帐子

• Pinyin: zhàng zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 帐 = 巾 + 长 (curtain cloth); 子 = 子 (noun suffix)

Meaning

Bed curtain; mosquito net; canopy. A fabric hanging around a bed for privacy or protection from insects.

Traditional Chinese household item, still used in some regions. Types: 蚊帐 (mosquito net), 纱帐 (gauze curtain). Creates enclosed sleeping space. Less common in modern urban homes with air conditioning.

Examples

1. 夏天睡觉时要挂上帐子，防止蚊虫叮咬。 In summer, you should hang a mosquito net when you sleep to prevent mosquito bites.
2. 古代大户人家的床都配有精美的绸缎帐子。 In ancient times, the beds of wealthy families often came with exquisite silk bed curtains.
3. 奶奶还保留着用老式帐子的习惯，说这样睡得踏实。 Grandma still keeps the old habit of using a traditional bed curtain; she says it helps her sleep soundly.

Usage Guide

Context: household, traditional living, bedding

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 南方夏天蚊子多，很多家庭还保留着挂帐子的习惯。(There are many mosquitoes in southern summers, so many families still keep the habit of hanging bed curtains.)
• 这张古董床配着一顶刺绣帐子，做工非常精细。(This antique bed comes with an embroidered canopy of very fine craftsmanship.)

Don't Say

• 窗户帐子 — 帐子 is specifically for beds; window curtains are 窗帘

Origin & History

帐 (tent/curtain) + 子 (noun suffix)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal