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Summary: In Chinese, 款式 (kuǎnshì) is a fundamental noun used to describe the specific style, model, or design of a tangible product. Whether you're shopping for clothes, comparing phones, or looking at cars, `kuǎnshì` is the word you'll use to refer to a particular version or look. Understanding `kuǎnshì` is essential for navigating modern consumer culture in China and discussing products with precision, distinguishing it from the more abstract concept of personal “style.”
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): kuǎn shì
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: A specific style, model, pattern, or design of a product.
In a Nutshell: Think of `款式` as the word for “model” or “version” when you're in a store. It's not about your personal fashion sense, but about the concrete design of an item you can buy. If a clothing brand releases a shirt in a v-neck, a crewneck, and a polo version, each of those is a different `款式`. It's the label that distinguishes one product's form from another.
Character Breakdown
款 (kuǎn): This character can mean a sum of money (like in 付款 - fùkuǎn, to pay), but in this context, it carries the meaning of “item,” “category,” or “type.” Think of it as a specific entry in a list or catalog.
式 (shì): This character directly relates to “style,” “form,” “pattern,” or “type” (as in 方式 - fāngshì, method/way). It's all about the form something takes.
When combined, 款式 (kuǎnshì) literally translates to “item-style” or “category-form.” This perfectly captures its meaning: the specific form or style that a particular product item takes.
Cultural Context and Significance
While `款式` doesn't hold deep philosophical weight like `关系 (guānxi)`, its importance is rooted in China's vibrant and fast-paced modern consumer economy. With an immense variety of products available, from fast fashion to the latest smartphones and electric cars, the ability to discuss and differentiate between specific models is a daily necessity. The term reflects a culture of abundant choice and the importance of aesthetics in purchasing decisions.
Comparison with Western Concepts: In English, the word “style” can be ambiguous. It can mean a specific design (“I like this style of shoe”) or an abstract quality (“That person has style”). `款式` only refers to the first meaning—the concrete product design. To describe a person's abstract sense of style, you would use `风格 (fēnggé)`.
For example, you can say a jacket's `款式` (model/design) is very classic, and this design belongs to the “vintage” `风格` (style). You would never say a person “has `款式`.” This distinction is crucial and highlights how Chinese can be more precise in this area than English.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`款式` is a high-frequency word in any shopping or commercial scenario. It's a neutral term used in both casual conversation and formal product descriptions.
Shopping for Clothes: This is the most common context. You'll use it to ask about different cuts of jeans, types of collars on a shirt, or the design of a dress.
e.g., `这件衣服有别的款式吗？` (Do you have this clothing in other styles?)
Discussing Products: It's used for cars, phones, furniture, bags—any physical object with design variations.
e.g., `我更喜欢手机的旧款式。` (I prefer the old model of the phone.)
Common Collocations:
`新款式 / 新款 (xīn kuǎnshì / xīn kuǎn)`: new style / new model
`旧款式 (jiù kuǎnshì)`: old style / old model
`基本款 (jīběn kuǎn)`: basic model (e.g., a plain white T-shirt)
English: I just want to buy a basic-style white T-shirt.
Analysis: The term `基本款式` (or more commonly, `基本款`) is extremely useful for describing simple, classic, unadorned products.
Example 6:
他们的家具款式都很现代。
Pinyin: Tāmen de jiājù kuǎnshì dōu hěn xiàndài.
English: Their furniture styles are all very modern.
Analysis: This shows how `款式` can be described with an adjective like `现代` (modern). Note that this refers to the design category, not an abstract artistic style.
Example 7:
这个款式的裙子今年特别流行。
Pinyin: Zhège kuǎnshì de qúnzi jīnnián tèbié liúxíng.
English: This style of dress is especially popular this year.
Analysis: `这个款式` is a standard way to point out and discuss a specific design.
Example 8:
公司计划在下个季度发布三个新款式。
Pinyin: Gōngsī jìhuà zài xià ge jì dù fābù sān ge xīn kuǎnshì.
English: The company plans to release three new models next quarter.
Analysis: A typical example of `款式` used in a business or marketing context.
Example 9:
对不起，您要的那个款式已经卖完了。
Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, nín yào de nàge kuǎnshì yǐjīng mài wán le.
English: Sorry, the model you're looking for is already sold out.
Analysis: A phrase every shopper in China will eventually hear. It clearly refers to a specific product version.
Example 10:
这两个包包功能一样，只是款式不同。
Pinyin: Zhè liǎng ge bāobāo gōngnéng yíyàng, zhǐshì kuǎnshì bùtóng.
English: These two bags have the same function, it's just that the style is different.
Analysis: This sentence perfectly highlights the core meaning of `款式`—it separates the physical design from the function.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`款式 (kuǎnshì)` vs. `风格 (fēnggé)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`款式` (kuǎnshì): A concrete noun for a product's model, design, or version. It's something you can point to. (e.g., a V-neck shirt, a hatchback car, an iPhone 15 Pro).
`风格` (fēnggé): An abstract noun for an artistic or aesthetic style. It's a category or feeling. (e.g., retro style, minimalist style, a person's individual style).
Incorrect: `他很有款式。` (He has a lot of model.)
Correct: `他很有风格。` (He has a lot of style.)
Correct: `这件衣服的款式属于复古风格。` (The model of this clothing belongs to the retro style.)
`款式` vs. `型号 (xínghào)`:
`款式` refers to the visual design and overall look.
`型号` refers to the specific, technical model number (e.g., “iPhone 15 Pro Max” is a `型号`, while its general design is a `款式`). You use `型号` when being precise about technical specifications.
Related Terms and Concepts
风格 (fēnggé) - An abstract style (e.g., artistic, personal, musical). The most important term to distinguish from `款式`.
样式 (yàngshì) - Style, pattern. A very close synonym for `款式` and often used interchangeably, though `款式` may be slightly more common in a commercial product context.
设计 (shèjì) - Design (noun); to design (verb). `设计` can refer to the concept or the act of designing, whereas `款式` is the final product model that results from the design.
型号 (xínghào) - Model number. A technical specifier, much more precise than `款式`. It's the code, not the look.
样子 (yàngzi) - Appearance, look. A more general and informal term. You might say `这个样子不好看` (This look isn't good), which is less specific than talking about its `款式`.
类型 (lèixíng) - Type, category. A much broader classification. “Shoes” are a `类型`, whereas “boots,” “sandals,” and “sneakers” are more specific types, each with many different `款式`.
新款 (xīnkuǎn) - New model. A very common abbreviation of `新款式`.
爆款 (bàokuǎn) - Lit. “explosive model.” A slang term for a product that has gone viral or become a massive bestseller.