皱

• Pinyin: zhòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 皱 = 刍 + 皮 (wrinkle on skin)

Meaning

To wrinkle; wrinkle; crease. Describes the formation of folds in skin, fabric, or surfaces, or the folds themselves.

As a verb, describes the action of creasing or wrinkling. As a noun, refers to wrinkles on faces (aging sign), creases in clothes, or ripples on water. Common in descriptions of aging, facial expressions, and fabric care.

Examples

1. 她的眼角开始出现细纹和皱纹。 Fine lines and wrinkles have started to appear at the corners of her eyes.
2. 别把衣服弄皱了。 Don’t wrinkle the clothes.
3. 他皱着眉头思考问题。 He frowned as he thought about the problem.

Usage Guide

Context: appearance, clothing, daily life

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这件衬衫皱巴巴的，需要熨一下。(This shirt is all wrinkled and needs ironing.)
• 岁月在她脸上留下了皱纹。(The years have left wrinkles on her face.)

Don't Say

• 我的心很皱 — 皱 is for physical wrinkles, not emotions

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 皮 (skin) + 刍 (phonetic component suggesting folding)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal