shēchǐpǐn: 奢侈品 - Luxury Goods, Luxuries

• Keywords: shechipin, 奢侈品, luxury goods in Chinese, Chinese word for luxury, what is shechipin, Chinese luxury market, high-end goods, designer brands in China, conspicuous consumption China, 面子, mianzi
• Summary: The Chinese term 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) literally translates to “luxury goods.” This page explores the deep cultural and economic significance of 奢侈品 in modern China, where they are not just expensive items but powerful symbols of success, social status, and “face” (面子). Learn how to use this HSK 6 word correctly in conversation, understand its connection to the concept of the “nouveau riche” (土豪), and discover related terms that will enrich your understanding of Chinese consumer culture.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shēchǐpǐn
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: Expensive, non-essential goods or products purchased for status, comfort, or pleasure.
• In a Nutshell: 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) are what we call “luxury goods” in English—think Chanel bags, Rolex watches, and Ferraris. However, the term goes beyond a simple price tag. In China, these items are deeply connected to social dynamics, representing achievement and public standing. They are tangible proof that one has succeeded in a highly competitive society.

• 奢 (shē): Extravagant, luxurious. This character combines 大 (dà - big) and 者 (zhě - a person or thing), suggesting something grand or a person with expansive tastes.
• 侈 (chǐ): Extravagant, wasteful. This character is composed of the person radical 亻(rén) and 多 (duō - much, many). It vividly paints a picture of a person who has or desires too much.
• 品 (pǐn): Goods, product, item; quality. This character is made of three 口 (kǒu - mouth/opening), which can represent a collection of items or categories of things.

When combined, 奢侈 (shēchǐ) is an adjective meaning “luxurious” or “extravagant.” Adding 品 (pǐn) turns it into the noun 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn), literally “extravagant goods.” The repetition of the “extravagant” concept in the first two characters emphasizes the non-essential, high-end nature of these items.

In China, the concept of 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) is inextricably linked to the idea of 面子 (miànzi), or “face”—a combination of one's social standing, reputation, and the respect others give them. After decades of economic austerity followed by explosive growth, conspicuous consumption became a primary way to signal success and gain face. While in Western cultures, “quiet luxury” (understated, high-quality items) can be a status symbol, in China, highly visible logos and recognizable brands have traditionally been more important. Owning a famous brand's product is an unambiguous public statement of one's wealth and social mobility. It says, “I have worked hard and succeeded.” This is especially true for gift-giving in business and personal contexts. Gifting a 奢侈品 is a powerful way to show respect, build 关系 (guānxi), and give face to the receiver. However, with the rise of a more mature consumer market and government anti-corruption campaigns, there is a growing trend towards “low-key luxury” and appreciating craftsmanship over logos, though visible branding remains highly prevalent.

奢侈品 is a common term used in a variety of contexts, from everyday chat to economic reports.

• In Conversation: People use it to talk about shopping, fashion trends, or someone's lifestyle. For example, friends might discuss which new 奢侈品 bag they want to buy.
• Business and Media: News reports and business analyses frequently mention the 奢侈品市场 (shēchǐpǐn shìchǎng - luxury goods market) and 奢侈品消费 (shēchǐpǐn xiāofèi - luxury goods consumption).
• Social Media: Influencers (网红 - wǎnghóng) often post “unboxing” videos of the latest 奢侈品, and the term is a common hashtag.
• Connotation: As a noun, 奢侈品 is neutral. However, the related adjective 奢侈 (shēchǐ) can have a slightly negative connotation, implying wastefulness or excess if used to describe a person's behavior (e.g., “他生活太奢侈了” - Tā shēnghuó tài shēchǐ le - “His lifestyle is too extravagant”).

• Example 1:
• 很多年轻人努力工作，就是为了买一件奢侈品。
• Pinyin: Hěn duō niánqīngrén nǔlì gōngzuò, jiùshì wèile mǎi yī jiàn shēchǐpǐn.
• English: A lot of young people work hard just to be able to buy one luxury item.
• Analysis: This sentence reflects a common aspiration in modern China, linking hard work directly to the reward of purchasing luxury goods.
• Example 2:
• 这款手表是世界顶级的奢侈品，价格非常昂贵。
• Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn shǒubiǎo shì shìjiè dǐngjí de shēchǐpǐn, jiàgé fēicháng ángguì.
• English: This watch is a world-class luxury good; its price is extremely expensive.
• Analysis: Here, 奢侈品 is used to classify a high-end product. 顶级 (dǐngjí) means “top-level.”
• Example 3:
• 你觉得花三个月的工资买一个包算是奢侈品消费吗？
• Pinyin: Nǐ juéde huā sān ge yuè de gōngzī mǎi yī ge bāo suànshì shēchǐpǐn xiāofèi ma?
• English: Do you think spending three months' salary on a bag counts as luxury consumption?
• Analysis: This question explores the subjective nature of what constitutes a “luxury.” 消费 (xiāofèi) means “consumption” or “spending.”
• Example 4:
• 中国的奢侈品市场正在快速增长。
• Pinyin: Zhōngguó de shēchǐpǐn shìchǎng zhèngzài kuàisù zēngzhǎng.
• English: China's luxury goods market is growing rapidly.
• Analysis: A common phrase used in business and economic news. 市场 (shìchǎng) means “market.”
• Example 5:
• 对他来说，出国旅游已经不是奢侈品了，而是生活的一部分。
• Pinyin: Duì tā lái shuō, chūguó lǚyóu yǐjīng búshì shēchǐpǐn le, érshì shēnghuó de yī bùfèn.
• English: For him, traveling abroad is no longer a luxury, but a part of life.
• Analysis: This shows how the definition of “luxury” can change with increased wealth. The structure “不是…而是…” (búshì… érshì…) means “is not… but rather…”
• Example 6:
• 有些人购买奢侈品是为了炫富，有些人则是为了欣赏它的工艺。
• Pinyin: Yǒuxiē rén gòumǎi shēchǐpǐn shì wèile xuànfù, yǒuxiē rén zéshì wèile xīnshǎng tā de gōngyì.
• English: Some people buy luxury goods to show off their wealth, while others do so to appreciate the craftsmanship.
• Analysis: This sentence highlights the different motivations behind purchasing luxury goods. 炫富 (xuànfù) is a key related term.
• Example 7:
• 二手奢侈品店在中国越来越受欢迎。
• Pinyin: Èrshǒu shēchǐpǐn diàn zài Zhōngguó yuèláiyuè shòu huānyíng.
• English: Second-hand luxury goods stores are becoming more and more popular in China.
• Analysis: Points to a newer trend in the market. 二手 (èrshǒu) literally means “second hand.”
• Example 8:
• 他送给客户的礼物都是名牌奢侈品，非常大方。
• Pinyin: Tā sònggěi kèhù de lǐwù dōu shì míngpái shēchǐpǐn, fēicháng dàfang.
• English: The gifts he gives to clients are all famous-brand luxury goods; he is very generous.
• Analysis: This demonstrates the role of 奢侈品 in business gift-giving culture. 大方 (dàfang) means “generous.”
• Example 9:
• 这个商场只卖进口奢侈品。
• Pinyin: Zhège shāngchǎng zhǐ mài jìnkǒu shēchǐpǐn.
• English: This mall only sells imported luxury goods.
• Analysis: A simple, practical sentence you might use when describing a shopping mall. 进口 (jìnkǒu) means “imported.”
• Example 10:
• 投资奢侈品有一定的风险，因为时尚潮流总是在变。
• Pinyin: Tóuzī shēchǐpǐn yǒu yīdìng de fēngxiǎn, yīnwèi shíshàng cháoliú zǒngshì zài biàn.
• English: Investing in luxury goods has certain risks because fashion trends are always changing.
• Analysis: This sentence treats 奢侈品 as an asset class, showing the term's versatility.

• 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) vs. 奢侈 (shēchǐ): A common mistake for learners is confusing the noun and the adjective.
  • 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) is a noun (“luxury goods”).
  • 奢侈 (shēchǐ) is an adjective (“luxurious,” “extravagant”).
  • Incorrect: 这个包很奢侈品。(Zhège bāo hěn shēchǐpǐn.)
  • Correct: 这个包是奢侈品。(Zhège bāo shì shēchǐpǐn.) - This bag is a luxury good.
  • Correct: 这个包很奢侈。(Zhège bāo hěn shēchǐ.) - This bag is very luxurious.
• 奢侈品 vs. 高档货 (gāodàng huò):
  • 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) specifically refers to non-essential, extremely expensive, often brand-name items.
  • 高档货 (gāodàng huò) means “high-grade goods.” It's a broader term. A high-end professional camera is 高档货, but not necessarily a 奢侈品. A designer handbag is both. All 奢侈品 are 高档货, but not all 高档货 are 奢侈品.

• 奢侈 (shēchǐ) - Adjective meaning “luxurious” or “extravagant.” The root of 奢侈品.
• 名牌 (míngpái) - Noun meaning “famous brand.” Most luxury goods are from a 名牌.
• 高档 (gāodàng) - Adjective meaning “high-grade” or “top-quality.” A broader term than 奢侈.
• 土豪 (tǔháo) - A popular slang term for the “nouveau riche,” someone who became rich quickly and often flaunts their wealth, typically by buying lots of 奢侈品.
• 炫富 (xuànfù) - A verb meaning “to flaunt wealth” or “to show off riches.” The act of buying and displaying 奢侈品 is often a form of 炫富.
• 面子 (miànzi) - The crucial cultural concept of “face,” prestige, or social standing. Owning 奢侈品 is a primary way to gain and maintain 面子.
• 消费主义 (xiāofèi zhǔyì) - The noun for “consumerism.”
• 轻奢 (qīngshē) - A modern term meaning “light luxury” or “affordable luxury” (e.g., brands like Coach or Michael Kors). This is a huge and growing market segment in China.