Understanding "晾衣" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 晾衣
• Pinyin: liàng yī
• Literal Meaning: "晾" (liàng) means "to air" or "to dry in the air," and "衣" (yī) means "clothing." Together, they literally mean "to air clothes."
• Primary Meaning: The act of hanging clothes out to dry, typically in the sun or a well-ventilated area.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"晾衣" is a common term used in daily life to describe the process of drying clothes by hanging them outdoors or indoors. It implies airing clothes naturally, often under sunlight, which is a traditional and energy-saving method in China. The word is neutral and can be used in various contexts, such as household chores or laundry-related discussions.

Character Breakdown

• 晾 (liàng): This character combines the radical "日" (rì, meaning "sun") with the phonetic component "京" (jīng). It conveys the idea of exposing something to the air or sunlight to dry.
• 衣 (yī): This character means "clothing" or "garments." It’s a common character in words related to apparel.

Together, "晾衣" emphasizes the action of drying clothes by airing them out.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 妈妈在阳台上晾衣。
   Pinyin: Māma zài yángtái shàng liàng yī.
   English: Mom is hanging the clothes to dry on the balcony.

2. Chinese: 下雨了，快把晾衣收进来！
   Pinyin: Xià yǔ le, kuài bǎ liàng yī shōu jìnlái!
   English: It’s raining, quickly bring the drying clothes inside!

3. Chinese: 晾衣架是用来晾衣的工具。
   Pinyin: Liàng yī jià shì yòng lái liàng yī de gōngjù.
   English: A clothes drying rack is a tool used for hanging clothes to dry.

Cultural Notes

In China, "晾衣" is a deeply ingrained practice, especially in residential areas where balconies are often filled with clothes drying under the sun. Many households prefer this method over using electric dryers, as it saves energy and is believed to be more hygienic (sunlight can kill bacteria). In urban areas, you might see bamboo poles or retractable clotheslines extending from windows, a sight that reflects practical living habits. However, in some modern apartments, communal drying spaces or indoor drying racks are more common due to space constraints.

Conclusion

"晾衣" (liàng yī) is a practical term for the everyday activity of drying clothes by airing them. Remember the characters: "晾" for airing and "衣" for clothing. Whether you’re doing laundry or observing Chinese households, this word is essential for understanding a simple yet culturally significant practice.