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March 24, 2026
物理wùlǐ(wu4li3)
物理 (wù lǐ) refers to the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy, encompassing concepts such as force, motion, and heat. It is commonly used in academic contexts, particularly in discussions related to science and engineering. The term can also imply a broader understanding of physical phenomena in everyday life.
Strokes19Frequency#5036DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, physics education is highly emphasized in schools, and students often participate in rigorous science competitions, reflecting the cultural value placed on academic achievement in the sciences.
Memory Tip
Think of 物 (wù) as 'thing' or 'matter' and 理 (lǐ) as 'principle' or 'logic'. Imagine a scientist examining the 'things' of the universe to uncover their 'principles', which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 物理.
Meanings of 物理
wùlǐ(wu4li3)
1physics
2physical
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 物理
物理Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5036Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 物理
Podcast: 物理
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AI Study Notes for 物理
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 物理 with other scientific terms like 化学 (huàxué), which means chemistry. This term is more formal, so it's best used in academic or professional settings rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 物理学 (wùlǐxué - physics as a field of study) and 物理现象 (wùlǐ xiànxiàng - physical phenomena).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 物理 connects well with other science-related vocabulary such as 科学 (kēxué - science) and 技术 (jìshù - technology). Students should focus on understanding how it relates to scientific discussions and its usage in educational contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 物理 incorrectly in casual contexts, saying things like '我学物理在家' (I study physics at home) when a more appropriate phrase would be '我在家自学物理' (I self-study physics at home). Additionally, some may confuse it with similar-sounding terms, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 物理
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物理 (wù lǐ) refers to the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy, encompassing concepts such as force, motion, and heat. It is commonly used in academic contexts, particularly in discussions related to science and engineering. The term can also imply a broader understanding of physical phenomena in everyday life.
When to use 物理
Be careful not to confuse 物理 with other scientific terms like 化学 (huàxué), which means chemistry. This term is more formal, so it's best used in academic or professional settings rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 物理学 (wùlǐxué - physics as a field of study) and 物理现象 (wùlǐ xiànxiàng - physical phenomena).
What learners get wrong
Learners often use 物理 incorrectly in casual contexts, saying things like '我学物理在家' (I study physics at home) when a more appropriate phrase would be '我在家自学物理' (I self-study physics at home). Additionally, some may confuse it with similar-sounding terms, leading to misunderstandings.
Write 物理
物
理
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Grammar Patterns of 物理
物理 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____学并非只是一门不能直接运用的纯科学。
Physics isn't just about pure science with no immediate applications.
