Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
动物(動物)dòngwù(dong4wu4)
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.
Strokes14Frequency#1116DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, animals often symbolize various traits and are featured in folklore and zodiac signs. For instance, the Year of the Dog emphasizes loyalty, while the Year of the Tiger symbolizes bravery.
Memory Tip
Think of 动 (dòng) as 'moving' and 物 (wù) as 'thing.' Imagine animals moving around in nature, making them lively 'things.' The pronunciation 'dong4 wu4' sounds like 'dong' for the action of moving, which helps you remember that 动物 refers to living creatures.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 动物
Quick Contrast
动物 (dòngwù) vs 生物 (shēngwù) — use 动物 for 'animal' specifically, while 生物 refers to 'living organisms' in a broader sense.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 动物
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 动物 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
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
动
物
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 动物 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
