Learning a new language involves understanding the nuances of describing the world around us, and sensory adjectives in Chinese play a crucial role in helping learners express perceptions related to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. These adjectives add depth and clarity to descriptions, making conversations richer and more engaging. In this article, we will explore some common sensory adjectives in Chinese, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences.
美丽 (měilì) means “beautiful” and is often used to describe visual appeal.
这座山真美丽。
丑陋 (chǒulòu) translates to “ugly.” It’s used to describe something that is not pleasing to the eye.
那幅画真丑陋。
响亮 (xiǎngliàng) means “loud” or “sonorous.” It describes sounds that are strong and clear.
他的声音很响亮。
安静 (ānjìng) means “quiet” and is used to describe a lack of noise.
图书馆应该是安静的。
柔软 (róuruǎn) translates to “soft” and can refer to both touch (like a texture) and character (like a personality).
这张床垫很柔软。
粗糙 (cūcāo) means “rough” and can describe both physical textures and abstract concepts, like a rough estimate.
这块木头摸起来很粗糙。
香 (xiāng) means “fragrant” or “aromatic” and is used to describe pleasant smells.
这花儿真香。
臭 (chòu) translates to “stinky” or “smelly,” used for unpleasant odors.
这垃圾真臭。
甜 (tián) means “sweet” and is often used to describe flavors.
这块巧克力很甜。
苦 (kǔ) means “bitter,” useful for describing certain tastes, like coffee or medicine.
这杯咖啡太苦了。
咸 (xián) translates to “salty.” It’s a basic taste descriptor in Chinese cuisine.
这碗汤太咸了。
辣 (là) means “spicy” or “hot,” and is a characteristic of many traditional Chinese dishes.
这道菜真辣。
清淡 (qīngdàn) means “light” or “mild,” often used to describe food that is not heavy on flavors.
我喜欢吃清淡的食物。
酸 (suān) translates to “sour” and is another taste descriptor.
这个柠檬非常酸。
光滑 (guānghuá) means “smooth,” describing surfaces without roughness or irregularities.
这张纸很光滑。
明亮 (míngliàng) means “bright” or “luminous,” usually describing light or colors.
这个房间真明亮。
暗淡 (àndàn) translates to “dim” or “dull,” often used in the context of lighting or colors.
这盏灯太暗淡了。
哑 (yǎ) means “mute” or “dull,” and can describe sounds that lack intensity or brightness.
他的声音听起来有点哑。
喧闹 (xuānnào) means “noisy” or “boisterous,” often used to describe busy environments.
这个市场非常喧闹。
寂静 (jìjìng) translates to “silent” or “still,” describing very quiet or tranquil scenes.
夜晚的湖边很寂静。
Understanding these sensory adjectives in Chinese will help you describe experiences more vividly and connect more deeply with native speakers. Whether you’re discussing the taste of food, the sound of music, or the feel of fabric, these words will enrich your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of the Chinese language.
