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裁缝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
裁缝cáifengtailorHSK 7, n, rank #9384, Hard
裁缝cáifengdressmakerHSK 7, n, rank #9384, Hard
cáifeng(cai2feng5) T2
  1. 1tailor
  2. 2dressmaker
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March 24, 2026
裁缝(裁縫)cáifeng(cai2feng5)

裁缝 (cái fēng) refers to a tailor or dressmaker, someone skilled in making or altering clothing. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing fashion, clothing alterations, or the profession itself.

Frequency#9384DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Tailoring is a respected craft in China, often associated with traditional attire like qipao (旗袍) and modern fashion, reflecting the importance of clothing in Chinese culture and social events.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tailor cutting fabric with scissors (裁), and envision the sound of fabric being cut (缝). The pronunciation 'cái' sounds like 'sky' where you might see a tailor's creations hanging, and 'fēng' can remind you of 'fungus,' which grows in layers like fabric layers being sewn together.

Meanings of 裁缝

cáifeng(cai2feng5)
1tailor
2dressmaker
Exercise 1 of 2

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Choose the correct answer:

About 裁缝

裁缝Simplified
裁縫Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9384Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 裁缝

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Podcast: 裁缝

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AI Study Notes for 裁缝

Quick Contrast

裁缝 (cáifeng) vs 设计师 (shèjìshī) — choose 裁缝 when referring specifically to someone who makes or alters clothing, while 设计师 refers to a designer who creates clothing concepts.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tailor cutting fabric with scissors (裁), and envision the sound of fabric being cut (缝). The pronunciation 'cái' sounds like 'sky' where you might see a tailor's creations hanging, and 'fēng' can remind you of 'fungus,' which grows in layers like fabric layers being sewn together.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 裁缝 with related terms like 裁剪 (cutting) or 服装设计师 (fashion designer), but 裁缝 specifically denotes the person who sews and alters garments. It is mostly used in informal conversations or specific job contexts.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 裁缝 connects with other advanced vocabulary about professions and craftsmanship. Students should focus on its usage in conversations about fashion and employment, and practice related terms such as 衣服 (clothes) and 设计 (design).

Cultural Note

Tailoring is a respected craft in China, often associated with traditional attire like qipao (旗袍) and modern fashion, reflecting the importance of clothing in Chinese culture and social events.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly say '裁缝师' when referring to a tailor, which is not commonly used; simply using '裁缝' suffices. Also, mixing up with '设计师' can lead to confusion about the roles involved in clothing creation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 裁缝

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Component Characters

cáito cut out (as a dress)
HSK 712 strokes
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féngto sew
HSK 713 strokes
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Write 裁缝

Practice writing 裁缝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 裁缝

裁缝 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

这些女____围着模特儿衣架叽叽嘎嘎地讨论衣服这里或那里要做的小改动。

The seamstresses cluck around a dummy, discussing a tuck here and there.

Example Sentences for 裁缝 (4)

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1
这些女裁缝围着模特儿衣架叽叽嘎嘎地讨论衣服这里或那里要做的小改动。

zhè xiē nǚ cái féng wéi zháo mó tè ér yī jià jī jī gā gā dì tǎo lùn yī fú zhè lǐ huò nà lǐ yào zuò de xiǎo gǎi dòng。

The seamstresses cluck around a dummy, discussing a tuck here and there.
2
他叫裁缝修改他的裤子.

tā jiào cái féng xiū gǎi tā de kù zǐ.

He asked the tailor to make over his trousers.
3
我的裁缝叫我明天去试试我的新衣服.

wǒ de cái féng jiào wǒ míng tiān qù shì shì wǒ de xīn yī fú.

My dressmaker has asked me to fit on the new suit tomorrow.
4
我在想到裁缝店去一趟.

wǒ zài xiǎng dào cái féng diàn qù yī tàng.

I am thinking about going that tailor's shop.

Cultural Notes for 裁缝

🏮Cultural insight

Tailoring is a respected craft in China, often associated with traditional attire like qipao (旗袍) and modern fashion, reflecting the importance of clothing in Chinese culture and social events.

Frequently Asked Questions about 裁缝

裁缝 refers to a tailor who makes or alters clothing, while 服装设计师 is a fashion designer who creates clothing designs.