皱纹

zhòuwén

wrinkle

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Understanding 皱纹 (zhòu wén)

The word 皱纹 specifically refers to wrinkles, typically on skin or fabric. It combines , meaning wrinkles or creases, and , meaning lines or stripes, emphasizing the visible lines formed by folding or aging.

Common Uses

皱纹 is most often used to describe the lines that appear on human skin as a sign of aging, but it can also describe creases on materials like clothing or paper. It is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Typical Collocations

  • 皱纹 (wrinkles on the face): commonly used when talking about aging or expressions.
  • 皱纹 (deep wrinkles): emphasizes the prominence of wrinkles.
  • 皱纹出现 (wrinkles appear): used to describe the formation of wrinkles over time.

Usage Tips

When talking about wrinkles on skin, 皱纹 often conveys natural aging or experience, sometimes with a respectful or poetic tone. For fabric, it simply describes creases that may need ironing. Avoid confusing 皱纹 with 线 (lines) which are more general and not necessarily related to folds or aging.

Example Sentences

她的脸上有很多细小的皱纹,显示出岁月的痕迹。

Tā de liǎn shàng yǒu hěn duō xì xiǎo de zhòu wén, xiǎn shì chū suì yuè

She has many fine wrinkles on her face, showing the marks of time.

这件衣服因为洗得太多,布料上出现了皱纹。

Zhè jiàn yīfu yīn wèi xǐ de tài duō, bù liào shàng chū xiàn le zhòu wén.

This piece of clothing has wrinkles on the fabric because it has been washed

老人家手上的皱纹很深,显示出他丰富的人生经历。

Lǎo rén jiā shǒu shàng de zhòu wén hěn shēn, xiǎn shì chū tā fēng fù de

The wrinkles on the old man's hands are deep, showing his rich life