HSK · Level 8
135 words
Chinese word
生物
Pronunciation
Pinyinshēng wù
Meaning
- nouncreature
Example
树上有一种奇怪的生物。shù shàng yǒu yì zhǒng qí guài de shēng wù
There is a strange creature in the tree.
More examples
极端环境中也能发现耐高温的生物。jí duān huán jìng zhōng yě néng fā xiàn nài gāo wēn de shēng wù
Heat-resistant organisms can also be found in extreme environments.
Core concept
A distinct living entity, from a plant or animal to a fungus or microbe.
Common phrases
微生物wēi shēng wù
microorganism
生物多样性shēng wù duō yàng xìng
biodiversity
Similar words
动物dòng wù: A living creature that moves on its own and senses or responds to its surroundings.
植物zhí wù: A living organism that makes its own food using light and has parts such as roots, stems, or leaves.
微生物wēi shēng wù: A living organism too small to see with the unaided eye, including bacteria and fungi.
Definition in Chinese
指所有具有生命特征的事物的总称，包括动物、植物、真菌和微生物等。zhǐ suó yǒu jù yǒu shēng mìng tè zhēng de shì wù de zǒng chēng bāo kuò dòng wù zhí wù zhēn jūn hé wēi shēng wù děng
Word origin
生 (shēng, "life") + 物 (wù, "thing") forms a compound meaning a thing defined by having life.
Usage tips
- In casual conversation, this word often has a textbook or scientific tone, so familiar animals and plants are usually named more specifically.
Other meanings
- organismnoun
Opposites
- 无机物wú jī wùinorganic matternoun
- 无生命体wú shēng mìng tǐnonliving entitynoun
Related words
- 生物学shēng wù xuébiologynoun
- 生物技术shēng wù jì shùbiotechnologynoun