Understanding "生物" - Chinese Word Explanation

Understanding "生物" - Chinese Word Explanation
Reader Guide

What this article covers

Use this guide to get the core meaning of the word before you read the full explanation and examples.

1 1. Basic Information 2 2. In-depth Explanation 3 Context and Usage 4 Character Breakdown 5 3. Example Sentences

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.

Sources and Further Reading

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.

Editorial note: This page was last updated on 九月 16, 2026. Hanzi Explorer publishes English-language guides to Chinese vocabulary, reading, and culture. Learn more about the site. Review the editorial policy.
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