Understanding "雨衣" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 雨衣
• Pinyin: yǔ yī
• Literal Meaning: "rain" (雨) + "clothing" (衣) = "rain clothing"
• Primary Meaning: A raincoat or waterproof outerwear worn to protect against rain.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "雨衣" refers specifically to a raincoat or any waterproof garment designed to keep the wearer dry in rainy weather.
• It is commonly used in daily conversations, weather forecasts, or when preparing for outdoor activities in the rain.

• Unlike "umbrella" (雨伞, yǔ sǎn), which is held overhead, "雨衣" is worn on the body, offering hands-free protection.

• Character Breakdown:

• 雨 (yǔ): Means "rain." It appears in many weather-related terms (e.g., 下雨, xià yǔ, "to rain").
• 衣 (yī): Means "clothing" or "garment." It’s a common character in words related to apparel (e.g., 衣服, yī fu, "clothes").

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 今天下雨了，记得带雨衣。
   Pinyin: Jīntiān xià yǔ le, jìde dài yǔyī.
   English: It’s raining today; remember to bring your raincoat.

2. Chinese: 他的雨衣是黄色的，很显眼。
   Pinyin: Tā de yǔyī shì huángsè de, hěn xiǎnyǎn.
   English: His raincoat is yellow and very noticeable.

3. Chinese: 骑自行车时穿雨衣比打伞方便。
   Pinyin: Qí zìxíngchē shí chuān yǔyī bǐ dǎ sǎn fāngbiàn.
   English: Wearing a raincoat is more convenient than holding an umbrella when riding a bike.

Cultural Notes

• In China, raincoats are widely used by cyclists and scooter riders, as umbrellas are impractical while riding.
• Brightly colored or reflective raincoats are popular for safety reasons, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.
• Traditional Chinese raincoats were made of straw or oiled paper, but modern versions are typically plastic or waterproof fabric.

Conclusion

"雨衣" (yǔ yī) is a practical and essential word for anyone learning Chinese, especially in regions with frequent rain. Remember: 雨 = rain, 衣 = clothing, and together they form "raincoat." Use it when discussing weather preparations or outdoor activities!