Meaning
瘦子 is a casual, everyday noun referring to a person who is thin or skinny. It's formed by combining 瘦 (thin) with the suffix 子, which is commonly used to create informal nouns for people or things. The term is generally neutral but can carry slightly negative connotations depending on context and tone.
Usage
This word is used in casual conversation to describe or refer to someone who is noticeably thin. While not inherently insulting, it can sound slightly critical or teasing depending on delivery. Native speakers often use it in comparisons (瘦子和胖子) or when discussing body types informally. It's less formal than saying 很瘦的人.
Examples
- 01他以前是个瘦子，现在胖了很多。, .He used to be a thin person, but now he's gained a lot of weight.
- 02别看她是瘦子，饭量可不小。, .Don't let her thin appearance fool you—she can really eat a lot.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个瘦子
Common collocations
- 一个瘦子a thin person
- 瘦子和胖子thin people and fat people
Antonyms
Origin
The character 瘦 originally depicted illness (疒 radical) and the idea of something reduced or diminished. The suffix 子 is a productive morpheme in Mandarin used to create informal nouns, especially for people with particular characteristics.