月子

yuèzi

noun #70,315

Meanings

1 postpartum confinement
2 traditional one-month recovery period after childbirth

Characters

Examples

她正在坐月子。

Tā zhèngzài zuò yuèzi.

She's in her postpartum confinement.

月子里不能洗头?这说法早过时了。

Yuèzi lǐ bù néng xǐtóu? Zhè shuōfǎ zǎo guòshí le.

You can't wash your hair during confinement? That idea is outdated.

他们请了月嫂帮忙做月子。

Tāmen qǐng le yuèsǎo bāngmáng zuò yuèzi.

They hired a postpartum nanny to help with the confinement.

Tips

culture

A deeply rooted tradition: for about 30 days after giving birth, the mother rests at home and follows strict rules (no cold water, no washing hair, warm foods only). Modern practice is loosening, but 月子中心 (postpartum care centers) and 月嫂 (postpartum nannies) are still big industries.

usage

The verb is 坐 — 坐月子 'to do the confinement'. 子 here is neutral tone (yuèzi), not third tone.

Stroke Order

月 yuè

子 zǐ