mǎjiǎxiàn: 马甲线 - Defined Abs, "Vest Lines"
Quick Summary
Keywords: majiaxian, 马甲线, defined abs in Chinese, vest lines, ab crack Chinese, Chinese fitness terms, Chinese beauty standards, toned stomach, how to say abs in Chinese, female six-pack
Summary: “马甲线 (mǎjiǎxiàn)” is a popular, modern Chinese internet slang term for the vertical lines that appear on a woman's toned abdomen, often called “defined abs” or “ab cracks” in English. Literally translating to “vest lines,” the term signifies a specific, desirable physique in contemporary Chinese fitness culture—slim yet strong. This page explores the meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage of this aspirational fitness goal in modern China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): mǎjiǎxiàn
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: N/A
Concise Definition: The two vertical lines on a toned female abdomen that frame the rectus abdominis muscle.
In a Nutshell: “马甲线” is a visual buzzword for a very specific look: a flat, toned stomach on a woman where two straight vertical lines are visible. It's considered the perfect balance between being slender and being fit, without being overly muscular like a traditional “six-pack.” Achieving “马甲线” is a common fitness goal for young women in China and a symbol of self-discipline and health.
Character Breakdown
马 (mǎ): Horse.
甲 (jiǎ): Armor, shell.
线 (xiàn): Line, thread.
These characters combine to form a vivid metaphor. 马甲 (mǎjiǎ) is the Chinese word for a “vest” or “waistcoat.” The term likely arose because the defined abdominal muscles and the lines framing them resemble the shape of a form-fitting vest. Therefore, 马甲线 (mǎjiǎxiàn) literally means “vest lines”—the lines that give your torso the appearance of wearing a natural, muscular vest.
Cultural Context and Significance
“马甲线” is a distinctly modern term that skyrocketed in popularity with the rise of social media and celebrity fitness culture in China around the 2010s. It represents a significant shift in beauty standards for women, moving from a focus on pure thinness to an appreciation for a “healthy,” toned, and strong physique.
Aspirational Fitness Goal: On platforms like Weibo (微博) and Xiaohongshu (小红书), “马甲线” is a hashtag, a goal, and a status symbol. Celebrities and fitness influencers frequently “show off” (晒 shài) their “马甲线,” inspiring millions of followers to pursue the same look through diet and exercise. It embodies modern values of self-discipline, health-consciousness, and personal achievement.
Comparison to Western Concepts: In the West, people talk about having “toned abs,” a “flat stomach,” or a “six-pack.” While similar, “马甲线” is more specific and aesthetic. It's not just about low body fat; it's about the presence of those two particular vertical lines. A full “six-pack” (腹肌 fùjī) can sometimes be seen as “too masculine” for women in this aesthetic, making the sleeker “马甲线” the more coveted prize. It's a precise visual target, much like other viral Chinese body-image trends such as the “A4 waist” (A4腰).
Practical Usage in Modern China
“马甲线” is an informal, colloquial term used widely in everyday conversations, especially among younger people.
Social Media & Fitness: This is its primary home. Users post their progress with captions like “马甲线打卡” (mǎjiǎxiàn dǎkǎ - “vest line check-in”). Fitness apps and gym promotions often use the term to attract female clients.
Conversation: Friends might praise each other for developing “马甲线” or complain about losing theirs after a holiday.
Connotation: It's almost exclusively positive and aspirational. Having “马甲线” is seen as an impressive accomplishment.
Formality: Highly informal. You would not use it in academic or very formal writing, unless the topic is modern slang itself.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
为了夏天能穿比基尼，我一定要练出马甲线！
Pinyin: Wèi le xiàtiān néng chuān bǐjīní, wǒ yīdìng yào liàn chū mǎjiǎxiàn!
English: In order to wear a bikini this summer, I must get defined abs!
Analysis: This shows “马甲线” as a clear fitness goal, often linked to seasonal events like summer. “练出 (liàn chū)” means “to train until it comes out,” a common collocation.
Example 2:
你看那个女演员，她的马甲线太漂亮了。
Pinyin: Nǐ kàn nàge nǚ yǎnyuán, tā de mǎjiǎxiàn tài piàoliang le.
English: Look at that actress, her defined abs are so beautiful.
Analysis: This demonstrates how “马甲线” is admired as a feature of beauty, often discussed in the context of celebrities.
Example 3:
请问，做什么运动可以最快地练成马甲线？
Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, zuò shénme yùndòng kěyǐ zuì kuài de liàn chéng mǎjiǎxiàn?
English: Excuse me, what exercises are the fastest for getting “vest lines”?
Analysis: A practical question one might ask a personal trainer or search for online. “练成 (liàn chéng)” means “to successfully develop through training.”
Example 4:
她每天在朋友圈晒自己的马甲线，真让人羡慕。
Pinyin: Tā měitiān zài péngyǒuquān shài zìjǐ de mǎjiǎxiàn, zhēn ràng rén xiànmù.
English: She shows off her defined abs on her WeChat Moments every day; it really makes people envious.
Analysis: “晒 (shài),” which literally means “to sunbathe,” is internet slang for “to show off” or “to post online.” This highlights the social media context of the term.
Example 5:
我今年的健身目标就是拥有清晰的马甲线。
Pinyin: Wǒ jīnnián de jiànshēn mùbiāo jiùshì yōngyǒu qīngxī de mǎjiǎxiàn.
English: My fitness goal this year is to have clear “vest lines.”
Analysis: The adjective “清晰的 (qīngxī de)” meaning “clear” or “distinct” is often used to describe well-defined “马甲线.”
Example 6:
光靠节食是出不来马甲线的，必须配合力量训练。
Pinyin: Guāng kào jiéshí shì chū bù lái mǎjiǎxiàn de, bìxū pèihé lìliàng xùnliàn.
English: You can't get defined abs just by dieting; you must incorporate strength training.
Analysis: This sentence provides practical advice and context, showing the recognized need for both diet and exercise.
Example 7:
最近吃得太好了，我的马甲线都快看不见了。
Pinyin: Zuìjìn chī de tài hǎo le, wǒ de mǎjiǎxiàn dōu kuài kàn bù jiàn le.
English: I've been eating too well recently, my defined abs have almost disappeared.
Analysis: A common, humorous complaint that shows the feature is not permanent and requires maintenance.
Example 8:
对很多女生来说，马甲线比六块腹肌更有吸引力。
Pinyin: Duì hěn duō nǚshēng lái shuō, mǎjiǎxiàn bǐ liù kuài fùjī gèng yǒu xīyǐnlì.
English: For many girls, “vest lines” are more attractive than a six-pack.
Analysis: This sentence directly contrasts “马甲线” with “腹肌 (fùjī),” highlighting the cultural nuance explained earlier.
Example 9:
她穿着一件露脐上衣，自信地秀出了她的马甲线。
Pinyin: Tā chuānzhe yī jiàn lù qí shàngyī, zìxìn de xiù chūle tā de mǎjiǎxiàn.
English: She wore a crop top, confidently showing off her defined abs.
Analysis: “露脐 (lù qí)” means “to reveal the navel,” and “秀 (xiù)” is a loanword from the English “show.” This demonstrates how fashion and modern slang intertwine around this concept.
Example 10:
恭喜你！坚持了三个月，你的马甲线终于出来了！
Pinyin: Gōngxǐ nǐ! Jiānchí le sān ge yuè, nǐ de mǎjiǎxiàn zhōngyú chūlái le!
English: Congratulations! After persevering for three months, your defined abs have finally appeared!
Analysis: A sentence of encouragement and praise, emphasizing the hard work (“坚持 jiānchí”) required.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
腹肌 (fùjī) - Abdominal muscles; “six-pack.” The more general and often masculine-coded term for defined abs.
人鱼线 (rényúxiàn) - “Mermaid line.” The V-shaped muscles on the lower abdomen of a fit man, also called the “Adonis belt.” It's the primary male equivalent of `马甲线`.
健身 (jiànshēn) - Fitness; to work out. The general activity one does to achieve `马甲线`.
身材 (shēncái) - Body shape; figure. `马甲线` is considered a key component of a good `身材` in modern standards.
A4腰 (A4 yāo) - “A4 waist.” Another viral, specific body standard where a woman's waist is narrower than the width of a vertical A4 sheet of paper.
蜜桃臀 (mìtáo tún) - “Peach butt.” A popular term for a round, firm, and shapely buttock, another key fitness goal often paired with `马甲线`.
减肥 (jiǎnféi) - To lose weight. Often seen as the first step before one can “carve out” their `马甲线`.
网红 (wǎnghóng) - Internet celebrity. The group of people largely responsible for popularizing terms like `马甲线`.
打卡 (dǎkǎ) - To check in; to punch a clock. Used online to mean publicly logging progress on a goal (e.g., “健身打卡” - “fitness check-in”).