Understanding "生物" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 生物
• Pinyin: shēng wù
• Literal Meaning: "living things" (生 = life, 物 = thing)
• Primary Meaning: "biology" (as a field of study) or "living organisms" (as a general term for life forms).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"生物" is a versatile word used in both academic and everyday contexts.
- In scientific contexts, it refers to "biology" (e.g., 生物学 shēng wù xué = biology).
- In general speech, it means "living organisms" (e.g., animals, plants, microorganisms).
- It can also appear in phrases like 海洋生物 (hǎi yáng shēng wù = marine life) or 外来生物 (wài lái shēng wù = invasive species).

Character Breakdown

• 生 (shēng): Means "life," "birth," or "to live."
• 物 (wù): Means "thing," "object," or "matter."
  Together, they form "living things" or "biology."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 生物学研究各种生物。
   Pinyin: Shēng wù xué yán jiū gè zhǒng shēng wù.
   English: Biology studies various living organisms.

2. Chinese: 熊猫是中国的珍稀生物。
   Pinyin: Xióng māo shì Zhōng guó de zhēn xī shēng wù.
   English: Pandas are rare creatures in China.

3. Chinese: 这个湖里有很多水生生物。
   Pinyin: Zhè gè hú lǐ yǒu hěn duō shuǐ shēng shēng wù.
   English: There are many aquatic organisms in this lake.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, "生物" often appears in discussions about environmental protection, traditional medicine (e.g., using natural organisms for remedies), and education.
• The word reflects China's growing emphasis on ecological conservation, as seen in terms like 生物多样性 (shēng wù duō yàng xìng = biodiversity).

Conclusion

"生物" (shēng wù) is a fundamental word meaning "living organisms" or "biology." Remember it by breaking it down: 生 (life) + 物 (thing) = "living things." Use it in scientific or everyday contexts to talk about life forms or the study of life.