Meaning and Usage
"时髦" (shímáo) means "fashionable" or "in vogue." It is commonly used to describe clothing, styles, designs, or behaviors that are trendy and popular at the current time.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "时髦" when talking about fashion, gadgets, hairstyles, or anything that reflects current trends. It carries a positive connotation, implying modernity and stylishness.
Collocations and Patterns
- "穿得时髦" (chuān de shímáo): to dress fashionably
- "设计很时髦" (shèjì hěn shímáo): design is trendy
- "时髦的发型" (shímáo de fàxíng): fashionable hairstyle
Usage Notes
"时髦" is mostly used as an adjective. It can describe people, clothes, or objects. It is less formal than some synonyms like "流行" (liúxíng), which can also mean "popular" or "in fashion" but is broader and can apply to ideas or culture. Avoid confusing "时髦" with "时尚" (shíshàng), which also means "fashion" but is often used as a noun or in brand names.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse "时髦" with "潮" (cháo), which also means trendy but is more colloquial and youth-oriented. "时髦" is more neutral and widely acceptable in various contexts.