When combined, 时髦 (shímáo) literally translates to something like “the distinguished style of the times” or “the fashion of the era.” It perfectly captures the idea of a style that is prominent and desirable right now.
In China, the concept of being 时髦 has undergone a dramatic transformation. For decades, particularly during the mid-20th century, conformity was emphasized, and fashion was largely uniform (e.g., the “Mao suit” or 中山装, zhōngshānzhuāng). To be 时髦 was not a widespread aspiration. Today, in urban China, being 时髦 is a significant aspect of modern life and self-expression, fueled by global brands, social media, and a booming economy. A useful comparison is between 时髦 (shímáo) and the English word “trendy.” While very similar, “trendy” can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a fleeting or superficial fad (e.g., “He's a trendy dresser, but has no personal style”). 时髦, on the other hand, is almost always a neutral-to-positive compliment. It simply means someone or something is aligned with the current, accepted aesthetic. It's less about being a “fashion victim” and more about being pleasantly up-to-date.
时髦 is a very common and versatile adjective used across different age groups in daily conversation.
The term is generally informal but not slang, so it can be used in most everyday situations without sounding out of place. It carries a positive connotation; being called 时髦 is always a good thing.