Understanding "传记" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 传记
• Pinyin: zhuànjì
• Literal Meaning: “record of a life” or “written account passed down”
• Primary Meaning: biography; a written account of someone’s life

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  传记 is a noun used to refer to a biography, usually a written work that tells the story of a real person’s life. It is commonly used in literature, history, publishing, education, and general reading contexts.

In English, 传记 is best translated as “biography.” It often refers to books or written records about famous, historical, or influential people, such as writers, politicians, scientists, artists, or business leaders.

For example, if you read a book about the life of a famous person, you can call it 传记. If a person writes about their own life, the more specific word is 自传, meaning “autobiography.”

• Character Breakdown:
  传记 is made up of two characters:

• 传: In this word, it is pronounced zhuàn and means “biography,” “life story,” or “account of a person’s life.”
  Note: 传 can also be pronounced chuán in other words, where it often means “to pass on,” “to transmit,” or “to spread.” But in 传记, the correct pronunciation is zhuàn.

• 记: means “to record,” “to write down,” or “record.”
  It appears in many words related to memory, notes, or written records, such as 记录, meaning “record,” and 日记, meaning “diary.”

Together, 传记 means a written record or account of someone’s life.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 我正在读一本关于孔子的传记。
• Pinyin: Wǒ zhèngzài dú yì běn guānyú Kǒngzǐ de zhuànjì.

• English: I am reading a biography about Confucius.

• Chinese: 这本传记详细介绍了她的童年和事业。

• Pinyin: Zhè běn zhuànjì xiángxì jièshào le tā de tóngnián hé shìyè.

• English: This biography gives a detailed introduction to her childhood and career.

• Chinese: 他喜欢看历史人物的传记。

• Pinyin: Tā xǐhuan kàn lìshǐ rénwù de zhuànjì.
• English: He likes reading biographies of historical figures.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese culture, 传记 has a long historical tradition. Many official historical texts included biographies of important people, especially emperors, officials, scholars, generals, and moral role models. For example, classical Chinese history books often organized information through biographies to show both historical events and personal character.

Because of this tradition, 传记 is not only a modern literary term but also connected to the Chinese habit of learning history through the lives of individuals. Reading 传记 is often seen as a way to learn from successful or influential people’s experiences, values, and decisions.

A related word is 自传, which means “autobiography.” The difference is:

• 传记: biography, usually written by someone else
• 自传: autobiography, written by the person about their own life

Conclusion

传记, pronounced zhuànjì, means “biography.” It refers to a written account of someone’s life. Remember that 传 is pronounced zhuàn in this word, not chuán. A useful way to remember 传记 is: “a recorded life story.”