11 Chinese Winter Words for Snowy Days

Summary: Learn key Chinese terms for snow, wind, warm clothing like down jackets and long underwear, plus winter essentials such as heaters and hot pot. Master these to enjoy and survive winter in China.

Snowy days in China hit different — especially if it's your first winter here. 

From icy streets to genius heating hacks, these words will help you survive (and even enjoy) winter like a local 🧣

PART 01. THE SNOW

雪

xuě

snow

下雪 (xià xuě) ∙ to snow

 EXAMPLE 

外面下雪了，好美！

Wàimiàn xià xuě le, hǎo měi!

It's snowing outside - looks so pretty!

 BONUS 

大雪 (dàxuě) ∙ heavy snow

暴雪 (bàoxuě) ∙ blizzard

PART 02. THE WIND

风 

fēng

wind

 EXAMPLE 

昨天的风太大了。

Zuótiān de fēng tài dà le.

Yesterday the wind was too strong.

PART 03. STAYING WARM

羽绒服

yǔróngfú

down jacket

围巾

wéijīn

scarf

手套

shǒutào

gloves

秋裤

qiūkù

long underwear pants (lit."autumn-pants")*

*non-negotiable for winter 😅

 EXAMPLE 

生存真理：冬天不穿秋裤，会后悔。

Shēngcún zhēnlǐ: dōngtiān bù chuān qiūkù, huì hòuhuǐ.

Survival truth: those who don't wear thermal leggings in winter, regret it later.

 BONUS (TAOBAO KEYWORDS) 

保暖 (bǎonuǎn) ∙ thermal; "heat preserving"

保暖裤 (bǎonuǎnkù) ∙ thermal pants

保暖背心 (bǎonuǎn bèixīn) ∙ thermal shirt

保暖内衣 (bǎonuǎn nèiyī) ∙ thermal underwear

PART 04. WINTER SUPER-WEAPONS

暖气

nuǎnqì

heating / heater

暖宝宝

nuǎnbǎobao

heat patch / hand warmer

电热毯

diànrètǎn

electric blanket

 EXAMPLE 

我晚上一定要开电热毯。

Wǒ wǎnshang yídìng yào kāi diànrètǎn.

I must turn on the electric blanket at night.

热水瓶

rèshuǐpíng

hot water bottle / thermos

火锅

huǒguō

hot pot

 EXAMPLE 

下雪天最适合吃火锅。

Xiàxuětiān zuì shìhé chī huǒguō.

Snowy days are perfect for hotpot.

Winter in China is cold - but the vocabulary is warm!

Learn these words, wear your 秋裤 qiūkù,

and you're officially winter-ready ❄️🧤

Practice with Teachers

              

To discuss more winter survival tips

with a Chinese teacher, 

book a free trial class with us 👇

Have questions?

Ask us on WeChat!

@thatsmandarin006