‘首饰’ (shǒu shì) literally combines ‘首’ (shǒu), meaning ‘head’ or ‘first,’ and ‘饰’ (shì), meaning ‘ornament’ or ‘decoration.’ Historically, it referred to ornaments worn on the head—like hairpins or crowns—but today it broadly means any personal decorative item worn on the body, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. It’s a collective noun, usually uncountable in Chinese, and rarely used in plural form.

This word is commonly used in daily life when shopping, gifting, or describing personal style. Unlike English ‘jewelry,’ which often implies precious metals or gemstones, ‘首饰’ can include affordable accessories like costume pieces or even traditional ethnic ornaments. It appears frequently in contexts like fashion magazines, jewelry store signs, and conversations about appearance or gift-giving—especially during festivals or weddings.