内衣

nèiyī

undergarment

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 内衣 (nèiyī) refers specifically to underwear or undergarments worn close to the skin. It is a common term used in everyday conversation when discussing clothing, hygiene, or shopping.

Common Collocations

These collocations help specify the type or category of underwear being discussed.

Usage Notes

内衣 is generally used in neutral or polite contexts. It is not a slang or vulgar term. When talking about changing or washing 内衣, it implies personal hygiene. When shopping, 内衣 often refers to bras, panties, undershirts, and similar garments.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse 内衣 with (wàiyī), which means outerwear or clothes worn outside. 内衣 is always the layer closest to the skin.

Understanding 内衣 helps learners talk naturally about clothing and personal care in Chinese.

Example Sentences

她买了一套新的内衣,非常舒适。

Tā mǎi le yī tào xīn de nèiyī, fēicháng shūshì.

She bought a new set of underwear, very comfortable.

内衣要经常换洗,保持清洁。

Nèiyī yào jīngcháng huàn xǐ, bǎochí qīngjié.

Underwear should be changed and washed frequently to keep clean.

这家店专门卖女士内衣,款式很多。

Zhè jiā diàn zhuānmén mài nǚshì nèiyī, kuǎnshì hěn duō.

This store specializes in selling women's underwear, with many styles.