fěndǐ: 粉底 - Foundation (makeup)

• Keywords: fěndǐ, 粉底, Chinese foundation makeup, how to say foundation in Chinese, buy makeup in China, base makeup Chinese, cushion foundation, liquid foundation, 化妆品, 美妆, 粉底液, 粉饼, 色号
• Summary: Learn how to say 'foundation' in Chinese with our deep dive into the term 粉底 (fěndǐ). This guide covers everything from the character breakdown of 粉 (powder) and 底 (base) to practical example sentences for shopping for makeup in China. Understand the cultural significance of base makeup (底妆) and discover related terms like 粉底液 (liquid foundation) and 气垫 (cushion foundation) to navigate the world of Chinese cosmetics (化妆品).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fěndǐ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: A cosmetic product applied to the face to create an even skin tone and cover imperfections.
• In a Nutshell: 粉底 (fěndǐ) is the direct Chinese word for cosmetic “foundation.” It literally translates to “powder base,” perfectly capturing its function as the foundational layer of a makeup look. Whether it's liquid, cream, or powder, 粉底 is all about creating a smooth, flawless canvas for all other makeup.

• 粉 (fěn): This character means “powder” or “dust.” Its radical is 米 (mǐ), meaning “rice,” and 分 (fēn) provides the phonetic component. Historically, finely milled rice powder was one of the earliest forms of cosmetics in China, used to whiten the face. Thus, 粉 is intrinsically linked to makeup.
• 底 (dǐ): This character means “base,” “bottom,” or “foundation.” It pictorially represents a solid base or bottom layer.

Together, 粉 (fěn - powder) and 底 (dǐ - base) form a highly logical and descriptive term: “powder base.” This highlights its role as the essential first layer in a makeup routine.

In both traditional and modern Chinese beauty standards, having clear, bright, and even-toned skin is highly valued. A flawless complexion is often seen as the most important element of a beautiful appearance. Consequently, the concept of 底妆 (dǐzhuāng - base makeup), with 粉底 (fěndǐ) as its core component, holds significant importance. This contrasts with some Western beauty trends that may celebrate freckles, embrace a “sun-kissed” tanned look, or focus more heavily on dramatic contouring. In China, the primary goal of 粉底 is often to achieve a “porcelain doll” or “milky skin” look—bright, smooth, and seemingly transparent. The rise of C-beauty (Chinese beauty brands) and the massive influence of beauty bloggers on platforms like 小红书 (xiǎohóngshū) and 抖音 (dǒuyīn) have made the quest for the perfect 粉底 a national obsession. Discussions revolve endlessly around longevity, oil control, and finding the perfect shade (色号 sèhào) that brightens the complexion without looking unnatural.

粉底 is a term you'll encounter constantly in daily life, especially in these contexts:

• Shopping for Cosmetics: This is the most common scenario. You'll use it when speaking to sales associates at a department store or a Sephora (丝芙兰 sīfúlán) in China.
• Social Media and Beauty Blogs: The term is ubiquitous online. Beauty influencers (美妆博主 měizhuāng bózhǔ) create extensive reviews, tutorials, and “get ready with me” videos centered around different types of 粉底.
• Conversations with Friends: It's common for friends to discuss and recommend makeup products. You might ask a friend what 粉底 they are using if their skin looks particularly good.
• Product Variations: The base term 粉底 is often combined with other characters to specify the product type:
  • 粉底液 (fěndǐ yè): Liquid Foundation (the most common form).
  • 粉底霜 (fěndǐ shuāng): Cream Foundation.
  • 粉底棒 (fěndǐ bàng): Foundation Stick.
  • 气垫粉底 (qìdiàn fěndǐ): Cushion Foundation (often shortened to just 气垫 (qìdiàn)).

• Example 1:
  • 我想买一瓶适合油性皮肤的粉底。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī píng shìhé yóuxìng pífū de fěndǐ.
  • English: I want to buy a bottle of foundation that's suitable for oily skin.
  • Analysis: A classic and practical sentence for shopping. It clearly states your skin type (油性皮肤 yóuxìng pífū) and what you're looking for.
• Example 2:
  • 你今天用的粉底是什么牌子的？看起来好自然！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ jīntiān yòng de fěndǐ shì shénme páizi de? Kàn qǐlái hǎo zìrán!
  • English: What brand of foundation are you using today? It looks so natural!
  • Analysis: A great way to compliment a friend and start a conversation about makeup. 牌子 (páizi) means “brand.”
• Example 3:
  • 这款粉底的遮瑕力很强，可以盖住我的痘印。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn fěndǐ de zhēxiálì hěn qiáng, kěyǐ gàizhù wǒ de dòuyìn.
  • English: This foundation's coverage is very strong; it can cover my acne scars.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses key makeup vocabulary: 遮瑕力 (zhēxiálì) for “coverage power” and 痘印 (dòuyìn) for “acne scars.”
• Example 4:
  • 我需要一个持妆久一点的粉底，因为我很容易出汗。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yī ge chí zhuāng jiǔ yīdiǎn de fěndǐ, yīnwèi wǒ hěn róngyì chū hàn.
  • English: I need a more long-lasting foundation because I sweat easily.
  • Analysis: 持妆 (chí zhuāng), meaning “to hold makeup,” is a critical term in beauty contexts, referring to the longevity of a product.
• Example 5:
  • 你能帮我试一下这个粉底的色号吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ shì yīxià zhège fěndǐ de sèhào ma?
  • English: Can you help me test the shade of this foundation?
  • Analysis: Essential for in-store shopping. 试一下 (shì yīxià) means “to try” or “to test,” and 色号 (sèhào) is the “shade number.”
• Example 6:
  • 我的粉底快用完了，我得去买一瓶新的。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de fěndǐ kuài yòng wán le, wǒ děi qù mǎi yī píng xīn de.
  • English: My foundation is almost used up, I have to go buy a new bottle.
  • Analysis: A simple, everyday sentence. 快…了 (kuài…le) is a common structure indicating something is about to happen.
• Example 7:
  • 很多美妆博主都在推荐这款新出的粉底液。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō měizhuāng bózhǔ dōu zài tuījiàn zhè kuǎn xīn chū de fěndǐ yè.
  • English: Many beauty bloggers are recommending this newly released liquid foundation.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects modern consumer culture, highlighting the influence of 美妆博主 (měizhuāng bózhǔ), or beauty bloggers.
• Example 8:
  • 上粉底之前，最好先用隔离霜。
  • Pinyin: Shàng fěndǐ zhīqián, zuìhǎo xiān yòng gélíshuāng.
  • English: Before applying foundation, it's best to use a primer first.
  • Analysis: 上 (shàng) here means “to apply” (makeup). This shows how 粉底 fits into a larger routine with products like 隔离霜 (gélíshuāng), or primer.
• Example 9:
  • 这款气垫粉底很适合放在包里补妆。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn qìdiàn fěndǐ hěn shìhé fàng zài bāo lǐ bǔzhuāng.
  • English: This cushion foundation is very suitable for carrying in a bag for touch-ups.
  • Analysis: This sentence introduces the hugely popular 气垫 (qìdiàn) format and the concept of 补妆 (bǔzhuāng), “to touch up makeup.”
• Example 10:
  • 我不喜欢厚重的粉底，我更喜欢轻薄自然的妆感。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù xǐhuān hòuzhòng de fěndǐ, wǒ gèng xǐhuān qīngbó zìrán de zhuāng gǎn.
  • English: I don't like heavy foundation; I prefer a light and natural makeup feel.
  • Analysis: This expresses a personal preference using helpful adjectives like 厚重 (hòuzhòng - heavy/cakey) and 轻薄 (qīngbó - light/thin). 妆感 (zhuāng gǎn) means “makeup feel” or “finish.”

• False Friends: Foundation vs. 基础 (jīchǔ)
  • A common mistake for learners is to use 粉底 for the “foundation” of a concept, an idea, or a building. 粉底 is exclusively for cosmetics.
  • For abstract foundations (e.g., the foundation of knowledge), use 基础 (jīchǔ).
  • For the physical foundation of a building, use 地基 (dìjī).
  • Incorrect: 他的中文粉底很好。 (Tā de Zhōngwén fěndǐ hěn hǎo.)
  • Correct: 他的中文基础很好。 (Tā de Zhōngwén jīchǔ hěn hǎo.) - His Chinese foundation is very good.
• 粉底 (fěndǐ) vs. 粉饼 (fěnbǐng)
  • While related, these are not always interchangeable. 粉底 is the general term for foundation, but most often implies a liquid or cream product (粉底液). 粉饼 (fěnbǐng) specifically means “pressed powder” or “powder compact.” A 粉饼 can be a powder foundation, but it can also be a setting powder used on top of liquid foundation. Be specific if you need to.

• 底妆 (dǐzhuāng) - Base makeup. A broader category that includes foundation, primer, concealer, and setting powder.
• 粉底液 (fěndǐ yè) - Liquid foundation. The most common form of 粉底.
• 气垫 (qìdiàn) - Cushion foundation. An extremely popular product format in Asia, consisting of a sponge soaked in foundation in a compact.
• 遮瑕 (zhēxiá) - Concealer / to conceal. The product used to cover specific blemishes, dark circles, etc.
• 隔离霜 (gélíshuāng) - Primer (lit. “isolation cream”). A product applied before foundation to create a smooth base and protect the skin.
• 散粉 (sǎnfěn) - Loose powder. Used to set foundation and control oil.
• 粉饼 (fěnbǐng) - Pressed powder. A solid powder in a compact, used for setting makeup or as a powder foundation itself.
• 色号 (sèhào) - Shade number. The specific color code of a foundation or other makeup product.
• 化妆品 (huàzhuāngpǐn) - Cosmetics. The general term for all makeup products.
• 美妆 (měizhuāng) - Beauty/Cosmetics. A more modern and trendy term, often used in media and by influencers (e.g., 美妆博主 - beauty blogger).