紈 (wán) - Fine white silk & silk fabric

紈Tone 2

wán ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

婷婉

紈 · wán

Fine white silk;

silk fabric;

used metaphorically for luxury and wealth.

Fine white silksilk fabricused metaphorically for luxury and wealth.

Usage highlights

Fine white silkSilk trousersSons of the richSilk fanSilk and gauze

Synonyms

  • 绸— silk fabric
  • 缎— satin
  • 绮— damask silk

Antonyms

  • 布— cloth (plain, common fabric)
  • 俭— frugal (opposite of luxurious)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She wore a dress made of fine silk (纨绔).
  • The wealthy family lived in luxury (纨绔子弟).
  • Ancient aristocrats wore silk garments (纨素).

Collocations

  • Fine white silk(纨素)
  • Silk trousers(纨绔)
  • Sons of the rich(纨绔子弟)
  • Silk fan(纨扇)
  • Silk and gauze(纨绮)

Idioms

  • Spoiled sons of the rich(纨绔子弟)
  • Wearing fine silk and eating meat(纨绔膏粱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to fine white silk worn by aristocrats in ancient China.
  • By extension, came to symbolize wealth, luxury, and the idle rich.
  • Often used in classical literature to describe the lavish lifestyle of the upper class.

FAQ