吸收 en 30 segundos
- 吸收 (xīshōu) primarily means to absorb or take in, covering both physical actions like a sponge and mental actions like learning.
- It is used in science for energy/nutrients, in education for knowledge, and in business for recruiting talent or merging companies.
- Common collocations include 吸收水分 (absorb moisture), 吸收知识 (absorb knowledge), and 吸收成员 (recruit members).
- Distinguish it from 学习 (study process) and 吸取 (abstract lessons only). It is a versatile, high-frequency HSK/CEFR word.
The term 吸收 (xīshōu) is a foundational Chinese verb that bridges the gap between the physical world and the intellectual realm. At its most basic level, it describes the process of a substance taking in another substance, much like a sponge soaking up water or plants drawing nutrients from the soil. However, as you progress in your Chinese studies, you will find that 吸收 is frequently used metaphorically to describe the mental process of learning, internalizing information, or even the organizational process of incorporating new members or entities.
- Physical Absorption
- Refers to the literal intake of liquids, gases, or nutrients. For example, skin absorbing cream or a towel absorbing moisture.
- Mental Internalization
- Refers to the process of understanding and remembering new knowledge or ideas so they become part of your own thinking.
- Organizational Integration
- Used in business or social contexts to mean 'recruiting' or 'incorporating' new elements into a larger body.
海绵可以吸收很多水。(Hǎimián kěyǐ xīshōu hěnduō shuǐ.) - A sponge can absorb a lot of water.
In a scientific context, 吸收 is used to describe how energy, such as light or sound, is taken in by a surface rather than reflected. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both daily conversation and academic literature. Understanding the nuance between its physical and abstract uses is key to mastering its application.
植物通过根部吸收养分。(Zhíwù tōngguò gēnbù xīshōu yǎngfèn.) - Plants absorb nutrients through their roots.
他很快就吸收了新知识。(Tā hěn kuài jiù xīshōu le xīn zhīshì.) - He absorbed the new knowledge very quickly.
- Energy Absorption
- Black objects absorb more heat from sunlight than white objects.
- Economic Context
- A large company might absorb a smaller one, or an economy might absorb surplus labor.
这种材料能吸收噪音。(Zhè zhǒng cáiliào néng xīshōu zàoyīn.) - This material can absorb noise.
公司吸收了许多年轻的人才。(Gōngsī xīshōu le xǔduō niánqīng de réncái.) - The company absorbed/recruited many young talents.
Using 吸收 correctly requires identifying whether the object is concrete (like water) or abstract (like experience). The basic sentence structure is Subject + 吸收 + Object. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. In more advanced sentences, you might see it in the passive voice using 被 (bèi), though this is less common than the active form.
- With Concrete Objects
- Common objects include 水 (water), 营养 (nutrition), 阳光 (sunlight), and 水分 (moisture). Use this in biology, cooking, or daily chores.
- With Abstract Objects
- Common objects include 知识 (knowledge), 经验 (experience), 教训 (lessons), and 建议 (suggestions). This is the 'learning' aspect of the word.
- With People/Entities
- Common objects include 成员 (members), 党员 (party members), or 人才 (talent). This implies bringing someone into a group.
你应该多吸收别人的经验。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō xīshōu biérén de jīngyàn.) - You should absorb more of other people's experience.
One important grammatical note is the use of resultative complements. You might say 吸收得很快 (absorb quickly) or 吸收不了 (unable to absorb). When discussing digestion, 吸收 is often paired with 消化 (digest) to form the phrase 消化吸收 (digest and absorb).
这些营养很难被身体吸收。(Zhèxiē yíngyǎng hěn nán bèi shēntǐ xīshōu.) - These nutrients are hard for the body to absorb.
这种海绵吸收力很强。(Zhè zhǒng hǎimián xīshōulì hěn qiáng.) - This kind of sponge has a strong absorptive power.
- Negative Usage
- Use '不吸收' or '没吸收' to indicate a failure to take in something, often used in medical or educational contexts.
- Intensifiers
- Commonly used with 充分 (fully), 快速 (quickly), or 难以 (difficult to).
我们要充分吸收先进的技术。(Wǒmen yào chōngfèn xīshōu xiānjìn de jìshù.) - We need to fully absorb advanced technology.
You will encounter 吸收 in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. In a skincare shop, a salesperson might tell you that a lotion 'absorbs quickly' (吸收得很快). In a classroom, a teacher might worry that students aren't 'absorbing' the complex material. In scientific documentaries, it is the standard term for how plants live or how black holes function.
- In the Kitchen
- Discussing how tofu absorbs the flavor of a soup or how rice absorbs water.
- In Business News
- Reports on how a market absorbs a new product or how a corporation absorbs a subsidiary.
- In Health & Fitness
- Discussions about protein absorption or how the body reacts to vitamins.
这霜涂在脸上，皮肤很快就吸收了。(Zhè shuāng tú zài liǎn shàng, pífū hěn kuài jiù xīshōu le.) - Apply this cream to your face, and the skin will absorb it quickly.
Socially, you might hear it in the context of 'absorbing' new members into a club or political party. It carries a formal tone here, suggesting an official process of inclusion. In environmental discussions, it refers to forests 'absorbing' carbon dioxide, a critical topic in modern discourse.
森林能吸收二氧化碳。(Sēnlín néng xīshōu èryǎnghuàtàn.) - Forests can absorb carbon dioxide.
我们需要吸收新的会员。(Wǒmen xūyào xīshōu xīn de huìyuán.) - We need to absorb/recruit new members.
One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 吸收 (xīshōu) with 学习 (xuéxí). While both involve getting knowledge, 学习 is the process of studying, whereas 吸收 is the result of that knowledge becoming part of your mind. You can study for hours (学习) but fail to absorb anything (没吸收).
- Confusing with 吸取 (xīqǔ)
- 吸取 is usually used for lessons or experiences (abstract only), while 吸收 can be both concrete and abstract.
- Confusing with 吸引 (xīyǐn)
- 吸引 means 'to attract' (like a magnet or a beautiful person), while 吸收 means 'to take in'.
Incorrect: 我吸收中文。(Wǒ xīshōu Zhōngwén.) - I absorb Chinese.
Correct: 我学习中文。(Wǒ xuéxí Zhōngwén.) - I study Chinese.
Another mistake is using 吸收 for people in a casual 'inviting' sense. You wouldn't 'absorb' a friend to a party; you would 'invite' (邀请) them. 吸收 is for formal integration into a structured group like a party, a union, or a corporate team.
Incorrect: 身体吸引营养。(Shēntǐ xīyǐn yíngyǎng.) - The body attracts nutrients.
Correct: 身体吸收营养。(Shēntǐ xīshōu yíngyǎng.) - The body absorbs nutrients.
Chinese has several words that share the 'take in' meaning, but they differ in usage and formality. Understanding these distinctions will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.
- 吸取 (xīqǔ)
- Focuses on taking in lessons, experiences, or 'essences'. It is almost always abstract. You '吸取教训' (learn a lesson).
- 摄取 (shèqǔ)
- A more formal/scientific term for taking in nutrients or calories. Often used in medical or nutritional contexts.
- 采纳 (cǎinà)
- Specifically used for accepting suggestions or advice. You '采纳建议'.
- 接纳 (jiēnà)
- To accept someone into a group or to accept an idea emotionally.
他从失败中吸取了教训。(Tā cóng shībài zhōng xīqǔ le jiàoxùn.) - He drew/absorbed a lesson from failure.
While 吸收 is the most versatile, 摄取 is the 'go-to' for biological intake, and 吸取 is the 'go-to' for learning from the past. If you are unsure, 吸收 is often a safe middle ground for both physical and mental contexts.
医生建议他多摄取维生素。(Yīshēng jiànyì tā duō shèqǔ wéishēngsù.) - The doctor suggested he intake more vitamins.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Resultative Complements
Potential Complements
Passive Voice with 被
Adverbial modifiers
Object placement
Ejemplos por nivel
纸吸收水。
Paper absorbs water.
Simple S+V+O structure.
海绵吸收了水。
The sponge absorbed the water.
Use of '了' for completed action.
皮肤吸收很快。
The skin absorbs (it) quickly.
Adverbial use.
这件衣服不吸收汗。
This clothing doesn't absorb sweat.
Negative form '不'.
花吸收水分。
Flowers absorb moisture.
Basic biological fact.
毛巾吸收力好。
The towel has good absorption.
Noun-like usage '吸收力'.
土地吸收雨水。
The ground absorbs rainwater.
Natural process.
棉布吸收性强。
Cotton is very absorbent.
Using '性' for property.
他吸收知识很快。
He absorbs knowledge very fast.
Abstract object '知识'.
黑色吸收热量。
Black absorbs heat.
Scientific fact.
身体需要吸收营养。
The body needs to absorb nutrients.
Modal verb '需要'.
我们要吸收新成员。
We want to take in new members.
Organizational context.
植物吸收阳光。
Plants absorb sunlight.
Photosynthesis context.
这块布吸收不了这么多水。
This cloth cannot absorb this much water.
Potential complement '不了'.
你应该吸收他的优点。
You should absorb his strengths.
Metaphorical use.
这种药吸收得很好。
This medicine is absorbed well.
Resultative complement '得'.
森林可以吸收二氧化碳。
Forests can absorb carbon dioxide.
Environmental context.
孩子像海绵一样吸收新语言。
Children absorb new languages like sponges.
Simile usage.
我们要吸收国外的先进经验。
We should absorb advanced experience from abroad.
Formal abstract object.
这种材料能吸收噪音。
This material can absorb noise.
Technical context.
他在工作中吸收了很多教训。
He absorbed many lessons in his work.
Abstract 'lessons'.
维生素D有助于钙的吸收。
Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium.
Noun usage in a complex sentence.
这个班级吸收了五名新学生。
This class took in five new students.
Specific number object.
我们要吸收各方面的意见。
We should absorb opinions from all sides.
Inclusive usage.
这家公司吸收了大量的社会资金。
This company absorbed a large amount of social capital.
Financial context.
这种理论吸收了前人的研究成果。
This theory absorbed the research results of predecessors.
Academic context.
新政策有助于吸收外资。
The new policy helps absorb foreign investment.
Economic term '吸收外资'.
他无法吸收这么复杂的信息。
He is unable to absorb such complex information.
Abstract capacity.
城市化进程吸收了农村剩余劳动力。
The urbanization process absorbed surplus rural labor.
Sociological context.
这种海绵的吸收率非常高。
The absorption rate of this sponge is very high.
Technical term '吸收率'.
我们要吸收传统文化的精华。
We must absorb the essence of traditional culture.
Cultural 'essence'.
他的作品吸收了多种艺术风格。
His work absorbed various artistic styles.
Artistic influence.
该组织吸收了多名资深专家加入。
The organization recruited several senior experts.
Formal recruitment.
这种化学物质会吸收空气中的水分。
This chemical substance absorbs moisture from the air.
Scientific precision.
大企业通过兼并来吸收小企业的技术。
Large enterprises absorb small enterprises' technology through mergers.
Corporate strategy.
这种哲学思想吸收了东西方的智慧。
This philosophical thought absorbed wisdom from both East and West.
High-level abstraction.
该地区的经济已经吸收了通货膨胀的影响。
The region's economy has absorbed the impact of inflation.
Macroeconomic context.
我们需要吸收不同流派的建筑风格。
We need to incorporate architectural styles from different schools.
Design terminology.
这种涂层能有效吸收雷达波。
This coating can effectively absorb radar waves.
Military/Tech context.
他善于吸收民间的语言素材。
He is good at absorbing linguistic material from the common people.
Literary creation.
该学说吸收并改造了古典主义的内核。
The doctrine absorbed and transformed the core of classicism.
Academic 'absorb and transform'.
黑洞会吸收周围的一切物质和光线。
A black hole absorbs all surrounding matter and light.
Astrophysics.
这种文化在漫长的历史中吸收了无数异质元素。
This culture has absorbed countless heterogeneous elements over its long history.
Historical/Sociological.
他的表演艺术吸收了京剧的程式化动作。
His performance art absorbed the stylized movements of Peking Opera.
Artistic synthesis.
我们要辩证地吸收外来文化的成果。
We should dialectically absorb the achievements of foreign cultures.
Philosophical 'dialectically'.
该项目旨在吸收社会散兵游勇进入正规就业。
The project aims to absorb the 'social stragglers' into formal employment.
Idiomatic/Formal.
土壤的吸收性能决定了作物的生长状况。
The absorption properties of the soil determine the growth status of crops.
Agricultural science.
这种新材料对特定波长的光有极强的吸收作用。
This new material has an extremely strong absorption effect on specific wavelengths of light.
Advanced physics.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Process of studying vs. result of internalizing.
Abstract lessons vs. general absorption.
To attract vs. to take in.
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Used for knowledge, ideas, experience.
Used for members, talent, capital.
Used for liquids, light, heat, sound.
- Using 吸收 instead of 学习 for the act of going to school.
- Confusing 吸收 with 吸引 (attract).
- Using 吸收 for inviting friends to a party.
- Forgetting to use '了' when the absorption is complete.
- Using it for 'eating' food (use 摄取 or 吃 instead).
Consejos
Using Complements
Pair 吸收 with '得' to describe the quality of absorption (e.g., 吸收得快).
Abstract vs Concrete
Remember it works for both water and wisdom. This makes it very useful!
Biology Usage
In biology, always use 吸收 for nutrients and water intake.
Recruitment
Use 吸收 to sound professional when talking about bringing new people into a group.
Beauty Context
When buying lotion in China, ask '吸收好吗?' (Does it absorb well?).
Tone Check
Both syllables are 1st tone. Keep your voice high and steady.
Formal Reports
Use 吸收 when discussing economic data like 'absorbing surplus labor'.
Vs. 吸取
If it's a 'lesson' (教训), use 吸取. If it's 'knowledge' (知识), use 吸收.
Energy
Use 吸收 for heat, light, and sound waves.
Nature
Use it to talk about trees and CO2 to sound environmentally conscious.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Xi (Suck) + Shou (Receive) = Suck it in and Receive it.
Origen de la palabra
Contexto cultural
Standard term in biology and physics.
Focus on 'merging' and 'recruiting'.
Emphasis on 'internalizing' knowledge.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"你觉得这种护肤品吸收快吗？"
"你是如何吸收新知识的？"
"这个公司最近吸收了很多新员工吗？"
"植物是怎么吸收水分的？"
"我们应该如何吸收别人的优点？"
Temas para diario
写一写你今天吸收了哪些新知识。
描述一次你从失败中吸收教训的经历。
如果你是一家公司的老板，你会如何吸收人才？
讨论森林在吸收二氧化碳中的作用。
谈谈你对‘全盘吸收外来文化’的看法。
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it implies internalizing the language naturally, like a child. For the act of studying, use 学习.
吸收 is more general (physical and abstract). 吸取 is specifically for lessons, experiences, or extracting the 'best' parts of something.
Yes, for recruiting talent (吸收人才) or absorbing investment (吸收资金).
Yes, '吸收阳光' is common for plants or people sunbathing.
It can be both. It's used in daily life (sponges) and in formal academic or business reports.
You can say '吸收不好' or '吸收不良'.
Yes, in contexts like '营养的吸收' (the absorption of nutrients).
Yes, '吸收噪音' (absorb noise) is a standard phrase.
It means 'digest and absorb', used both for food and for fully understanding complex information.
Yes, '吸收合并' is a legal/business term for a merger.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
吸收 is a multi-functional verb that describes the 'intake' of something into a system. Whether you are talking about a towel, a student, a plant, or a corporation, 吸收 implies that what is taken in becomes an integral part of the receiver.
- 吸收 (xīshōu) primarily means to absorb or take in, covering both physical actions like a sponge and mental actions like learning.
- It is used in science for energy/nutrients, in education for knowledge, and in business for recruiting talent or merging companies.
- Common collocations include 吸收水分 (absorb moisture), 吸收知识 (absorb knowledge), and 吸收成员 (recruit members).
- Distinguish it from 学习 (study process) and 吸取 (abstract lessons only). It is a versatile, high-frequency HSK/CEFR word.
Using Complements
Pair 吸收 with '得' to describe the quality of absorption (e.g., 吸收得快).
Abstract vs Concrete
Remember it works for both water and wisdom. This makes it very useful!
Biology Usage
In biology, always use 吸收 for nutrients and water intake.
Recruitment
Use 吸收 to sound professional when talking about bringing new people into a group.
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