At the A1 level, you only need to know that 重力 (zhònglì) means 'gravity.' It is the reason why if you drop a ball, it goes down to the floor. You can think of it as the 'down force.' Even at this early stage, it is helpful to recognize the characters. means 'heavy' (like a heavy bag) and means 'power' or 'force.' So, 'heavy-power' is gravity. You might hear this word in very simple science videos for kids. Just remember: when you see things falling, that is 重力. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, just recognize that it's a noun. For example, 'Earth has gravity' is '地球有重力' (Dìqiú yǒu zhònglì). This is a great word to learn because it helps you understand how Chinese builds big words from small, simple ideas. It's much easier to remember 'heavy + force' than the English word 'gravity' which comes from old Latin!

For A2 learners, 重力 (zhònglì) is a useful word for describing nature and basic science. You should be able to use it in simple sentences with verbs like 'has' (有) or 'because of' (因为). For instance, 'Because of gravity, we can walk on the ground' (因为重力,我们可以在地上行走). You might also start to see it in descriptions of space. A common phrase is 'no gravity' (没有重力). You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'heavy' (重). 'This box is heavy' is '这个盒子很重,' but 'Gravity is a force' is '重力是一种力.' At this level, you are building your vocabulary to talk about the world around you, and gravity is a basic part of that world. You can also start to recognize it in compound words like 'gravity center' (重心 - zhòngxīn), which people use when talking about balance in sports or yoga. Learning this word now will prepare you for more technical discussions later.

As a B1 learner, you should understand 重力 (zhònglì) as a formal scientific term. You are expected to use it in more structured sentences, such as explaining the cause and effect of physical phenomena. You should know that 重力 is specifically the force exerted by a planet. You might encounter it in news articles about China's space station or in school textbooks. You should also be able to distinguish it from 重量 (weight). For example, you might say, 'On the moon, the gravity is different, so your weight changes' (在月球上,重力不同,所以你的重量会改变). This shows you understand the relationship between the force and the measurement. You should also be comfortable using the particle '的' to show possession, like '地球的重力' (Earth's gravity). At this level, you can also understand common collocations like 'overcome gravity' (克服重力) or 'the effect of gravity' (重力的作用). It's a key word for moving from basic conversation to more academic or technical topics.

At the B2 level, you should be able to discuss the nuances of 重力 (zhònglì) in the context of physics and engineering. You should understand that while 重力 is often used colloquially for 'gravity,' the more precise term for universal gravitation is 万有引力. You might use 重力 in technical descriptions, such as 'gravity-fed systems' (重力流系统) or when discussing 'acceleration due to gravity' (重力加速度). You should be able to read and summarize articles about aerospace engineering where 'microgravity' (微重力) or 'zero gravity' (无重力) are discussed. Additionally, you should be aware of the metaphorical uses of 'weight' and 'gravity' in Chinese, noting that 重力 itself is rarely used metaphorically for 'seriousness'—instead, words like 严重性 or 分量 are used. Your ability to use 重力 in passive constructions, like '物体受重力作用而下落' (Objects fall due to being acted upon by gravity), demonstrates a higher command of Chinese grammar and scientific terminology.

For C1 learners, 重力 (zhònglì) is a word that you should be able to use fluently in academic or professional settings. You should understand the subtle distinction between 重力 (the resultant force on a planet's surface) and 引力 (the general force of attraction). You might encounter this word in high-level scientific journals or when discussing complex engineering projects like dam construction or satellite trajectory calculations. You should be familiar with related technical terms like 'gravity potential' (重力势) or 'gravity anomaly' (重力异常). Furthermore, you should be able to appreciate how the term is used in literature to create specific imagery, even if it's not a standard metaphor. For instance, a writer might describe the 'gravity of history' (历史的重力) to imply a crushing, inescapable burden of the past. At this level, your understanding of 重力 is not just about the word itself, but about its position within a vast network of scientific and philosophical concepts in the Chinese language.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 重力 (zhònglì) includes a deep understanding of its historical development and its role in modern theoretical physics. You should be able to discuss Einstein's General Relativity in Chinese, where 重力 is explained as the curvature of spacetime (时空弯曲). You can engage in debates about the linguistic choices made when translating Western scientific concepts into Chinese during the late Qing dynasty and how 重力 became the standard term over other possibilities. You should be able to use the word in any context, from a lighthearted sci-fi discussion to a rigorous academic defense. You also understand the cultural weight of the character and how it influences the Chinese perception of 'importance' and 'gravity' in both physical and social spheres. Your usage should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker who is well-versed in the sciences, using the term with precision, elegance, and perfect grammatical integration into complex, multi-clausal sentences.

重力 en 30 segundos

  • 重力 (zhònglì) is the standard Chinese noun for 'gravity,' specifically referring to the force pulling objects toward a planet's center.
  • It is composed of '重' (heavy) and '力' (force), making its literal meaning 'the force of weight' easy to remember for learners.
  • Essential for B1 learners, it bridges everyday observations (falling objects) with formal scientific concepts taught in schools and seen in media.
  • Commonly confused with '重量' (weight), it is important to distinguish the force (重力) from the measurement of mass under that force (重量).

The term 重力 (zhònglì) is the fundamental Chinese linguistic construct for 'gravity.' At its core, it is a compound noun formed by two essential characters: 重 (zhòng), meaning 'heavy' or 'weight,' and 力 (lì), meaning 'force' or 'power.' Together, they literally translate to 'the force of weight' or 'heavy force.' This word is ubiquitous in both scientific discourse and everyday explanations of why objects fall toward the Earth. In the context of physics, it specifically refers to the gravitational pull exerted by a massive body, such as a planet, on objects near its surface. For English speakers, understanding 重力 requires a shift from the abstract Latin root 'gravitas' to the more descriptive Chinese logic of 'weight-force.'

Scientific Accuracy
In a strict Newtonian sense, 重力 is often used interchangeably with Earth's gravity in introductory textbooks, though advanced physics might distinguish it as the resultant force of universal gravitation and centrifugal force.

因为重力的作用,苹果从树上掉了下来。(Because of the effect of gravity, the apple fell from the tree.)

Beyond the classroom, 重力 appears in discussions about space exploration, engineering, and sports. When an athlete jumps, they are fighting against 重力. When a structural engineer designs a bridge, they must account for the 重力 acting on the materials. It is a B1-level word because while it is a technical term, it is one of the first scientific concepts children learn and is frequently referenced in news reports about aerospace achievements, such as China's Tiangong space station where 'zero gravity' (无重力 or 微重力) is a common topic of interest.

In metaphorical contexts, 重力 is occasionally used to describe a sense of overwhelming pressure or a 'downward pull' in life, though '压力' (yālì - pressure) is much more common for psychological stress. However, in science fiction or poetic literature, one might encounter phrases like 'the gravity of the situation' translated as '事态的严重性,' but if the author wants to emphasize a physical feeling of being weighed down, 重力 might be invoked to create a vivid sensory image of an invisible hand pressing down on the protagonist.

Etymological Breakdown
The character features a person carrying a heavy load, while depicts a plow or a muscle, symbolizing the exertion of energy. Their combination perfectly encapsulates the physical reality of gravity as a force that acts upon mass.

月球的重力只有地球的六分之一。(The moon's gravity is only one-sixth of the Earth's.)

Using 重力 correctly in a sentence involves understanding its role as a noun that often functions as a subject or an object, and frequently appears in 'of' constructions (的) or as part of a compound. Because it describes a constant physical force, it is often paired with verbs like 克服 (kèfú - to overcome), 摆脱 (bǎituō - to break free from), or 测量 (cèliáng - to measure).

Basic Subject Usage
When gravity is the thing performing an action (like pulling), it starts the sentence. Example: 重力使物体向下降落 (Gravity causes objects to fall downward).

宇航员在太空中感受不到重力。(Astronauts cannot feel gravity in space.)

In more complex grammatical structures, 重力 is modified by adjectives or other nouns. For instance, 'Earth's gravity' is 地球重力, and 'strong gravity' is 强大的重力. Note that in Chinese, you don't always need the possessive particle '的' when the relationship is a permanent attribute, though 地球的重力 is also perfectly acceptable and slightly more formal.

Another common pattern is using 重力 to describe the method of operation for certain machines or natural processes. For example, a 'gravity-fed system' is a 重力给水系统. In these cases, 重力 acts as an attributive noun. If you are describing a state of being, such as 'weightlessness,' you use 失重 (shīzhòng), which literally means 'losing weight/gravity,' but the concept is inherently tied to the absence of 重力.

Action-Result Patterns
Use the pattern [Noun] + [受到] + [重力] to express that something is being acted upon by gravity. Example: 所有的物体都受到重力的影响 (All objects are affected by gravity).

为了离开地球,火箭必须克服巨大的重力。(In order to leave Earth, the rocket must overcome immense gravity.)

The word 重力 is not just for physics professors; it has carved out a significant niche in modern Chinese media and popular culture. One of the most common places you will hear it today is in news coverage of the Chinese Space Program (CNSA). When reporters discuss the Shenzhou missions or the movement of cargo to the Tiangong space station, they frequently use terms like 微重力实验室 (microgravity laboratory) or explain how astronauts exercise to prevent bone loss caused by the lack of 重力.

Educational Media
On platforms like Bilibili or Douyin, science communicators (科普博主) use 重力 to explain natural phenomena, from why the ocean has tides to how black holes work. It is a staple of 'STEM' education content in China.

在这个实验中,我们可以观察到重力是如何改变液体形状的。(In this experiment, we can observe how gravity changes the shape of liquids.)

In the world of sci-fi movies and gaming, 重力 is a core mechanic. In the blockbuster film 'The Wandering Earth' (流浪地球), the concept of using planetary engines to escape Jupiter's 重力 is a central plot point. Gamers playing titles like 'Genshin Impact' or localized versions of 'Kerbal Space Program' will see 重力 mentioned in skill descriptions or physics simulations. Even in fitness circles, trainers might talk about 重力训练 (though '抗阻训练' for resistance training is more technical, '重力' is used colloquially to refer to the use of weights).

Furthermore, 重力 is heard in architectural and civil engineering discussions. When discussing the stability of a skyscraper in Shanghai or the drainage systems in the 'Sponge City' initiatives, engineers refer to 重力流 (gravity flow). It is a word that bridges the gap between high-level science and practical, everyday engineering. In documentaries about nature, you'll hear it used to describe how rain falls or how mountains are shaped over millions of years by the constant, silent pull of 重力.

Pop Culture Reference
The song 'Gravity' (重力) by various Mandopop artists often uses the term as a metaphor for an inescapable attraction between two people, similar to the English usage.

黑洞的重力是如此之强,连光都无法逃脱。(The gravity of a black hole is so strong that even light cannot escape.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 重力 is confusing it with 重量 (zhòngliàng). While 'gravity' and 'weight' are linked, they are not synonyms. 重力 is the vector force (the 'pull'), whereas 重量 is the scalar magnitude (the 'how heavy' part). If you say 'My gravity is 70kg,' you will be met with confused looks; you should say 'My weight (重量) is 70kg.'

Mistake 1: Gravity vs. Weight
Incorrect: 我的重力增加了。 (My gravity increased.)
Correct: 我的重量增加了。 (My weight increased.)

在物理课上,老师解释了重力和重量的区别。(In physics class, the teacher explained the difference between gravity and weight.)

Another mistake is using 重力 when you actually mean 引力 (yǐnlì). While Earth's 'gravity' is 重力, 'universal gravitation' (the force between any two masses in the universe, like two stars) is properly called 万有引力 (wànyǒu yǐnlì). Using 重力 to describe the force between two distant galaxies sounds amateurish in a scientific context. 重力 is specifically the force on or near a planet's surface.

A third error involves the misapplication of the character . Some beginners might pronounce it as 'chóng' (meaning 'again' or 'repeat') instead of 'zhòng' (meaning 'heavy'). Since 重力 is a fixed term, pronouncing it 'chónglì' would make it sound like 'repeated force,' which is not a standard term and would cause significant confusion. Always remember: when it's about weight or gravity, it's zhòng.

Mistake 2: Metaphorical Misuse
Avoid saying '这件事情有很大的重力' to mean 'This matter is very serious.' Instead, say '这件事情非常严重' (This matter is very serious).

注意:不要把重力读成 'chóng lì'。(Note: Do not pronounce 'zhòng lì' as 'chóng lì'.)

To master the use of 重力, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'force' and 'mass.' The most important distinction is between 重力 and 引力 (yǐnlì). While they both translate to 'gravity' in many English contexts, their usage in Chinese is specific. 引力 is the general 'attractive force' between any two objects. 重力 is the specific 'downward force' experienced on Earth.

重力 vs. 引力
重力 (zhònglì): Used for planetary surface gravity. Think 'falling apples.'
引力 (yǐnlì): Used for general attraction. Think 'planetary orbits' or 'magnetic-like pull.'

地球的重力让我们站稳,而太阳的引力让地球绕其运行。(Earth's gravity keeps us standing, while the sun's attraction keeps Earth orbiting it.)

Another related word is 压力 (yālì). While 重力 is a natural force, 压力 refers to 'pressure'—either physical (like the air pressure in a tire) or psychological (the stress of a job). In engineering, 重力 might cause 压力 on a foundation. Then there is 动力 (dònglì), which refers to 'motive force' or 'motivation.' While 重力 pulls things down, 动力 is what pushes things forward or makes them happen.

For learners interested in nuances, consider 地心引力 (dìxīn yǐnlì). This literally means 'center-of-earth attraction' and is the most common way to say 'Earth's gravity' in a slightly more descriptive or cinematic way. It is the Chinese title of the movie 'Gravity' (starring Sandra Bullock). While 重力 is the technical term used in physics formulas (like G = mg), 地心引力 is the word you'll find in a novel or a dramatic movie trailer.

Quick Comparison
  • 重量 (zhòngliàng): Weight (measurement).
  • 质量 (zhìliàng): Mass (scientific property).
  • 失重 (shīzhòng): Weightlessness (state of being).

虽然月球上也有重力,但宇航员感觉身体很轻。(Although there is gravity on the moon, astronauts feel their bodies are very light.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Before '重力' became the standard, some early translations used '地力' (earth force) or '吸力' (suction force) to describe gravity.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈɡræv.ə.ti/
US /ˈɡræv.ə.t̬i/
In Chinese 'zhònglì', both syllables are fourth tone (falling), meaning they are pronounced with a sharp, descending pitch.
Rima con
动力 (dònglì) 压力 (yālì) 主力 (zhǔlì) 能力 (nénglì) 精力 (jīnglì) 体力 (tǐlì) 智力 (zhìlì) 武力 (wǔlì)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing '重' as 'chóng' (second tone) instead of 'zhòng' (fourth tone).
  • Using a flat tone instead of the sharp falling fourth tone for both characters.
  • Misplacing the emphasis on 'lì' when it should be balanced with 'zhòng'.
  • Confusing the 'zh' sound with a simple 'z' sound.
  • Vocalizing the 'i' in 'lì' too softly, making it sound like 'le'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The characters are somewhat complex but common in educational materials.

Escritura 4/5

The character '重' has many strokes and requires practice to balance correctly.

Expresión oral 2/5

Two fourth tones are easy to pronounce if the learner understands Chinese tones.

Escucha 3/5

Must be careful not to confuse with '重量' or '动力' in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

重 (heavy) 力 (force) 地球 (Earth) 物体 (object) 下落 (to fall)

Aprende después

质量 (mass) 加速度 (acceleration) 轨道 (orbit) 宇航员 (astronaut) 物理 (physics)

Avanzado

广义相对论 (General Relativity) 时空弯曲 (Spacetime curvature) 引力波 (Gravitational waves)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun Compounds

重力 + 加速度 = 重力加速度 (Gravity + Acceleration = Gravitational Acceleration)

Cause and Effect with 因为

因为重力,物体下落。 (Because of gravity, objects fall.)

Modification with 的

地球的重力 (The Earth's gravity)

Passive with 受到

受到重力的影响 (Affected by the influence of gravity)

Directional complements

在重力作用下掉下来 (Falling down under the effect of gravity)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

重力让苹果掉下来。

Gravity makes the apple fall down.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.

2

地球有重力。

Earth has gravity.

Using '有' to show existence.

3

人受到重力。

People are affected by gravity.

Basic passive-like structure with '受到'.

4

这里没有重力。

There is no gravity here.

Using '没有' for negation.

5

重力很重要。

Gravity is very important.

Noun + Adjective structure.

6

球因为重力而落下。

The ball falls because of gravity.

Using '因为...而...' for cause and effect.

7

月球的重力很小。

The moon's gravity is very small.

Possessive '的' used with a noun.

8

什么是重力?

What is gravity?

Simple question structure.

1

因为重力,水往低处流。

Because of gravity, water flows to lower places.

Common saying structure.

2

在太空中,重力非常弱。

In space, gravity is very weak.

Using '在...中' for location.

3

我们需要克服重力才能飞。

We need to overcome gravity to fly.

Using '克服' (overcome) as a verb.

4

重力让一切保持在地面上。

Gravity keeps everything on the ground.

Using '让' as a causative verb.

5

书在桌子上是因为重力。

The book is on the table because of gravity.

Explaining state with '是因为'.

6

如果没有重力,我们会飘走。

If there were no gravity, we would float away.

Basic conditional '如果...就...'.

7

老师在讲重力的故事。

The teacher is telling a story about gravity.

Present continuous with '在'.

8

重力是一个科学词语。

Gravity is a scientific word.

Defining a category with '是...的'.

1

牛顿通过苹果发现了重力的规律。

Newton discovered the laws of gravity through an apple.

Using '通过' (through) to show method.

2

重力加速度在地球上大约是9.8。

The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is about 9.8.

Technical term '重力加速度'.

3

跳伞运动员利用重力降落。

Skydivers use gravity to descend.

Using '利用' (to utilize).

4

物体的重量取决于它受到的重力。

An object's weight depends on the gravity it receives.

Using '取决于' (depends on).

5

重力是维持太阳系运行的关键力量。

Gravity is the key force maintaining the operation of the solar system.

Using '维持' (to maintain).

6

科学家们在研究微重力环境下的植物。

Scientists are studying plants in a microgravity environment.

Technical term '微重力'.

7

重力的大小与质量成正比。

The magnitude of gravity is proportional to mass.

Using '与...成正比' (proportional to).

8

我们要学习如何测量重力。

We need to learn how to measure gravity.

Using '如何' (how to) in a sub-clause.

1

火箭必须达到逃逸速度才能摆脱地球重力。

A rocket must reach escape velocity to break free from Earth's gravity.

Using '摆脱' (to break free from).

2

由于重力的作用,大气层被留在了地球表面。

Due to the effect of gravity, the atmosphere is kept on the Earth's surface.

Using '由于...的作用' (due to the effect of).

3

在黑洞附近,重力变得极其强烈。

Near a black hole, gravity becomes extremely strong.

Using '极其' (extremely) for emphasis.

4

重力流排水系统利用自然坡度进行排水。

Gravity flow drainage systems use natural slopes for drainage.

Compound noun '重力流' (gravity flow).

5

失重状态是指物体不再感受到重力的支撑。

Weightlessness refers to the state where an object no longer feels the support of gravity.

Defining a state with '是指'.

6

重力对地球上的气候有着深远的影响。

Gravity has a profound impact on the Earth's climate.

Using '对...有着深远的影响'.

7

潮汐现象主要是由月球的重力引起的。

The phenomenon of tides is mainly caused by the moon's gravity.

Using '由...引起的' (caused by).

8

建筑师在设计摩天大楼时必须考虑重力分布。

Architects must consider gravity distribution when designing skyscrapers.

Compound '重力分布' (gravity distribution).

1

爱因斯坦的广义相对论重新定义了重力的本质。

Einstein's General Relativity redefined the nature of gravity.

Advanced scientific history context.

2

重力透镜效应可以帮助天文学家观察遥远的星系。

The gravitational lensing effect helps astronomers observe distant galaxies.

Technical term '重力透镜效应'.

3

在地质勘探中,重力异常通常预示着地下矿藏。

In geological exploration, gravity anomalies often indicate underground mineral deposits.

Professional context '重力异常'.

4

这种精密仪器能够检测到微小的重力波动。

This precision instrument can detect minute gravitational fluctuations.

Using '微小' (minute/tiny) for precision.

5

重力势能的转化是水力发电的基本原理。

The conversion of gravitational potential energy is the basic principle of hydroelectric power.

Technical term '重力势能'.

6

在量子力学尺度下,重力的影响变得难以计算。

At the scale of quantum mechanics, the influence of gravity becomes difficult to calculate.

Advanced physics context.

7

该理论试图统一重力与其他基本相互作用力。

The theory attempts to unify gravity with other fundamental interactions.

Using '统一' (to unify) in a scientific sense.

8

重力梯度仪被广泛应用于潜艇导航。

Gravity gradiometers are widely used in submarine navigation.

Highly specialized equipment term.

1

重力并非一种拉力,而是时空几何结构的一种表现。

Gravity is not a pull, but a manifestation of the geometric structure of spacetime.

Philosophical and high-physics definition.

2

在极端物理环境下,重力的量子效应不容忽视。

In extreme physical environments, the quantum effects of gravity cannot be ignored.

Using '不容忽视' (cannot be ignored).

3

引力波的探测证实了重力以波的形式传播。

The detection of gravitational waves confirmed that gravity propagates in the form of waves.

Cutting-edge science terminology.

4

该学说深入探讨了重力在宇宙演化史中的核心地位。

The doctrine explores in depth the central position of gravity in the history of cosmic evolution.

Formal academic '探讨' (explore/discuss).

5

在多维空间理论中,重力可能渗透到了额外的维度。

In multidimensional space theories, gravity might leak into extra dimensions.

Speculative scientific discourse.

6

重力常数的精确测量一直是物理学界的巨大挑战。

The precise measurement of the gravitational constant has always been a major challenge in the physics community.

Academic '物理学界' (physics community).

7

这种艺术装置通过重力的巧妙平衡传达了某种禅意。

This art installation conveys a sense of Zen through a clever balance of gravity.

Abstract and artistic application.

8

重力坍缩是恒星演化至末期时不可避免的过程。

Gravitational collapse is an unavoidable process as a star evolves to its final stages.

Professional astrophysics term '重力坍缩'.

Colocaciones comunes

克服重力
受到重力
重力感应
重力加速度
微重力
重力势能
地球重力
摆脱重力
重力中心
抗重力

Frases Comunes

重力作用

— The effect of gravity. Used to explain why something happens physically.

在重力作用下,物体会下落。

零重力

— Zero gravity. Used to describe the state in outer space.

零重力环境下,水滴是球形的。

重力场

— Gravitational field. The region of space surrounding a body in which another body experiences a force.

地球的重力场覆盖了很大的范围。

重力异常

— Gravity anomaly. A difference between the observed and theoretical value of gravity.

科学家发现了那片区域的重力异常。

重力排水

— Gravity drainage. Systems that use gravity instead of pumps.

这个城市的排水依靠重力。

重力测量

— Gravity measurement. The process of determining the strength of gravity.

重力测量对寻找石油很有帮助。

中心重力

— Central gravity. The main pull from a massive core.

恒星的中心重力非常强大。

重力反馈

— Gravity feedback. Often used in haptic technology or engineering.

这个手柄有重力反馈功能。

克服重力感

— Overcoming the feeling of gravity. Used in sports or flight simulation.

飞行员需要克服重力感。

重力沉积

— Gravity sedimentation. In chemistry or geology, particles settling due to gravity.

杂质通过重力沉积到瓶底。

Se confunde a menudo con

重力 vs 重量 (zhòngliàng)

Weight is the measurement (e.g., 50kg), gravity is the force itself.

重力 vs 引力 (yǐnlì)

Universal gravitation is the general term; gravity is specific to a planet.

重力 vs 压力 (yālì)

Pressure is force per area; gravity is a total force.

Modismos y expresiones

"如重负"

— As if carrying a heavy load. While not using the word 'gravity' directly, it uses the root '重' to imply weight.

他感到如释重负。

Literary
"举足轻重"

— To play a decisive role; every move carries weight. Uses '重' to mean importance.

他在公司里是举足轻重的人物。

Formal
"任重道远"

— The burden is heavy and the road is long. A metaphor for great responsibility.

教育改革任重道远。

Formal
"安土重迁"

— Attached to one's home and unwilling to move. '重' here means to take seriously/heavily.

老人大多安土重迁。

Literary
"重于泰山"

— Heavier than Mount Tai. Used to describe a very significant death or sacrifice.

为人民服务死得重于泰山。

Formal
"力不从心"

— Ability falling short of one's wishes. Uses '力' (force).

我想帮忙,但力不从心。

Common
"千钧一发"

— A weight of 30,000 catties hanging by a single hair. Implies extreme danger.

在千钧一发之际,他救了那个孩子。

Literary
"力挽狂澜"

— To pull back the raging tide. Implies using great force to save a situation.

他凭一己之力力挽狂澜。

Formal
"重见天日"

— To see the light of day again. '重' here means 'again' (chóng), showing the dual nature of the character.

这些文物终于重见天日。

Common
"力争上游"

— To strive for the best. Uses '力' to mean effort/force.

他在学习上力争上游。

Common

Fácil de confundir

重力 vs 质量 (zhìliàng)

Both relate to mass/weight.

Mass is intrinsic (kg), gravity is external (N).

在月球上,你的质量不变,但重力变了。

重力 vs 重心 (zhòngxīn)

Both start with 'zhòng'.

Gravity is the force; center of gravity is the balance point.

保持重心稳固很重要。

重力 vs 动力 (dònglì)

Both end with 'lì'.

Gravity pulls down; motive force pushes forward.

发动机提供动力。

重力 vs 强力 (qiánglì)

Both describe types of force.

Gravity is a fundamental force; 'qiánglì' can mean strong force or the nuclear 'strong force'.

这是一种强力胶水。

重力 vs 阻力 (zǔlì)

Both end with 'lì'.

Gravity pulls down; resistance (like air) pushes against motion.

空气阻力减慢了速度。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

N + 有 + 重力

地球有重力。

A2

因为 + 重力,...

因为重力,苹果掉了。

B1

受到 + 重力 + 的作用

水受到重力的作用而流动。

B1

克服 + 重力

我们要克服重力。

B2

由于 + 重力...使得...

由于重力的影响,大气层使得地球温暖。

C1

重力 + 被定义为...

重力被定义为一种吸引力。

C2

在...尺度下,重力...

在量子尺度下,重力的表现很奇怪。

C2

重力与...息息相关

重力与时空结构息息相关。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

重量 (weight)
重心 (center of gravity)
重力场 (gravitational field)
重力加速度 (acceleration)

Verbos

加重 (to aggravate/make heavier)
重视 (to value/attach importance to)

Adjetivos

沉重 (heavy/serious)
重要 (important)
严重 (serious/severe)

Relacionado

引力
质量
速度
空间
物理

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Highly common in educational and scientific contexts; moderately common in general news.

Errores comunes
  • Using 重力 for weight measurement. 重量

    You measure your '重量' on a scale, not your '重力'.

  • Pronouncing it 'chóng lì'. zhòng lì

    'Chóng' means 'again', 'zhòng' means 'heavy'. Gravity is 'heavy force'.

  • Using 重力 for the 'gravity of a situation'. 严重性

    '重力' is only for physical force, not metaphorical seriousness.

  • Confusing 重力 with 压力. 重力

    If a ball falls, it's '重力'. If you press a button, it's '压力'.

  • Saying '重力力'. 重力

    The '力' is already included in the word '重力'. Adding another '力' is redundant.

Consejos

The Apple Rule

Always associate '重力' with Newton's apple. It's the force that made it fall.

Verb Pairing

Commonly paired with '克服' (overcome) or '消失' (disappear).

Stroke Order

Practice '重' carefully; it has 9 strokes and is easy to mess up.

Tone Check

Listen for the falling tones. If it sounds flat, it's not '重力'.

Contextual Use

Use it when talking about space or physics to sound more educated.

Gravity vs Mass

Remember: 质量 (mass) is what you ARE, 重力 (gravity) is what pulls you.

Movie Titles

Look for the movie 'Gravity' in Chinese streaming apps to see '地心引力'.

Formulas

In Chinese physics, the formula is written as G = mg, where G stands for 重力.

Heavy Power

Literally 'Heavy Power'. If it's heavy, it has the power to fall.

Character Meaning

The character '重' also means 'serious' (严重), which helps link the concepts.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Heavy' (重 - zhòng) person using all their 'Force' (力 - lì) to pull you down to the ground. That's gravity!

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant weight (the character 重 looks like a stack of things) with a muscle arm (力) pulling it down with an arrow.

Word Web

Earth Falling Physics Weight Space Newton Force Mass

Desafío

Try to find three things in your room that are currently being pulled by 重力. Mention them in a sentence using the word.

Origen de la palabra

The term '重力' is a modern compound. '重' (zhòng) evolved from a pictograph of a person standing on Earth carrying a heavy bundle. '力' (lì) originated from a pictograph of a plow or a powerful arm. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese scholars used these ancient characters to translate Western scientific concepts.

Significado original: Heavy force / Weight force.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral scientific term.

English speakers use 'gravity' for both the physical force and the 'seriousness' of a situation. Chinese uses different words for these two concepts.

The movie 'Gravity' (translated as 地心引力 in China). The Wandering Earth (流浪地球) - focuses on planetary gravity. Newton's Apple story in Chinese textbooks.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Physics Class

  • 计算重力
  • 重力公式
  • 重力加速度
  • 自由落体

Space Exploration

  • 零重力环境
  • 摆脱地心引力
  • 微重力实验
  • 月球重力

Engineering

  • 重力坝
  • 重力流排水
  • 重心稳固
  • 承重结构

Everyday Observation

  • 东西掉了
  • 站不稳
  • 水往下流
  • 感觉很重

Technology

  • 重力感应器
  • 重力反馈
  • 屏幕旋转
  • 游戏物理引擎

Inicios de conversación

"你知道月球上的重力比地球小多少吗? (Do you know how much smaller the moon's gravity is than Earth's?)"

"如果没有重力,你最想做什么? (If there were no gravity, what would you want to do most?)"

"你觉得在零重力环境下生活难吗? (Do you think it's hard to live in a zero-gravity environment?)"

"手机的重力感应功能对你重要吗? (Is the gravity-sensing function on your phone important to you?)"

"你最近看关于重力的科幻电影了吗? (Have you seen any sci-fi movies about gravity recently?)"

Temas para diario

想象一下,如果你住在一个重力只有地球一半的星球上,你的日常生活会发生什么变化? (Imagine if you lived on a planet with only half of Earth's gravity, how would your daily life change?)

描述一次你感到‘失重’的经历,比如在游乐园坐过山车时。 (Describe an experience where you felt 'weightless,' such as on a roller coaster at an amusement park.)

为什么重力对人类文明的建筑和工程如此重要? (Why is gravity so important to human civilization's architecture and engineering?)

写一段话解释牛顿是如何通过观察苹果发现重力的。 (Write a paragraph explaining how Newton discovered gravity by observing an apple.)

如果人类可以控制重力,你会用这项技术做什么? (If humans could control gravity, what would you do with this technology?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, in a physical sense. However, English uses 'gravity' for seriousness (the gravity of the situation), whereas Chinese uses '严重性'.

No, you should say '我的重量是70公斤.' '重力' refers to the force, not the weight value.

重力 is usually for the pull on a planet's surface. 引力 is the general attraction between any two objects in space.

You say '无重力' (wú zhònglì) or '零重力' (líng zhònglì).

It is a standard scientific term used in textbooks, news, and formal education.

It is pronounced 'zhòng' (4th tone). Never 'chóng'.

It means 'to overcome gravity,' like when a rocket launches or a bird flies.

In daily conversation or movies, '地心引力' is very common. In a science class, '重力' is the standard term.

No, that is '磁力' (cílì).

Because while it's a technical word, it's a basic scientific concept that intermediate learners are expected to know for school/news contexts.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write 'Gravity' in Chinese characters.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Earth has gravity.' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'The apple fell because of gravity.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'There is no gravity in space.'

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writing

Explain what gravity is in one sentence (Chinese).

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Newton discovered gravity.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the difference between gravity and weight.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Rockets must overcome Earth's gravity.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a short paragraph about microgravity experiments.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Tides are caused by the moon's gravity.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write the Pinyin for 重力.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'I can feel gravity.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Moon's gravity is small.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Gravity sensor.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Discuss gravity as a curvature of spacetime.

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writing

Write 'Force' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Falling down.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Gravitational acceleration.'

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writing

Write 'Zero gravity.'

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writing

Write 'Gravitational potential energy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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speaking

Say 'Gravity' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Earth has gravity.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The apple is falling.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'No gravity.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why the moon has less gravity than Earth.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Newton discovered the law of gravity.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe what happens to an astronaut in space.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The phone uses a gravity sensor.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the importance of gravity in engineering.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain 'gravity flow' in drainage systems.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce 'zhòng' and 'lì'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Because of gravity.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Overcome gravity.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Microgravity environment.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Discuss the bending of spacetime.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: 重力 (zhònglì).

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 地球有重力。 What does Earth have?

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listening

Listen: 苹果掉下来了。 What happened to the apple?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 这里没有重力。 Is there gravity here?

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listening

Listen to a description of Newton. Who is being discussed?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 重力加速度。 What scientific term is this?

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listening

Listen: 火箭摆脱了重力。 What did the rocket do?

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listening

Listen: 重力感应器坏了。 What is broken?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a talk on tides. What force is mentioned?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 重力势能。 What energy is this?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the speaker saying 'zhònglì' or 'chónglì'?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 克服重力。 What action is taking place?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 月球的重力很小。 How is the gravity on the moon?

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listening

Listen: 微重力实验。 What kind of experiment?

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listening

Listen: 重力坍缩。 What is happening to the star?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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