qípáo: 旗袍 - Cheongsam, Qipao, Chinese Dress

• Keywords: qipao, cheongsam, 旗袍, Chinese dress, traditional Chinese dress, Shanghai dress, Mandarin gown, qipao dress, what is a qipao, history of the qipao, Chinese wedding dress
• Summary: The qipao (旗袍), widely known in the West as a cheongsam, is an iconic, form-fitting Chinese dress that embodies elegance, tradition, and modern femininity. Originating from the Manchu robes of the Qing dynasty and famously stylized in 1920s Shanghai, this distinctive garment is characterized by its high mandarin collar and graceful side slits. Today, the qipao is a cherished symbol of Chinese culture, often worn during special occasions like weddings, the Spring Festival, and formal events, representing a beautiful connection between China's rich history and contemporary style.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): qípáo
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A traditional, form-fitting Chinese dress for women, also known in English as a “cheongsam”.
• In a Nutshell: The 旗袍 (qípáo) is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a powerful cultural symbol. Imagine a garment that captures the glamour of 1920s Shanghai, the history of the last Chinese dynasty, and a timeless sense of feminine grace. It is known for its elegant silhouette, high neck, and often being made of luxurious silk or brocade with intricate patterns. While once a symbol of modernity and women's liberation, it is now primarily worn on special occasions to express cultural pride and sophisticated style.

• 旗 (qí): This character means “banner” or “flag.” In this context, it specifically refers to the “Bannermen” (旗人, qírén), who were the Manchu people that established and ruled during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
• 袍 (páo): This character means “robe” or “long gown.” It's a general term for a long, flowing outer garment.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 旗袍 (qípáo) literally translates to “banner robe.” This name directly points to the garment's origins as an evolution of the long, straight-cut robes worn by Manchu women during the Qing Dynasty. The modern, body-hugging version is a significant stylistic departure from the original looser robes.

The 旗袍 (qípáo) is a living piece of Chinese history. Its story mirrors the dramatic social and political changes of 20th-century China.

• From Imperial Robe to Modern Dress: The original Manchu robe was wide and loose, designed to conceal the figure. In the 1920s, in the cosmopolitan melting pot of Shanghai, the garment was radically redesigned. Influenced by Western tailoring, it became a tight-fitting, body-hugging dress that celebrated the female form. This new style was seen as a symbol of women's liberation and modernity, a break from the feudal past.
• A Western Comparison: The “Little Black Dress”: You can think of the 旗袍 (qípáo) as being culturally similar to the “Little Black Dress” (LBD) in the West. Both are timeless, iconic, and represent a certain kind of feminine elegance for formal occasions. However, the comparison has its limits. While the LBD is a universal fashion staple, the 旗袍 is deeply tied to a specific national identity. Wearing a 旗袍 is not just a fashion choice; it's often a statement of cultural heritage and pride. It carries a historical and cultural weight that the LBD does not.
• Symbol of Grace and Restraint: The design of the 旗袍—with its high collar and modest yet alluring side slits—embodies a uniquely Chinese aesthetic of understated elegance (优雅, yōuyǎ). It is considered sexy, but in a refined and graceful way, not an overt one.

While an iconic garment, the 旗袍 is not typical daily wear for most people in modern China. Its use is generally reserved for specific contexts.

• Formal Events and Celebrations: This is the most common use. Women wear 旗袍 for weddings (especially the bride, who may wear a red one for the tea ceremony or reception), banquets, and major holidays like Chinese New Year (春节, chūnjié).
• Professional Uniforms: To project an image of traditional elegance and hospitality, the 旗袍 is often used as a uniform for staff at high-end hotels and restaurants, on certain Chinese airlines, and by ushers at formal conferences or events.
• Modern Fashion: Contemporary fashion designers frequently reinterpret the 旗袍, creating modern variations with different fabrics, shorter hemlines, or updated patterns. These stylish versions are more likely to be seen in fashion-forward cities but are still not considered mainstream daily attire.

• Example 1:
  • 这件红色的旗袍真漂亮！
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn hóngsè de qípáo zhēn piàoliang!
  • English: This red qipao is so beautiful!
  • Analysis: A simple, common compliment. Note the use of the measure word 件 (jiàn) for clothing.
• Example 2:
  • 她打算在婚礼上穿一件旗袍。
  • Pinyin: Tā dǎsuàn zài hūnlǐ shàng chuān yī jiàn qípáo.
  • English: She plans to wear a qipao at her wedding.
  • Analysis: This highlights one of the most common and important occasions for wearing a qipao.
• Example 3:
  • 我想去上海定做一件丝绸旗袍。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng qù Shànghǎi dìngzuò yī jiàn sīchóu qípáo.
  • English: I want to go to Shanghai to have a silk qipao tailor-made.
  • Analysis: This sentence connects the qipao to its most famous city, Shanghai, and its classic material, silk (丝绸).
• Example 4:
  • 你穿旗袍的样子特别有气质。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ chuān qípáo de yàngzi tèbié yǒu qìzhì.
  • English: You look especially classy/elegant when you wear a qipao.
  • Analysis: 气质 (qìzhì) is a key cultural concept meaning “disposition” or “graceful temperament.” It's a high compliment that goes beyond just physical appearance.
• Example 5:
  • 这家餐厅服务员的旗袍制服很有特色。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng fúwùyuán de qípáo zhìfú hěn yǒu tèsè.
  • English: The qipao uniforms of the waiters at this restaurant are very distinctive.
  • Analysis: Shows the qipao being used in a professional context as a uniform (制服).
• Example 6:
  • 旗袍最能体现东方女性的曲线美。
  • Pinyin: Qípáo zuì néng tǐxiàn dōngfāng nǚxìng de qūxiàn měi.
  • English: The qipao can best embody the curvaceous beauty of Eastern women.
  • Analysis: This sentence expresses a common cultural sentiment about the aesthetic appeal of the qipao.
• Example 7:
  • 很多电影里都有穿旗袍的经典形象。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō diànyǐng lǐ dōu yǒu chuān qípáo de jīngdiǎn xíngxiàng.
  • English: Many movies feature classic images of women wearing qipaos.
  • Analysis: Acknowledges the qipao's iconic status in popular culture, particularly in film.
• Example 8:
  • 这件现代旗袍的设计结合了传统和时尚元素。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn xiàndài qípáo de shèjì jiéhéle chuántǒng hé shíshàng yuánsù.
  • English: The design of this modern qipao combines traditional and fashionable elements.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the evolution of the garment and its adaptation in contemporary fashion.
• Example 9:
  • 为了春节晚会，她特意买了一件新旗袍。
  • Pinyin: Wèile chūnjié wǎnhuì, tā tèyì mǎile yī jiàn xīn qípáo.
  • English: For the Spring Festival gala, she specially bought a new qipao.
  • Analysis: Another example of a specific cultural event where wearing a qipao is appropriate.
• Example 10:
  • 我奶奶还保留着她年轻时穿过的旗袍。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ nǎinai hái bǎoliúzhe tā niánqīng shí chuānguò de qípáo.
  • English: My grandmother still keeps the qipao she wore when she was young.
  • Analysis: This gives the qipao a sense of nostalgia and personal history, passed down through generations.

• Qipao vs. Cheongsam: These two words are often used interchangeably in English, which can be confusing.
  • 旗袍 (qípáo) is the correct Mandarin Chinese term.
  • Cheongsam is from the Cantonese pronunciation of 长衫 (chèuhngsāam), which originally meant “long robe” (and often referred to a male garment). Due to the influence of Cantonese speakers in the West, “cheongsam” became the more common loanword. When speaking Mandarin, always use qípáo.
• It's Not Everyday Wear: A common mistake is to assume the 旗袍 is a common daily outfit in China. It's not. Seeing it on the street is rare outside of specific contexts (tourist areas, special events). Thinking of it like a kimono in Japan is more accurate—a beautiful traditional garment reserved for special occasions.
• Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation: As a non-Chinese learner, you might wonder if it's okay to wear a 旗袍. Generally, wearing one to a relevant cultural event (like a friend's Chinese wedding or a Spring Festival party) is seen as a sign of respect and appreciation. The key is context and intent. Avoid wearing it as a casual costume or a simple fashion statement without understanding its cultural significance, as that can be perceived as appropriation.

• * 唐装 (tángzhuāng) - The “Tang suit.” A style of Chinese jacket, not a dress, which is another popular form of traditional formal wear.
• * 中山装 (zhōngshān zhuāng) - The “Zhongshan suit” or “Mao suit,” the iconic male revolutionary counterpart to the qipao from the same era.
• * 丝绸 (sīchóu) - Silk, the classic and most prized fabric for making a high-quality qipao.
• * 优雅 (yōuyǎ) - Elegant, graceful. This is the primary aesthetic quality associated with the qipao.
• * 复古 (fùgǔ) - Retro, vintage. A term often used to describe the classic 1920s-1940s qipao style.
• * 传统 (chuántǒng) - Tradition; traditional. The qipao is a key piece of modern Chinese traditional clothing.
• * 婚礼 (hūnlǐ) - Wedding ceremony. One of the most common events where you will see a qipao worn today.
• * 春节 (chūnjié) - Spring Festival / Chinese New Year. A major holiday for dressing in traditional, festive clothing like the qipao.
• * 长袍 (chángpáo) - Long robe. The looser, often male, garment from which the 旗袍 evolved.
• * 海派 (hǎipài) - “Shanghai style.” Refers to the unique culture of Shanghai, which gave birth to the modern qipao.