软玉 (ruǎn yù) — nephrite | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Nephrite, the traditional Chinese 'soft jade' — distinguished from 硬玉 (yìng yù), the 'hard jade' or jadeite imported later from Burma. Both are called 玉, but 软玉 is the classic domestic variety used in ancient Chinese carving.

noun

nephrite

Measure word · 块

Examples

软玉，。
Zhè kuài ruǎn yù zhì dì xì nì, yán sè wēn rùn.
This piece of nephrite has a fine texture and a warm, moist color.
软玉。
ruǎn yù Hé yìng yù shì liǎng zhǒng bù tóng de yù shí.
Nephrite and jadeite are two different types of jade.
软玉。
Gǔ dài zhōng guó rén cháng yòng ruǎn yù zhì zuò yù qì.
Ancient Chinese people often used nephrite to make jade objects.

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