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March 24, 2026
油漆yóuqī(you2qi1)
油漆 (yóuqī) refers to oil paints and lacquer used for painting surfaces. It is commonly used in contexts such as home improvement, art, and craftsmanship, indicating both the material and the action of painting. In a more technical sense, it can also refer to the process of applying a coat of paint to an object.
Frequency#6669DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the quality of paint used in home renovations is believed to influence the atmosphere and harmony of a space, reflecting the principles of Feng Shui. The choice of colors and types of 油漆 can hold significant meaning in design choices.
Memory Tip
Think of '油' (oil) as a slippery substance that makes things shiny, while '漆' (qi) resembles a brush stroke. Imagine a painter using oily paint to create a glossy finish on a beautiful piece of furniture, and remember that both components together signify the art of painting.
Meanings of 油漆
yóuqī(you2qi1)
1oil paints
2lacquer
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About 油漆
油漆Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6669Frequency Rank
层Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 油漆
Podcast: 油漆
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AI Study Notes for 油漆
Quick Contrast
涂料 (túliao) refers to coatings or paints in a broader sense, while 油漆 (yóuqī) specifically denotes oil-based paints.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '油' (oil) as a slippery substance that makes things shiny, while '漆' (qi) resembles a brush stroke. Imagine a painter using oily paint to create a glossy finish on a beautiful piece of furniture, and remember that both components together signify the art of painting.
Usage Notes
When using 油漆, be cautious with its context; it typically refers to paints with oil bases rather than water-based paints. It is more formal and often used in professional settings. Common collocations include '油漆工' (painter) and '油漆店' (paint store).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 油漆 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to home improvement and art. Students should focus on contextual usage and practice constructing sentences that involve painting or renovation scenarios.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the quality of paint used in home renovations is believed to influence the atmosphere and harmony of a space, reflecting the principles of Feng Shui. The choice of colors and types of 油漆 can hold significant meaning in design choices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 油漆 with similar terms like 漆 (qī) which can simply mean paint or lacquer without the oil specification. For example, saying '我需要漆' (Wǒ xūyào qī) instead of '我需要油漆' (Wǒ xūyào yóuqī) lacks the specificity needed in context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 油漆
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Grammar Patterns of 油漆
油漆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
wǒ mén nòng le yī xiē yóu qī qīng chú jì， ， bǎ tā qīng lǐ diào。
We got some paint remover and scrubbed it off.
10
油漆这木制东西前,你得先在上面涂上底漆.
yóu qī zhè mù zhì dōng xī qián, , nǐ dé xiān zài shàng miàn tú shàng dǐ.
You must prime the wood before you paint it.
Cultural Notes for 油漆
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the quality of paint used in home renovations is believed to influence the atmosphere and harmony of a space, reflecting the principles of Feng Shui. The choice of colors and types of 油漆 can hold significant meaning in design choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 油漆
油漆 refers specifically to oil-based paints, while 水漆 refers to water-based paints, which are generally less toxic and easier to clean.
Yes, 油漆 is often used in fine art for its rich texture and vibrant colors, but it may not be the same as the traditional oil paints used by artists.
The measure word for 油漆 is 層 (céng), as it typically describes layers of paint applied.
