xiāo

绡

Character · NounTraditional綃

raw silk; thin silk fabric

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 5 examples
1.

noun

raw silk; unprocessed silk

literary

Refers to silk in its natural, unprocessed state before weaving. Primarily used in classical texts.

Zhè这
xiāo绡
zhì质
dì地
guāng光
huá滑
 ，
shì适
yú于
zhī织
zào造
 。

This raw silk has a smooth texture, suitable for weaving.

Gǔ古
dài代
yǐ以
xiāo绡
wéi为
guì贵
 ，
cháng常
yòng用
yú于
mào贸
yì易
 。

In ancient times, raw silk was considered precious and often used in trade.

2.

noun

thin silk fabric; gauze; light translucent silk

literary

A delicate, sheer fabric woven from raw silk, often appearing in classical poetry and literature to describe lightweight garments or veils.

Tā她
shēn身
pī披
qīng轻
xiāo绡
 ，
wǎn宛
rú如
xiān仙
zǐ子
 。

She draped herself in light gauze, looking just like a fairy.

Bīng冰
xiāo绡
báo薄
rú如
chán蝉
yì翼
 ，
tòu透
ér而
wēi微
liáng凉
 。

The ice-like silk was as thin as a cicada's wing, translucent and slightly cool.

Show 1 more example
Chuán传
shuō说
jiāo鲛
rén人
zhī织
shuǐ水
chéng成
xiāo绡
 ，
lèi泪
luò落
chéng成
zhū珠
 。

Legend says that mermaids weave water into gauze and their tears fall as pearls.