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休眠 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
休眠xiūmiánto be dormant (biology)HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #18756, Very Hard
休眠xiūmiáninactive (volcano)HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #18756, Very Hard
休眠xiūmiánto hibernate (computing)HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #18756, Very Hard
xiūmián(xiu1mian2)xiu mian T1
  1. 1to be dormant (biology)
  2. 2inactive (volcano)
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March 24, 2026

休眠xiūmián(xiu1mian2)

休眠 (xiūmián) refers to a state of dormancy or inactivity. This term is commonly used in biological contexts, such as animals hibernating, or in computing, where a system is in a low-power state but can be quickly reactivated. It conveys the idea of a temporary cessation of activity or growth.

Strokes16Frequency#18756DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of dormancy is often mirrored in traditional practices, such as the winter solstice celebrations, which symbolize the return of longer days and the awakening of nature. This reflects a deep understanding of seasonal cycles and the importance of rest.

Memory tip

Think of 休 (xiū) as 'rest' and 眠 (mián) as 'sleep.' Together, they form the idea of taking a long, restful sleep, like a bear hibernating in winter. Visualize a bear tucked away in a cozy cave, snoozing peacefully until spring.

Meanings of 休眠

xiūmián(xiu1mian2)
1to be dormant (biology)
2inactive (volcano)
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About 休眠

休眠Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 休眠

Quick Contrast

休眠 (xiūmián) vs 静止 (jìngzhǐ): use 休眠 when referring to a temporary state of dormancy, while 静止 implies a complete lack of movement or activity.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 休眠 with 休息 (xiūxī), which means 'to rest' but implies active rest rather than dormancy. This term is more formal and technical, frequently appearing in scientific or computer-related discussions. Pay attention to the tone for correct pronunciation: 休 (first tone) and 眠 (second tone).

HSK Study Tips

Although 休眠 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to other HSK terms concerning rest and inactivity. Students should focus on the radicals 休 and 眠 separately to understand their meanings better, which will enhance overall comprehension of related vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners may incorrectly use 休眠 to mean 'rest' in a casual sense, which is a misunderstanding of its more technical implications. For example, saying '我需要休眠一下' (I need to hibernate for a bit) is incorrect; '我需要休息一下' (I need to rest for a bit) would be right.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 休眠

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Component characters

休Xiūto rest
HSK 26 strokes亻
View full entry
眠miánto sleep
10 strokes目
View full entry

How to say to be dormant (biology) in Chinese

“to be dormant (biology)” in Chinese is休眠xiūmián

休眠 (xiūmián) refers to a state of dormancy or inactivity. This term is commonly used in biological contexts, such as animals hibernating, or in computing, where a system is in a low-power state but can be quickly reactivated. It conveys the idea of a temporary cessation of activity or growth.

When to use 休眠

Learners often confuse 休眠 with 休息 (xiūxī), which means 'to rest' but implies active rest rather than dormancy. This term is more formal and technical, frequently appearing in scientific or computer-related discussions. Pay attention to the tone for correct pronunciation: 休 (first tone) and 眠 (second tone).

休眠 or something close to it

休眠 (xiūmián) vs 静止 (jìngzhǐ): use 休眠 when referring to a temporary state of dormancy, while 静止 implies a complete lack of movement or activity.

What learners get wrong

Learners may incorrectly use 休眠 to mean 'rest' in a casual sense, which is a misunderstanding of its more technical implications. For example, saying '我需要休眠一下' (I need to hibernate for a bit) is incorrect; '我需要休息一下' (I need to rest for a bit) would be right.

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休
眠

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Frequently asked questions about 休眠

In computing, 休眠 refers to a low-power state where a computer saves its current session and can quickly reactivate, similar to hibernation.

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