Understanding "病人" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 病人
• Pinyin: bìng rén
• Literal Meaning: "sick person" (病 = sick/illness, 人 = person)
• Primary Meaning: A general term for "patient" or "someone who is ill."

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "病人" is a neutral and commonly used term in Chinese to refer to someone who is sick or receiving medical treatment. It can be used in both formal (e.g., hospitals) and informal (e.g., daily conversations) contexts.
• Unlike English, where "patient" is often associated with clinical settings, "病人" can also describe someone temporarily unwell (e.g., with a cold).

• Nuance: It emphasizes the state of being ill rather than the act of receiving care (unlike "患者," another word for "patient," which is more clinical).

• Character Breakdown:

• 病 (bìng): Means "illness," "disease," or "to be sick."
• 人 (rén): Means "person." Together, they form "sick person."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这位病人需要休息。
   Pinyin: Zhè wèi bìngrén xūyào xiūxi.
   English: This patient needs rest.

2. Chinese: 医院里有很多病人。
   Pinyin: Yīyuàn lǐ yǒu hěn duō bìngrén.
   English: There are many patients in the hospital.

3. Chinese: 他今天请假，因为他是病人。
   Pinyin: Tā jīntiān qǐngjià, yīnwèi tā shì bìngrén.
   English: He took a leave today because he is sick.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, showing concern for "病人" is considered polite. It’s common to ask about their recovery or offer help.
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often uses the term "病人" interchangeably with modern medical contexts, reflecting a holistic view of health.

Conclusion

"病人" (bìng rén) is a straightforward and useful word meaning "patient" or "sick person." Remember it combines 病 (illness) and 人 (person), and use it in both casual and formal situations when referring to someone unwell.