Meanings of 动物
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Podcast: 动物
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AI Study Notes for 动物
动物 (dòngwù) vs 生物 (shēngwù) — use 动物 for 'animal' specifically, while 生物 refers to 'living organisms' in a broader sense.
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. 动物 is generally neutral in tone but can be used in both formal and informal registers. Common collocations include 动物园 (dòngwùyuán - zoo) and 野生动物 (yěshēng dòngwù - wildlife).
As an HSK Level 3 word, 动物 connects to other vocabulary related to nature and the environment. Students should focus on using it in sentences about animals and practice collocations to enhance their fluency.
Learners often confuse 动物 with the word for 'thing' (东西, dōngxi), leading to incorrect phrases like '动物的东西' (dòngwù de dōngxi - 'animal things') instead of simply using 动物. Remember, 动物 specifically refers to animals.
Pronunciation of 动物
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Component Characters
How to say animal in Chinese
“animal” in Chinese is动物
动物 (dòngwù) means 'animal' in Mandarin, encompassing all living creatures that are not human or plant. It is commonly used in contexts related to biology, wildlife, and pets, and can appear in both formal and informal conversations.
When to use 动物
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with similar-sounding words. 动物 is generally neutral in tone but can be used in both formal and informal registers. Common collocations include 动物园 (dòngwùyuán - zoo) and 野生动物 (yěshēng dòngwù - wildlife).
动物 or something close to it
动物 (dòngwù) vs 生物 (shēngwù) — use 动物 for 'animal' specifically, while 生物 refers to 'living organisms' in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 动物 with the word for 'thing' (东西, dōngxi), leading to incorrect phrases like '动物的东西' (dòngwù de dōngxi - 'animal things') instead of simply using 动物. Remember, 动物 specifically refers to animals.
Write 动物
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Practice writing 动物 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 动物
动物 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
目前，30%的爬行____、鸟类和鱼类面临灭绝的危险。
30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.
Example Sentences for 动物 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 动物
The common measure word for 动物 is 只 (zhī) when referring to individual animals.
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