Chinese Names of Different Trousers

Learning clothing vocabulary is essential when studying Mandarin Chinese. Trousers, in particular, come in many varieties with specific Chinese terms that reflect both function and style. Whether you’re shopping in China or simply expanding your vocabulary, understanding Chinese names of different trousers can enhance your language skills significantly.

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Common Types of Chinese Trousers

The Chinese word for trousers is “裤子” (kù zi), but specific styles have their own unique names:

牛仔裤 (niú zǎi kù) Jeans

Originally designed as workwear, jeans have become a global fashion staple. The Chinese name literally translates to “cowboy pants,” reflecting their Western origins.

休闲裤 (xiū xián kù) Casual pants

Perfect for everyday wear, these comfortable trousers strike a balance between formal and completely relaxed styles.

西裤 (xī kù) Dress pants/Formal trousers

Essential for business settings, these tailored trousers derive their name from “Western-style” clothing, emphasizing their formal nature.

运动裤 (yùn dòng kù) Sweatpants/Athletic pants

Designed for physical activity but now popular as everyday wear, these comfortable pants have become increasingly fashionable.

工装裤 (gōng zhuāng kù) Cargo pants/Work pants

Featuring multiple pockets, these functional trousers were originally designed for manual labor but have found their way into mainstream fashion.

Traditional and Contemporary Styles

Chinese fashion embraces both traditional elements and modern trends:

阔腿裤 (kuò tuǐ kù) Wide-leg pants

These flowing trousers offer comfort and style, becoming increasingly popular in contemporary Chinese fashion.

紧身裤 (jǐn shēn kù) Leggings/Skinny pants

Form-fitting pants that showcase the silhouette, these have gained popularity with younger generations.

高腰裤 (gāo yāo kù) High-waisted pants

Sitting above the natural waistline, these pants elongate the legs and create a classic silhouette that cycles in and out of fashion.