Meanings of 先天
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Podcast: 先天
Podcast: 先天
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AI study notes for 先天
先天 (innate) vs 后天 (acquired) — use 先天 when referring to qualities present from birth, while 后天 denotes traits developed through experience.
Be careful not to confuse '先天' with '后天' (hòu tiān), which means acquired or learned traits. '先天' is more formal and is often used in academic or philosophical discussions. Common collocations include '先天不足' (xiān tiān bù zú), meaning congenital deficiency.
While '先天' is not an HSK level word, it connects well with HSK vocabulary related to health or characteristics, such as '性格' (xìng gé, character) or '能力' (néng lì, ability). Focus on understanding its application in different contexts to enhance your vocabulary.
Learners often misuse '先天' by applying it to learned skills, saying something like '他先天学会了钢琴' (Tā xiān tiān xué huì le gāng qín), which incorrectly implies he was born knowing how to play the piano. The correct form should emphasize innate traits rather than acquired skills.
Pronunciation of 先天
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Component characters
How to say inborn in Chinese
“inborn” in Chinese is先天
The term '先天' (xiān tiān) refers to qualities or characteristics that are inborn or innate, suggesting that they are present from birth rather than acquired through experience. This word is often used in discussions of personality traits, abilities, or health conditions that one is born with, emphasizing the idea of natural predisposition.
When to use 先天
Be careful not to confuse '先天' with '后天' (hòu tiān), which means acquired or learned traits. '先天' is more formal and is often used in academic or philosophical discussions. Common collocations include '先天不足' (xiān tiān bù zú), meaning congenital deficiency.
先天 or something close to it
先天 (innate) vs 后天 (acquired) — use 先天 when referring to qualities present from birth, while 后天 denotes traits developed through experience.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '先天' by applying it to learned skills, saying something like '他先天学会了钢琴' (Tā xiān tiān xué huì le gāng qín), which incorrectly implies he was born knowing how to play the piano. The correct form should emphasize innate traits rather than acquired skills.
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Frequently asked questions about 先天
'先天' can be used in sentences like: '他的先天条件非常好' (Tā de xiān tiān tiáo jiàn fēi cháng hǎo) meaning 'His innate conditions are very good.'
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