短裤 (duǎn kù) literally means 'short trousers' — 短 (duǎn) means 'short' and 裤 (kù) means 'trousers' or 'pants'. Together, they refer specifically to garments that cover the waist and hips but end above the knee, commonly worn in warm weather for comfort and mobility. Unlike longer pants, short pants are typical for casual, athletic, or summer wear.

This word is neutral in register and used widely across spoken and written Chinese — from clothing labels and shopping conversations to daily descriptions of what someone is wearing. It applies to both men’s and women’s styles, though specific types (e.g., denim shorts, athletic shorts) may use compound terms like 牛仔短裤 or 运动短裤. It is not used for underwear or swimwear unless modified (e.g., 游泳短裤), and never for skirts or dresses.