say

• 她戴着一条皮带 — use 系着 for belts fastened around the waist; 戴 is for accessories worn on the head, ears, wrists, or fingers, not around the body

Origin & History

皮 (leather/skin) + 带 (band/strap/belt) — a leather band worn around the body or used in machinery

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal