héfú: 和服 - Kimono

• Keywords: 和服, héfú, hefu, kimono, Japanese clothing, traditional Japanese dress, what is hefu, Hanfu vs Kimono, Chinese for kimono, Yamato clothing
• Summary: 和服 (héfú) is the modern Chinese word for the kimono, the traditional national dress of Japan. While the characters literally mean “Japanese clothing,” it's crucial for learners to understand that this term exclusively refers to the Japanese garment and should not be confused with traditional Chinese clothing like 汉服 (hànfú). This entry explores the meaning of 和服, its cultural significance from a Chinese perspective, and how to correctly use the term to show cultural awareness.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): héfú
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The Japanese traditional garment, the kimono.
• In a Nutshell: 和服 (héfú) is the specific Chinese name for Japan's iconic traditional robe, the kimono. The word itself is a direct reference to Japan. It is not a general term for “traditional clothing” and is never used to describe clothing from China. Understanding this distinction is key to discussing East Asian culture accurately in Chinese.

• 和 (hé): While this character most commonly means “harmony,” “peace,” or “and,” in this context it acts as a specific cultural signifier for “Japanese.” It comes from the name 大和 (Dàhé), the “Yamato” people, the dominant native ethnic group of Japan. You will see 和 used in many other words related to Japan, such as 和食 (héshí, Japanese food) and 和风 (héfēng, Japanese style).
• 服 (fú): This character simply means “clothing,” “garment,” or “dress.” It's a common character in words related to attire, like 衣服 (yīfu, clothes) and 服务员 (fúwùyuán, attendant, literally “service person in uniform”).

When combined, 和 (hé) and 服 (fú) create a clear and literal meaning: “Japanese clothing,” which is understood by all Chinese speakers to mean the kimono.

The most important cultural context for a learner is distinguishing 和服 (héfú) from 汉服 (hànfú). To a beginner, these traditional East Asian garments might look similar, but they are culturally and historically distinct.

• 和服 (héfú) - Kimono: This is the national dress of Japan. It is a T-shaped, straight-lined robe worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. It is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right, and secured by a wide sash called an obi.
• 汉服 (hànfú) - Han Chinese Clothing: This is a general term for the pre-17th century traditional clothing of the Han Chinese people. It is a diverse category with many styles, but it is typically characterized by a crossing-collar garment (交领右衽, jiāolǐng yòurèn), with the right side lapped over the left, and is often paired with a skirt. It does not use a wide, stiff obi like the kimono.

For an American or Western learner, the distinction is similar to knowing the difference between a Scottish kilt and an Irish kilt. While they may seem similar to an outsider, they represent distinct national identities and traditions. Correctly identifying 和服 shows respect and cultural awareness. In modern China, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of 汉服, and the distinction between the two is a common topic of discussion among young people. Using the wrong term can cause confusion or be seen as culturally unaware.

和服 is used in everyday conversation in China whenever the topic is related to Japanese culture.

• Travel and Tourism: Chinese tourists visiting Japan often talk about renting a 和服 for a day to take pictures at temples in cities like Kyoto.
• Media and Pop Culture: When discussing Japanese anime, manga, dramas, or films, characters are often described as wearing a 和服.
• Cultural Events: Japanese festivals or cultural centers in China will feature people wearing 和服.

The connotation of the word itself is neutral—it's simply the name for an item of clothing. However, due to the complex history between China and Japan, wearing a 和服 in public in China can sometimes be a sensitive issue, particularly around historically significant dates. This is an advanced cultural nuance, but it's important to be aware that the act of wearing a 和服 in China can carry more weight than it does in Western countries.

• Example 1:
  • 我去京都旅游的时候，体验了一下穿和服。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ qù Jīngdū lǚyóu de shíhou, tǐyàn le yīxià chuān héfú.
  • English: When I traveled to Kyoto, I experienced wearing a kimono.
  • Analysis: This is a very common sentence structure for talking about travel experiences. 体验 (tǐyàn) means “to experience.”
• Example 2:
  • 这部日本动漫里的女主角总是穿着漂亮的和服。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù Rìběn dòngmàn lǐ de nǚzhǔjué zǒngshì chuānzhe piàoliang de héfú.
  • English: The female protagonist in this Japanese anime is always wearing a beautiful kimono.
  • Analysis: This shows how the word is used when discussing pop culture.
• Example 3:
  • 你觉得红色的和服好看还是蓝色的好看？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ juéde hóngsè de héfú hǎokàn háishì lánsè de hǎokàn?
  • English: Do you think the red kimono is prettier or the blue one?
  • Analysis: A simple comparison question. The structure “…好看还是…好看?” is a common way to ask for a preference.
• Example 4:
  • 租一套和服一天要多少钱？
  • Pinyin: Zū yī tào héfú yī tiān yào duōshǎo qián?
  • English: How much does it cost to rent a kimono for a day?
  • Analysis: 租 (zū) means “to rent,” and a classifier 套 (tào) is used for a set or outfit.
• Example 5:
  • 她的和服看起来非常高贵典雅。
  • Pinyin: Tā de héfú kànqǐlái fēicháng gāoguì diǎnyǎ.
  • English: Her kimono looks very noble and elegant.
  • Analysis: 高贵 (gāoguì) and 典雅 (diǎnyǎ) are great adjectives to use for describing formal attire.
• Example 6:
  • 在日本，人们会在成人节和婚礼等特殊场合穿和服。
  • Pinyin: Zài Rìběn, rénmen huì zài chéngrénjié hé hūnlǐ děng tèshū chǎnghé chuān héfú.
  • English: In Japan, people wear kimonos on special occasions like Coming of Age Day and weddings.
  • Analysis: This sentence provides cultural context about when kimonos are worn in Japan.
• Example 7:
  • 这不是汉服，这是日本的和服，你看腰带不一样。
  • Pinyin: Zhè búshì Hànfú, zhè shì Rìběn de héfú, nǐ kàn yāodài bù yīyàng.
  • English: This isn't Hanfu, it's a Japanese kimono. Look, the sash is different.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of someone correcting a common mistake, highlighting the visual difference (腰带, yāodài - sash/belt).
• Example 8:
  • 学习如何正确地穿和服是一个复杂的过程。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí rúhé zhèngquè de chuān héfú shì yī ge fùzá de guòchéng.
  • English: Learning how to properly wear a kimono is a complicated process.
  • Analysis: This sentence acknowledges the complexity and tradition associated with the garment.
• Example 9:
  • 夏天穿的那种比较轻便的和服叫做“浴衣”。
  • Pinyin: Xiàtiān chuān de nà zhǒng bǐjiào qīngbiàn de héfú jiàozuò “yùyī”.
  • English: The lighter kind of kimono worn in summer is called a “yukata”.
  • Analysis: This introduces a related term, 浴衣 (yùyī), showing a deeper level of knowledge. Note that 浴衣 is a loanword from Japanese.
• Example 10:
  • 我妈妈买了一件丝绸和服作为艺术品挂在墙上。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ māma mǎi le yī jiàn sīchóu héfú zuòwéi yìshùpǐn guà zài qiáng shàng.
  • English: My mom bought a silk kimono to hang on the wall as a piece of art.
  • Analysis: This shows that the 和服 is also appreciated for its aesthetic value, not just as clothing. The measure word for clothes is 件 (jiàn).

The single most common and significant mistake for a learner is confusing 和服 (héfú) with 汉服 (hànfú).

• False Equivalence: Do not use 和服 as a general term for any traditional East Asian robe. It means “kimono” and only “kimono.”
• Incorrect Identification: Pointing at someone wearing traditional Chinese clothing and calling it a 和服 is a major cultural mistake. It's like calling a German lederhosen a Scottish kilt.

Example of Incorrect Usage:

• `你看那个中国历史电影，皇帝穿的和服真华丽！` (Look at that Chinese historical movie, the kimono the emperor is wearing is so magnificent!)
• Why it's wrong: Chinese emperors wore various forms of 汉服 (or other dynastic clothing), never a 和服. The correct term would be 龙袍 (lóngpáo, dragon robe) or simply a more general term like 传统服装 (chuántǒng fúzhuāng, traditional clothing).

Remember: 和 (hé) = Japanese, 汉 (hàn) = Han Chinese. Keeping this distinction in mind will prevent 99% of mistakes with this word.

• 汉服 (hànfú) - The most important related term. A broad category of traditional clothing worn by Han Chinese people before the Qing Dynasty. The direct Chinese counterpart to the Japanese 和服.
• 浴衣 (yùyī) - The “Yukata,” a casual, unlined cotton kimono worn in summer, especially to festivals. The Chinese term is a direct loanword from Japanese.
• 旗袍 (qípáo) - The “Cheongsam,” a form-fitting Chinese dress for women, created in the early 20th century. It is well-known but is not ancient like Hanfu.
• 唐装 (tángzhuāng) - The “Tang Suit,” a modern type of Chinese jacket with a mandarin collar, often worn during festivals. Despite its name, it does not resemble clothing from the Tang Dynasty.
• 日本 (rìběn) - Japan. The country of origin for the 和服.
• 服装 (fúzhuāng) - A general and more formal term for “clothing” or “attire.” You could say 和服是一种日本的传统服装 (Héfú shì yī zhǒng Rìběn de chuántǒng fúzhuāng).
• 和风 (héfēng) - “Japanese style.” Used to describe aesthetics in design, art, food, and lifestyle that are characteristically Japanese.
• 传统 (chuántǒng) - Tradition; traditional. An adjective used to describe items like 和服 and 汉服.
• 吴服 (wúfú) - An older or more technical term for kimono, originating from the idea that the weaving techniques came from the ancient Chinese state of Wu (吴). Less common in everyday speech than 和服.