Meaning and Usage
The character 棉 (mián) primarily refers to cotton, the soft fiber harvested from cotton plants used in textiles and clothing. It is often seen in compounds related to fabrics and clothing, such as 棉花 (cotton plant) and 棉衣 (cotton-padded clothes).
Common Collocations
- 棉花: cotton plant, the raw material
- 纯棉: pure cotton, emphasizing fabric quality
- 棉衣: cotton-padded clothes, used especially in winter
Usage Notes
棉 is a noun and typically refers to the material itself or products made from cotton. When used in clothing contexts, it often implies comfort and warmth. It is important not to confuse 棉 with 麻 (hemp) or 毛 (wool), which refer to different textile fibers.
Register and Tone
棉 is a neutral, standard word used in everyday speech and writing, especially in contexts related to textiles, clothing, and agriculture.