dǎban: 打扮 - To Dress Up, To Make Up

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 打扮 (dǎban), which means “to dress up” or “to make up.” This guide explores the full meaning of dǎban, from the daily act of getting ready for a date to its cultural significance in showing respect. Discover how it differs from 化妆 (huàzhuāng), see practical example sentences, and understand its role in modern Chinese society.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dǎban
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To adorn oneself by choosing clothes, styling hair, and applying makeup to create a complete and intentional look.
• In a Nutshell: 打扮 (dǎban) is the all-encompassing term for the process of “getting ready.” It's not just about wearing clothes or putting on lipstick; it's the entire act of consciously improving one's appearance for an occasion. Think of it as the complete transformation from your “at-home” look to your “ready-to-go-out” look.

• 打 (dǎ): This is one of the most common characters in Chinese, often meaning “to hit” or “to strike.” However, it has many extended meanings, and here it functions as a general verb of action, similar to “to do” or “to make.” It provides the sense of taking action and putting in effort.
• 扮 (bàn): This character means “to play the part of,” “to disguise,” or “to dress up.” It contains the radical for “hand” (扌), suggesting an action done with the hands. It's often associated with actors or performers getting into costume.
• Together, 打扮 (dǎban) literally means “to make a look” or “to do a get-up.” The character 打 provides the action, and 扮 provides the purpose: to create a specific appearance or role.

In Chinese culture, 打扮 (dǎban) is often more than just personal expression; it's a form of social communication and respect. While individual style is increasingly important, the traditional view holds that dressing appropriately for an occasion is a sign of respect for the hosts, the event, and the other people present. This contrasts with some Western perspectives where “dressing up” might be seen primarily as a means of self-expression or conforming to a dress code. In China, showing up to a formal dinner, a wedding, or an important business meeting without having made an effort to 打扮 can be seen as disrespectful or careless. It implies you don't value the event or the people you are meeting. This ties into the concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face,” where presenting oneself well brings honor not only to the individual but also to their family or company. Therefore, a proper 打扮 is about maintaining social harmony and showing you understand your role in a given situation.

打扮 is a very common word used in everyday conversation.

• As a Verb (The Action): This is its most frequent use. It refers to the action of getting oneself ready.
  • e.g., `她出门前总要打扮一个小时。` (She always takes an hour to dress up before going out.)
• As a Noun (The Result): It can also refer to someone's overall look, style, or get-up.
  • e.g., `我喜欢你今天的打扮。` (I like your look/outfit today.)
• Connotation: It is generally neutral or positive, often used in compliments. However, it can carry a slightly negative tone if someone is perceived as overly vain or spending too much time on their appearance.
• Disguise or Pretence: A common pattern is `打扮成 (dǎban chéng)…`, meaning “to dress up as…” or “to disguise oneself as…”.
  • e.g., `万圣节他打扮成了超人。` (He dressed up as Superman for Halloween.)

• Example 1:
  • 她正在房间里打扮，准备去参加晚会。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài fángjiān lǐ dǎban, zhǔnbèi qù cānjiā wǎnhuì.
  • English: She is dressing up in her room, getting ready to go to the party.
  • Analysis: This is the most straightforward use of 打扮 as a verb, describing the general process of getting ready for an event.
• Example 2:
  • 你今天打扮得真漂亮！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ jīntiān dǎban de zhēn piàoliang!
  • English: You're dressed up so beautifully today!
  • Analysis: A very common compliment. The structure `[verb] + 得 + [adjective]` is used here to describe the result of the action.
• Example 3:
  • 这是什么重要的日子吗？你怎么打扮得这么正式？
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì shénme zhòngyào de rìzi ma? Nǐ zěnme dǎban de zhème zhèngshì?
  • English: Is it some important day? Why are you dressed up so formally?
  • Analysis: A typical question when you see someone dressed up more than usual. It connects 打扮 with the appropriateness of an occasion.
• Example 4:
  • 我很欣赏她的打扮风格，既简单又时尚。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ hěn xīnshǎng tā de dǎban fēnggé, jì jiǎndān yòu shíshàng.
  • English: I really admire her style of dress; it's both simple and fashionable.
  • Analysis: Here, 打扮 is used as a noun, meaning “style” or “look.”
• Example 5:
  • 为了面试，你应该把自己打扮得专业一点。
  • Pinyin: Wèile miànshì, nǐ yīnggāi bǎ zìjǐ dǎban de zhuānyè yīdiǎn.
  • English: For the interview, you should make yourself look a bit more professional.
  • Analysis: This shows how 打扮 is about creating a specific, appropriate image for a situation.
• Example 6:
  • 那个侦探打扮成一个游客来收集线索。
  • Pinyin: Nàge zhēntàn dǎban chéng yígè yóukè lái shōují xiànsuǒ.
  • English: That detective disguised himself as a tourist to gather clues.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the `打扮成…` structure, meaning “to dress up as” or “to disguise oneself as.”
• Example 7:
  • 她平时很朴素，不怎么喜欢打扮。
  • Pinyin: Tā píngshí hěn pǔsù, bù zěnme xǐhuān dǎban.
  • English: She is usually very plain and doesn't really like to dress up.
  • Analysis: This shows the opposite behavior, contrasting a plain style with the effort of 打扮.
• Example 8:
  • 妈妈把女儿打扮得像个小公主。
  • Pinyin: Māma bǎ nǚ'ér dǎban de xiàng gè xiǎo gōngzhǔ.
  • English: The mother dressed her daughter up like a little princess.
  • Analysis: This shows the verb can be used transitively, meaning someone is dressing up someone else. The `把` structure is common here.
• Example 9:
  • 他这个人太注重打扮了，每天花很多钱在衣服上。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén tài zhùzhòng dǎban le, měitiān huā hěn duō qián zài yīfu shàng.
  • English: He pays too much attention to his appearance, spending a lot of money on clothes every day.
  • Analysis: An example of a slightly negative connotation, implying vanity or excessive focus on appearance.
• Example 10:
  • 只是去趟超市，没必要这么打扮。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐshì qù tàng chāoshì, méi bìyào zhème dǎban.
  • English: We're just going to the supermarket, there's no need to get so dressed up.
  • Analysis: Highlights the idea that 打扮 is for occasions that require a certain level of presentation, not mundane errands.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 打扮 (dǎban), 化妆 (huàzhuāng), and 穿 (chuān).

• 打扮 (dǎban) vs. 化妆 (huàzhuāng):
  • 化妆 (huàzhuāng) specifically means to apply makeup (cosmetics) to the face. It is a part of the whole process.
  • 打扮 (dǎban) is the entire process: makeup, hair, clothes, accessories, etc. It's the big picture.
  • Correct: `她出门前要化妆，选衣服，好好打扮一下。` (Before going out, she needs to put on makeup, choose clothes, and get herself all ready.)
  • Incorrect/Redundant: `她化了妆，也打扮了。` (She put on makeup and she also dressed up.) While not grammatically wrong, it's like saying “I cooked eggs and I also made breakfast.” One is part of the other. Usually, you would just say `她打扮好了` (She's all ready/dressed up).
• 打扮 (dǎban) vs. 穿 (chuān):
  • 穿 (chuān) simply means to wear or to put on clothes. It's a neutral, daily action. You `穿` clothes every day.
  • 打扮 (dǎban) implies a conscious effort to create a coordinated and appealing look. You don't necessarily `打扮` every day.
  • Example: `我今天穿了一件蓝色的T恤。` (I am wearing a blue T-shirt today.) → A simple fact.
  • Example: `她为晚会精心打扮了一番。` (She dressed up elaborately for the party.) → Implies effort and special occasion.

• 化妆 (huàzhuāng) - To put on makeup. It is a specific action that is often a component of 打扮.
• 穿着 (chuānzhuó) - (Noun) Attire, style of dress. A more formal way to refer to what someone is wearing, similar to “apparel.”
• 装扮 (zhuāngbàn) - To dress up, to attire. A very close synonym to 打扮, but often implies a more elaborate costume or a specific role, like for a performance or a themed party.
• 收拾 (shōushi) - To tidy up, to pack. The phrase `收拾一下自己` (shōushi yīxià zìjǐ) means “to tidy oneself up,” a quicker, less formal version of 打扮.
• 造型 (zàoxíng) - (Noun) Look, style, model. Refers to the final created appearance, especially one styled by a professional (e.g., a hairstyle or a complete fashion look).
• 时尚 (shíshàng) - Fashion, fashionable. A person's 打扮 can be described as fashionable.
• 朴素 (pǔsù) - Simple, plain, unadorned. A direct antonym for a fancy or elaborate 打扮.
• 外表 (wàibiǎo) - Outward appearance. 打扮 is the action one takes to change or improve one's 外表.
• 形象 (xíngxiàng) - Image, persona. One's 打扮 contributes significantly to their overall personal or professional 形象.