笫 (zǐ) - Bed mat & sleeping mat

笫Tone 3

zǐ ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

志

笫 · zǐ

Bed mat;

sleeping mat;

used in classical texts to refer to bedding.

Bed matsleeping matused in classical texts to refer to bedding.

Usage highlights

bed matsleeping matbamboo matprivate conversationmat preparationbedding

Synonyms

  • 席— mat; seat
  • 床— bed
  • 褥— mattress; bedding

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bed mat (床笫) needs to be cleaned.
  • They discussed private matters (笫之言) in the bedroom.
  • Ancient sleeping mats (寝笫) were made of bamboo.
  • He prepared the sleeping mat (铺笫) for the guest.

Collocations

  • bed mat(床笫)
  • sleeping mat(寝笫)
  • bamboo mat(竹笫)
  • private conversation(笫之言)
  • mat preparation(铺笫)
  • bedding(卧笫)

Idioms

  • Private pillow talk(床笫之私)
  • Intimate matters(笫间之事)
  • Bedchamber affairs(闺笫之语)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to bamboo sleeping mats in ancient China.
  • Often used in classical literature to denote private, intimate matters through the association with the bedroom.
  • The character is rare in modern usage but appears in historical texts and classical references.

FAQ