化妆
Traditional: 化妝
huà zhuāng HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

她每天化妆需要二十分钟。
Tā měitiān huàzhuāng xūyào èrshí fēnzhōng.
She needs twenty minutes to apply makeup every day.
演员在演出前必须化妆。
Yǎnyuán zài yǎnchū qián bìxū huàzhuāng.
Actors must apply makeup before the performance.
化妆能让人看起来更精神。
Huàzhuāng néng ràng rén kàn qǐlái gèng jīngshén.
Makeup can make people look more energetic.
她每天化妆。
Tā měitiān huàzhuāng.
She puts on makeup every day.
妈妈化妆很快。
Māmā huàzhuāng hěn kuài.
Mom puts on makeup quickly.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 化 (huà) means 'to change' or 'transform,' and 妆 (zhuāng) relates to 'adornment' or 'decoration.' Think of it as 'transforming through adornment'—like turning your face into a decorated canvas with makeup.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common contexts include daily routines, beauty tutorials, fashion discussions, or professional settings like theater or photography.

📖 Grammar Points

化妆 can be used as a verb-object structure where 化 means 'to apply' and 妆 means 'makeup.' It can be modified with adverbs, e.g., 经常化妆 (often wear makeup), or used in serial verb constructions like 化妆出门 (put on makeup and go out).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture,化妆 is common in daily life and professional settings, but attitudes vary; some view it as essential for social presentation, while others prefer natural looks. It's also significant in traditional arts like Peking opera, where makeup (脸谱, liǎnpǔ) has symbolic meanings.

🔄 Similar Words

化妆 is often compared to 打扮 (dǎbàn, to dress up/decorate), which is broader and includes clothing and accessories, not just makeup. Another similar word is 美容 (měiróng, beauty treatment), which focuses on skincare or procedures rather than daily makeup application.

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