At the A1 level, you should recognize '海豚' (hǎitún) as the name for a popular animal. You will mostly use it in very simple 'Subject-Verb-Object' sentences. For example, 'I like dolphins' (我喜欢海豚) or 'The dolphin is big' (海豚很大). You should focus on the basic meaning and the fact that they live in the ocean (海). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex biology; just think of them as friendly sea animals that people like to watch. You might see this word in picture books or at an aquarium (海洋馆). Learning this word helps you talk about your favorite animals and basic nature scenes. Remember that '海' means sea and '豚' is the specific word for this animal. Even at this basic level, try to use the measure word '只' (zhī) when counting them, like '一只海豚' (one dolphin).
At the A2 level, you can begin to describe '海豚' (hǎitún) using simple adjectives and talk about what they do. You might say '海豚很聪明' (Dolphins are very smart) or '海豚会游泳' (Dolphins can swim). You are expected to know that they are not fish (鱼), but mammals (虽然它们住在海里,但它们不是鱼). You can also use the word in the context of a trip, such as '昨天我去看了海豚表演' (I went to see a dolphin show yesterday). This level involves expanding your ability to talk about experiences and basic facts. You should be comfortable using '海豚' as part of a list of marine animals. You might also learn the word for 'pod' or 'group' which is '群' (qún), allowing you to say '一群海豚' (a group of dolphins). Your focus should be on clear, everyday communication involving these animals.
For B1 learners, '海豚' (hǎitún) becomes a topic for discussion about the environment and animal behavior. You should be able to explain why dolphins are special, perhaps mentioning their intelligence or their relationship with humans. For example, '海豚被认为是世界上最聪明的动物之一' (Dolphins are considered one of the smartest animals in the world). You might read news articles about dolphin conservation or see them mentioned in travel blogs. At this level, you can handle slightly more complex grammar, like using '因为...所以...' (because... therefore...) to talk about threats to dolphins, such as '因为海洋污染,海豚的生存受到了威胁' (Because of ocean pollution, the survival of dolphins is threatened). You should also be able to distinguish between different types of dolphins if the context provides clues, like the difference between sea dolphins and river dolphins (江豚).
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '海豚' (hǎitún) in more technical or formal discussions. This includes understanding their biological features, such as '声呐系统' (sonar system) or '社交行为' (social behavior). You might participate in a debate about whether dolphins should be kept in captivity (海豚是否应该被圈养). You should be able to understand more nuanced texts, like those discussing the evolutionary history of cetaceans or the specific impact of human activity on the '中华白海豚' (Chinese White Dolphin). Your vocabulary should include related terms like '生态平衡' (ecological balance) and '栖息地' (habitat). You are expected to use '海豚' fluently in both spoken and written Chinese, including using it metaphorically, such as the '海豚音' (dolphin voice) in music criticism.
At the C1 level, your use of '海豚' (hǎitún) should reflect a deep understanding of the word's cultural and scientific significance. You might analyze literature or poetry where the dolphin is used as a symbol of freedom, intelligence, or the connection between the human and animal worlds. You should be able to follow complex lectures on marine biology or environmental policy that mention dolphin populations as bio-indicators. You can discuss the ethics of '海豚辅助治疗' (dolphin-assisted therapy) with professional vocabulary. Your ability to use the word should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the use of idioms or sophisticated descriptions like '海中精灵' (spirits of the sea). You should also be aware of the historical etymology, understanding how the characters '海' and '豚' reflect ancient Chinese worldviews and linguistic development.
At the C2 level, '海豚' (hǎitún) is a tool for professional-level discourse. You can write or speak about dolphins in the context of international maritime law, conservation treaties, or advanced biological research. You might analyze the linguistic nuances of how different dialects or related languages (like Japanese or Korean) use similar characters for dolphins. You can engage in high-level academic discussions about '鲸豚类动物' (cetaceans) and their cognitive abilities compared to primates. Your mastery includes the ability to use the term in any register, from slang and pop culture references (like the 'Whistle Register' in music) to the most rigorous scientific papers. You understand the full scope of the dolphin's role in the Chinese collective consciousness, from ancient myths to modern environmental icons, and can articulate these connections with precision and elegance.

海豚 en 30 secondes

  • 海豚 (hǎitún) refers to the dolphin, a highly intelligent marine mammal known for its friendly nature and playful behavior in the ocean.
  • The word is a combination of 'sea' (海) and 'pig' (豚), literally meaning 'sea pig' due to its physical appearance in ancient times.
  • Grammatically, it is a noun that uses the measure word '只' (zhī) for individuals and '群' (qún) for groups or pods.
  • It is a key term in marine biology, environmental conservation, and is often used metaphorically in music to describe high vocal ranges.

The Chinese word 海豚 (hǎitún) is a fascinating linguistic construct that translates literally to 'sea pig.' This nomenclature stems from ancient observations where the dolphin's rounded, sleek, and somewhat fatty body reminded observers of a pig, but one that dwelled within the vast oceans. In modern Mandarin, it is the standard and only common term for the dolphin, an aquatic mammal celebrated globally for its high intelligence, playful social structures, and unique ability to interact with humans. When you use the word 海豚, you are not just naming an animal; you are evoking a sense of wonder and friendliness that is universally associated with these creatures. It is a noun used in biological contexts, environmental discussions, and everyday conversations about nature and tourism.

Biological Classification
In a scientific sense, 海豚 refers to the Delphinidae family. While they live in the water, Chinese speakers are taught from a young age that they are 哺乳动物 (bǔrǔ dòngwù - mammals), not 鱼 (yú - fish). This distinction is crucial in academic and educational settings.
Social Symbolism
Cultural usage often places 海豚 as a symbol of peace, intelligence, and salvation. In coastal regions of China, stories of dolphins guiding lost fishermen are common, lending the word a heroic and mystical quality.

那群海豚在波浪中欢快地跳跃。(That pod of dolphins is jumping happily in the waves.)

The word is composed of two characters: 海 (hǎi), meaning 'sea' or 'ocean,' and 豚 (tún), which specifically refers to a young pig or a suckling pig. This combination is a classic example of how Chinese characters describe new or specific entities by combining known physical attributes. The character itself contains the 'flesh' radical (月/肉), indicating its biological nature as a creature of meat and bone. In conversation, it is often paired with verbs like 游泳 (yóuyǒng - to swim), 跳跃 (tiàoyuè - to leap), and 救人 (jiùrén - to save people), reflecting the active and helpful reputation of the animal. Whether you are at a theme park like Ocean Park in Hong Kong or watching a documentary on CCTV, 海豚 is the key term for these marine ambassadors.

Usage in Media
In movies and literature, 海豚 often represents an emotional connection between humans and nature. For instance, the 'Dolphin Voice' (海豚音) is a popular term in Chinese music to describe an exceptionally high-pitched vocal register, similar to the whistling sound of a dolphin.

这名歌手拥有令人惊叹的海豚音。(This singer possesses an amazing dolphin-like high register.)

Using 海豚 (hǎitún) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its role as a countable noun and its common associations. In Chinese, nouns do not change form for plurality, so 海豚 can mean 'dolphin' or 'dolphins' depending on the context or the presence of a number and measure word. The most common measure word is 只 (zhī) for a single dolphin, though 条 (tiáo) is sometimes used because of their long, slender shape, similar to fish.

Basic Subject/Object Usage
As a subject: 海豚很聪明 (Hǎitún hěn cōngmíng - Dolphins are very smart). As an object: 我喜欢海豚 (Wǒ xǐhuān hǎitún - I like dolphins). These are the simplest structures for A1-A2 learners.

我们在海边看到了一只海豚。(We saw a dolphin at the seaside.)

When describing the actions of a dolphin, you will frequently use verbs that denote movement in water. For example, 海豚在水中穿梭 (Hǎitún zài shuǐzhōng chuānsuō - Dolphins weave through the water). To describe their intelligence, you might say 海豚具有极高的智商 (Hǎitún jùyǒu jí gāo de zhìshāng - Dolphins possess an extremely high IQ). In more advanced grammatical structures, 海豚 often appears in comparative sentences, such as 海豚比大多数鱼类都要聪明 (Hǎitún bǐ dàduōshù yú lèi dōu yào cōngmíng - Dolphins are smarter than most types of fish).

科学家正在研究海豚的交流方式。(Scientists are studying the communication methods of dolphins.)

Attributive Usage
You can use 海豚 as an adjective or part of a compound noun. For example, 海豚训练员 (hǎitún xùnliànyuán - dolphin trainer) or 海豚表演 (hǎitún biǎoyǎn - dolphin show). These are common in tourism and entertainment contexts.

In a Chinese-speaking environment, you are most likely to encounter the word 海豚 (hǎitún) in four primary settings: educational media, coastal tourism, environmental activism, and pop culture. In the educational sphere, documentaries like those on CCTV-9 (the documentary channel) frequently feature 海豚 when discussing marine biodiversity. Children's books and cartoons also heavily feature dolphins as friendly, wise characters, making it a very early-acquired vocabulary word for native speakers.

Coastal Tourism
In cities like Xiamen, Sanya, or Hong Kong, you will see signs for 观海豚 (guān hǎitún - dolphin watching) tours. The 'Chinese White Dolphin' (中华白海豚) is a particularly famous species in the Pearl River Delta, often mentioned in local news regarding conservation efforts.

我们明天去参加海豚观赏之旅吧。(Let's go on a dolphin watching trip tomorrow.)

In environmental contexts, 海豚 is a 'flagship species.' Discussions about 海洋污染 (hǎiyáng wūrǎn - ocean pollution) or 生态保护 (shēngtài bǎohù - ecological protection) often center on the health of dolphin populations as an indicator of the ocean's overall health. You will hear activists say 保护海豚,就是保护海洋 (Protecting dolphins is protecting the ocean). Furthermore, in the realm of technology and science, the dolphin's 'sonar' capability is often discussed using the term 海豚声呐 (hǎitún shēngnà).

这种声呐技术的灵感来源于海豚。(The inspiration for this sonar technology comes from dolphins.)

News & Media
News reports about 'beached dolphins' (海豚搁浅 - hǎitún gēqiǎn) are common during certain seasons, requiring the public to understand the word to follow rescue efforts.

One of the most common mistakes for learners of Chinese when using 海豚 (hǎitún) is a biological and linguistic confusion: treating it as a type of fish. In English, we might say 'dolphin fish' (Mahi-mahi), but in Chinese, calling a dolphin a 鱼 (yú - fish) is considered a factual error. While you might use the measure word 条 (tiáo), which is typically for long things like fish, you should always remember they are 哺乳动物 (bǔrǔ dòngwù - mammals). Another common mistake is the pronunciation of the second character 豚 (tún). Learners often confuse it with 队 (duì - team) or 推 (tuī - push) because of the visual similarities in phonetic components, but the tone is a rising second tone.

Measure Word Confusion
Do not use '个' (gè) for dolphins. While '个' is a general measure word, it sounds unnatural for animals. Use '只' (zhī) for individuals or '群' (qún) for groups.

错误:我看到一个海豚。正确:我看到一只海豚。(Incorrect: I saw one [generic] dolphin. Correct: I saw one [animal] dolphin.)

Another subtle mistake involves confusing 海豚 (hǎitún) with 江豚 (jiāngtún - river dolphin/finless porpoise). While they look similar, the distinction is important in China, especially concerning the Yangtze River finless porpoise (长江江豚), which is a critically endangered and highly protected species. Using the wrong term might show a lack of local environmental awareness. Furthermore, learners sometimes misspell by omitting the left-side 'flesh' radical (月), which changes the meaning entirely or results in a non-existent character.

不要把海豚当成鱼类,它们需要呼吸空气。(Don't mistake dolphins for fish; they need to breathe air.)

Aspiration Error
Confusing 'tún' with 'dún' (which is not a common character for animals) is a frequent phonological error for English speakers who don't distinguish aspirated/unaspirated stops clearly.

While 海豚 (hǎitún) is the specific word for dolphin, it belongs to a larger family of marine life terms that learners should know to provide context. The most frequent 'cousin' word is 鲸鱼 (jīngyú - whale). Biologically, dolphins are a type of small whale, and in some contexts, you might hear the broader term 鲸类 (jīnglèi - cetaceans). However, for daily use, 海豚 is never replaced by 鲸鱼 because of the significant size difference and the dolphin's unique cultural status.

海豚 vs. 鲸鱼 (Dolphin vs. Whale)
海豚: Smaller, faster, known for jumping and 'smiling.' 鲸鱼: Much larger, often seen as majestic or mysterious, includes species like the Blue Whale (蓝鲸).
海豚 vs. 鲨鱼 (Dolphin vs. Shark)
海豚: Friendly mammal, horizontal tail fin. 鲨鱼 (shāyú): Predatory fish, vertical tail fin, often feared.

虽然海豚和鲸鱼很像,但它们的体型差别很大。(Although dolphins and whales are similar, their body sizes differ greatly.)

Another relevant term is 海狮 (hǎishī - sea lion) and 海豹 (hǎibào - seal). These are often seen in the same aquariums or documentaries. While they are also marine mammals, they have flippers and can spend time on land, whereas 海豚 are fully aquatic. In literary contexts, you might see 海中精灵 (hǎizhōng jīnglíng - spirits of the sea) as a poetic alternative to 海豚, emphasizing their grace and perceived magic. Lastly, 江豚 (jiāngtún) is the specific term for river dolphins, which is crucial for conversations about China's internal waterways.

长江江豚被称为“微笑天使”。(The Yangtze finless porpoise is known as the 'smiling angel.')

Killer Whales
The 'Killer Whale' is called 虎鲸 (hǔjīng), literally 'tiger whale.' Biologically, it is the largest species of dolphin, but in Chinese, it is named as a whale.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient times, dolphins were sometimes called '海豕' (hǎishǐ), where '豕' is another ancient word for pig. The modern term '海豚' became the standard over time.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈdɒlfɪn/
US /ˈdɑːlfɪn/
Hǎi (third tone - falling then rising) and Tún (second tone - rising).
Rime avec
海 (hǎi) rhymes with 买 (mǎi), 摆 (bǎi). 豚 (tún) rhymes with 轮 (lún), 群 (qún), 存 (cún), 门 (mén), 盆 (pén), 魂 (hún), 尊 (zūn), 坤 (kūn).
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'tún' as 'duì' (team).
  • Using the first tone for 'hǎi' (it should be third).
  • Using the fourth tone for 'tún' (it should be second).
  • Failing to aspirate the 't' in 'tún'.
  • Confusing 'tún' with 'tūn' (to swallow).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Characters are somewhat complex but very common in nature contexts.

Écriture 3/5

The character '豚' has many strokes and requires practice.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Écoute 2/5

Easily recognizable in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

海 (sea) 鱼 (fish) 大 (big) 水 (water) 喜欢 (like)

Apprends ensuite

鲸鱼 (whale) 鲨鱼 (shark) 哺乳动物 (mammal) 保护 (protect) 聪明 (smart)

Avancé

回声定位 (echolocation) 栖息地 (habitat) 物种 (species) 演化 (evolution) 声呐 (sonar)

Grammaire à connaître

Measure Words for Animals (只)

我看到三只海豚。

Measure Words for Groups (群)

那一群海豚游走了。

Noun Modification with '的'

海豚的皮肤很光滑。

Ability with '会'

海豚会救人。

Similes with '像...一样'

他游得像海豚一样快。

Exemples par niveau

1

我喜欢海豚。

I like dolphins.

Basic Subject-Verb-Object structure.

2

海豚很大。

The dolphin is big.

Using '很' as a linking verb for adjectives.

3

这是一只海豚。

This is a dolphin.

Using the measure word '只'.

4

海豚在游泳。

The dolphin is swimming.

Present continuous action with '在'.

5

海豚是蓝色的吗?

Are dolphins blue?

Basic question structure with '吗'.

6

海豚有两只眼睛。

Dolphins have two eyes.

Using '有' for possession/attributes.

7

海豚住在海里。

Dolphins live in the sea.

Using '住在' for habitat.

8

看,那儿有海豚!

Look, there are dolphins there!

Using '有' to indicate existence.

1

海豚是非常聪明的动物。

Dolphins are very smart animals.

Using '非常' to intensify the adjective.

2

海豚喜欢和人一起玩。

Dolphins like to play with people.

Using '和...一起' (with... together).

3

海豚不是鱼,它们是哺乳动物。

Dolphins are not fish; they are mammals.

Contrast using '不是...而是...' (implied).

4

我在海洋馆看到了海豚表演。

I saw a dolphin show at the aquarium.

Compound noun '海豚表演'.

5

海豚游得非常快。

Dolphins swim very fast.

Using the '得' complement of degree.

6

这只海豚叫什么名字?

What is this dolphin's name?

Asking for names using '叫'.

7

海豚用肺呼吸,而不是用鳃。

Dolphins breathe with lungs, not gills.

Using '用' to indicate means/instrument.

8

一群海豚跃出了水面。

A pod of dolphins leaped out of the water.

Using the measure word '群'.

1

海豚能够通过声呐来感知周围的环境。

Dolphins can perceive their surroundings through sonar.

Using '通过...来' (through... to).

2

保护海豚对维持海洋生态平衡至关重要。

Protecting dolphins is vital for maintaining the ecological balance of the ocean.

Using '对...至关重要' (is vital to...).

3

由于过度捕捞,一些海豚物种正面临灭绝。

Due to overfishing, some dolphin species are facing extinction.

Using '由于' to indicate cause.

4

海豚之间的交流非常复杂且有趣。

The communication between dolphins is very complex and interesting.

Using '之间' for 'between'.

5

据说海豚曾经多次在海中救起溺水的人。

It is said that dolphins have saved drowning people in the sea many times.

Using '据说' (it is said).

6

这种海豚的皮肤摸起来非常光滑。

This dolphin's skin feels very smooth to the touch.

Using '摸起来' (feels like).

7

我们要减少塑料垃圾,以保护海豚的栖息地。

We need to reduce plastic waste to protect dolphin habitats.

Using '以' to indicate purpose.

8

海豚的听力比人类敏锐得多。

A dolphin's hearing is much sharper than a human's.

Using '...比...得多' for comparison.

1

海豚展示了极高的社会协作能力。

Dolphins demonstrate an extremely high capacity for social cooperation.

Formal verb '展示' (demonstrate).

2

科学家们正在深入研究海豚的认知功能。

Scientists are conducting in-depth research into the cognitive functions of dolphins.

Using '深入' as an adverbial modifier.

3

关于海豚是否应该在水族馆中生活的争议一直在持续。

The controversy over whether dolphins should live in aquariums continues.

Using '关于...的争议' (the controversy regarding...).

4

海豚音(Whistle Register)是某些歌手能达到的最高音域。

The dolphin voice (Whistle Register) is the highest vocal range some singers can reach.

Using parentheses for technical translations.

5

中华白海豚被誉为“海上大熊猫”。

The Chinese White Dolphin is known as the 'Giant Panda of the Sea.'

Using '被誉为' (be praised/known as).

6

海豚的睡眠方式非常独特,它们的大脑半球轮流休息。

Dolphins' sleep patterns are unique; their brain hemispheres take turns resting.

Using '轮流' (take turns).

7

这种声呐探测器是模仿海豚的回声定位系统设计的。

This sonar detector is designed by mimicking the echolocation system of dolphins.

Using '模仿...设计的' (designed by mimicking...).

8

海豚的种类繁多,包括瓶鼻海豚和虎鲸等。

There are many types of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins and killer whales.

Using '包括...等' (including... etc.).

1

海豚在古代传说中常被视为航海者的守护神。

Dolphins were often regarded as the patron saints of voyagers in ancient legends.

Passive voice '被视为' (be regarded as).

2

海豚的自我意识通过镜子测试得到了证实。

Dolphins' self-awareness has been confirmed through the mirror test.

Using '得到了证实' (has been confirmed).

3

我们需要在全球范围内加强对海豚及其生态系统的法律保护。

We need to strengthen legal protections for dolphins and their ecosystems on a global scale.

Using '在...范围内' (within the scope of...).

4

海豚灵动优雅的身姿激发了无数艺术家的创作灵感。

The dolphin's agile and elegant posture has inspired countless artists.

Sophisticated adjectives like '灵动' and '优雅'.

5

尽管海豚看起来总是在“微笑”,但这实际上是其解剖结构所致。

Although dolphins always seem to be 'smiling,' this is actually due to their anatomical structure.

Using '...所致' (caused by...).

6

海豚的智力水平在非人类灵长类动物之外是无与伦比的。

The level of intelligence in dolphins is unparalleled outside of non-human primates.

Using the idiom '无与伦比' (unparalleled).

7

由于环境恶化,长江江豚的种群数量急剧下降。

Due to environmental degradation, the population of Yangtze finless porpoises has dropped sharply.

Using '急剧' (sharply/drastically).

8

海豚在群体中表现出的利他行为引起了生物学家的广泛关注。

The altruistic behavior shown by dolphins in groups has attracted widespread attention from biologists.

Technical term '利他行为' (altruism).

1

海豚的声学通讯机制在海洋生物声学研究中占据核心地位。

The acoustic communication mechanisms of dolphins occupy a central position in marine bioacoustics research.

Using '占据核心地位' (occupy a central position).

2

探讨海豚的认知演化有助于我们理解生命智力的本质。

Exploring the cognitive evolution of dolphins helps us understand the essence of biological intelligence.

Using '有助于' (helps to/contributes to).

3

跨物种交流的实验往往以海豚作为研究对象。

Experiments in cross-species communication often take dolphins as the research subjects.

Using '以...作为' (take... as).

4

海豚在捕猎时展现出的策略复杂性,足以证明其高度发达的新皮质。

The strategic complexity displayed by dolphins during hunting is sufficient to prove their highly developed neocortex.

Using '足以' (sufficient to).

5

政府应出台更严厉的政策,打击非法捕杀海豚的贸易链。

The government should introduce stricter policies to crack down on the illegal trade chain of killing dolphins.

Using '出台政策' (to introduce/roll out policies).

6

海豚对于人为水下噪音的敏感性,反映了工业化对海洋环境的深远影响。

Dolphins' sensitivity to man-made underwater noise reflects the profound impact of industrialization on the marine environment.

Using '反映了...影响' (reflects the impact of...).

7

通过对海豚基因组的测序,科学家们揭示了其适应水生生活的遗传基础。

By sequencing the dolphin genome, scientists have revealed the genetic basis of its adaptation to aquatic life.

Using '揭示了' (revealed).

8

在文学修辞中,海豚常被赋予超越自然属性的神圣意涵。

In literary rhetoric, dolphins are often endowed with sacred meanings that transcend their natural attributes.

Using '被赋予' (be endowed with).

Collocations courantes

海豚表演
海豚训练员
海豚音
保护海豚
一群海豚
海豚搁浅
海豚声呐
野生海豚
海豚湾
海豚保护区

Phrases Courantes

像海豚一样游泳

— To swim very gracefully and fast.

他在水里游得像海豚一样。

海豚般的微笑

— A friendly and constant smile.

他总带着一种海豚般的微笑。

海豚跳

— A specific type of jump or dive into the water.

那个跳水运动员做了一个完美的海豚跳。

观赏海豚

— Dolphin watching as a tourist activity.

观赏海豚是这里的主要旅游项目。

海豚救人

— The phenomenon of dolphins saving humans.

海豚救人的故事在沿海地区流传已久。

海豚研究

— Scientific research focusing on dolphins.

他毕生致力于海豚研究。

海豚智力

— Refers to the high cognitive level of dolphins.

海豚智力一直以来都是科学家研究的热点。

海豚式呼吸

— A breathing technique used in swimming.

教练正在教我们海豚式呼吸。

海豚疗法

— Using interaction with dolphins for therapy.

有些自闭症儿童通过海豚疗法获得了帮助。

海豚栖息地

— The natural environment where dolphins live.

保护海豚栖息地迫在眉睫。

Souvent confondu avec

海豚 vs 鲸鱼 (jīngyú)

Whales are much larger; dolphins are a subset of whales scientifically but distinct in common speech.

海豚 vs 鲨鱼 (shāyú)

Sharks are fish and often portrayed as dangerous, unlike the friendly dolphin.

海豚 vs 江豚 (jiāngtún)

Refers specifically to river dolphins/porpoises, which are different species.

Expressions idiomatiques

"海豚音"

— Metaphorically refers to an extremely high singing voice.

她的海豚音让全场观众震惊。

Pop Culture
"如鱼得水"

— While it mentions fish, it describes the comfort a dolphin (or anyone) feels in their element.

他在辩论赛上如鱼得水,表现出色。

General
"海底捞针"

— To look for a needle in the ocean; signifies an impossible task, often used in marine contexts.

要在这么大的海域找那只海豚,简直是海底捞针。

General
"海阔天空"

— As wide as the sea and sky; signifies freedom, much like a dolphin's life.

离开办公室,他感到海阔天空。

Literary
"精卫填海"

— Refers to persistence in the face of the vast ocean.

他保护海豚的决心就像精卫填海一样坚定。

Literary
"沧海一粟"

— A grain in the ocean; signifies being tiny in a vast world.

在广阔的海域中,一只海豚只是沧海一粟。

Literary
"八仙过海"

— Each showing their own skills; can describe a pod of dolphins performing.

海豚们八仙过海,各显神通地表演着。

Informal
"大海捞针"

— Same as 海底捞针.

寻找那只失踪的海豚就像是大海捞针。

General
"海誓山盟"

— Oaths as deep as the sea; often used in romantic contexts near the ocean.

他们在海豚的见证下许下了海誓山盟。

Romantic
"波涛汹涌"

— Rough waves; describes the environment dolphins live in.

即使在波涛汹涌的大海里,海豚也能自由游动。

Descriptive

Facile à confondre

海豚 vs 海苔 (hǎitái)

Sounds similar.

Hǎitái is seaweed/nori; Hǎitún is a dolphin.

我不吃海豚,我吃海苔。

海豚 vs 海滩 (hǎitān)

Sounds similar.

Hǎitān is a beach; Hǎitún is a dolphin.

我们在海滩上看海豚。

海豚 vs 海龟 (hǎiguī)

Both are marine animals starting with '海'.

Hǎiguī is a sea turtle.

海龟有壳,海豚没有。

海豚 vs 豚肉 (túnròu)

Uses the character '豚'.

Túnròu is a more formal or Japanese-influenced term for pork.

海豚不是豚肉的来源。

海豚 vs 队 (duì)

Visual similarity to '豚'.

Duì means team/group.

我们队去看海豚。

Structures de phrases

A1

我喜欢[动物]。

我喜欢海豚。

A2

[动物]很[形容词]。

海豚很聪明。

B1

因为[原因],所以[结果]。

因为海水很脏,所以海豚生病了。

B1

[动物]会[动作]。

海豚会跳出水面。

B2

[动物]被认为是[评价]。

海豚被认为是海洋中最聪明的动物。

B2

通过[方式],[动物][动作]。

通过回声定位,海豚可以找到食物。

C1

[事物]激发了[某人]的[灵感]。

海豚优雅的身姿激发了艺术家的灵感。

C2

[事物]反映了[深刻影响]。

海豚数量的减少反映了环境破坏的严重性。

Famille de mots

Noms

海豚 (hǎitún)
江豚 (jiāngtún)
虎鲸 (hǔjīng)
海豚音 (hǎitún yīn)

Verbes

观海豚 (guān hǎitún)
训练海豚 (xùnliàn hǎitún)

Adjectifs

海豚般的 (hǎitún bān de)

Apparenté

海洋 (hǎiyáng)
哺乳动物 (bǔrǔ dòngwù)
声呐 (shēngnà)
背鳍 (bèiqí)
回声定位 (huíshēng dìngwèi)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (especially in nature and tourism contexts).

Erreurs courantes
  • Calling a dolphin a '鱼' (fish). 海豚是哺乳动物 (mammal).

    Biologically incorrect and considered a basic error in Chinese education.

  • Using the measure word '个' (gè). 一只海豚 (zhī).

    '个' is too generic for animals; '只' is the proper measure word for most animals.

  • Writing '豚' as '队'. 豚 (tún).

    Visually similar but '队' (team) lacks the 'flesh' radical and has a different meaning.

  • Mispronouncing 'tún' as 'tūn'. tún (second tone).

    'Tūn' means to swallow; 'tún' means dolphin/pig. Tones change the meaning entirely.

  • Confusing '海豚' with '海象' (walrus). 海豚 (dolphin).

    Both start with '海', but an elephant of the sea (海象) is very different from a pig of the sea (海豚).

Astuces

Measure Word Precision

Always use '只' (zhī) for a single dolphin. Avoid '个' (gè) to sound more like a native speaker.

The White Dolphin

If you are in Hong Kong, mention the '中华白海豚' (Zhōnghuá bái hǎitún) to show your local knowledge.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'hǎi' stays in the third tone. If it's followed by another third tone, it changes to second, but 'tún' is second, so 'hǎi' remains third.

Related Species

Learn '鲸鱼' (whale) at the same time, as they are often discussed together in marine contexts.

Mammal Status

In Chinese exams, always remember '海豚是哺乳动物' (Dolphins are mammals). It's a common trivia question.

Music Terms

Use '海豚音' to compliment someone who can sing very high notes.

The 'Pig' Connection

Remember the character '豚' means pig to help you remember the 'tún' sound, which is similar to 'tún' in 'túnròu' (pork - Japanese influence).

Radical Recognition

The 'flesh' radical (月) in '豚' tells you it's a living creature with meat.

Real-world Use

Look for '海豚' on signs at zoos or aquariums to reinforce your learning.

Aspiration Check

Listen carefully to the 't' in 'tún'; it is much stronger than the 'd' in English 'done'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a pig (豚 - tún) that decided to live in the sea (海 - hǎi). It became sleek and smart, but kept the name 'Sea Pig.'

Association visuelle

Imagine a dolphin with a little pig's tail swimming through blue waves. The character '豚' has the flesh radical, reminding you it's a mammal.

Word Web

海 (Sea) 豚 (Pig) 水 (Water) 鱼 (Fish - but it's NOT one) 聪明 (Smart) 游 (Swim) 跳 (Jump) 人 (Human - friends)

Défi

Write a sentence using '海豚' and its measure word '只'. Then try to explain in Chinese why it is a '哺乳动物' (mammal).

Origine du mot

The word '海豚' (hǎitún) dates back to ancient Chinese texts. '海' (hǎi) represents the ocean, and '豚' (tún) refers to a pig, specifically a young one. This naming convention is based on the animal's physical resemblance to a pig, especially its layer of blubber and rounded snout.

Sens originel : Literally 'Sea Pig.'

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese characters).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing dolphin shows, as animal rights awareness is increasing in China, and some people may have strong opinions about keeping them in captivity.

Similar to Western culture, dolphins are beloved and seen as highly intelligent 'friends of humanity.'

The movie 'The Cove' (海豚湾) Jane Zhang's 'Dolphin Voice' The Chinese White Dolphin mascot for the HK handover.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Aquarium

  • 海豚表演什么时候开始?
  • 我们可以喂海豚吗?
  • 这只海豚几岁了?
  • 海豚馆在哪儿?

Environmental Discussion

  • 海洋污染威胁海豚生存。
  • 我们要保护海豚的家园。
  • 海豚是生态系统的重要组成部分。
  • 禁止非法捕杀海豚。

Music/Singing

  • 她能唱海豚音。
  • 这段高音很有海豚音的感觉。
  • 海豚音需要很高的技巧。
  • 张靓颖的海豚音很有名。

Nature Documentary

  • 海豚用回声定位寻找猎物。
  • 这群海豚正在集体捕猎。
  • 海豚的大脑非常发达。
  • 海豚是群居动物。

Beach Trip

  • 运气好的话能看到海豚。
  • 看,那边有海豚跳出来了!
  • 海豚在跟着我们的船。
  • 这里的海豚很友好。

Amorces de conversation

"你最喜欢的海洋动物是海豚吗?"

"你曾经在野外见过海豚吗?"

"你觉得海豚为什么这么聪明?"

"你看过关于海豚的纪录片吗?"

"你支持在海洋馆里养海豚吗?"

Sujets d'écriture

描述一下你第一次看到海豚时的感受。

如果你是一只海豚,你会在大海里做什么?

写一段话,呼吁大家保护海豚和海洋环境。

你认为海豚和人类之间有什么共同点?

想象一下海豚是如何在水下进行交流的。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

不是。海豚是哺乳动物。它们用肺呼吸空气,给幼崽喂奶,并且是温血动物。虽然它们住在水里,但它们在生物学上与人类的亲缘关系比与鱼类的亲缘关系更近。

‘海豚’字面意思是‘海里的猪’。这是因为古人认为海豚圆滚滚的身体和厚厚的脂肪层看起来很像猪。这是一个非常形象的命名方式。

最常用的量词是‘只’(zhī),例如‘一只海豚’。如果你想描述一群海豚,可以使用‘群’(qún),例如‘一群海豚’。

‘海豚音’是一个音乐术语,指人类发出的极高频率的声音,类似于海豚发出的哨音。在华语乐坛,歌手张靓颖因擅长这种唱法而闻名。

有很多关于海豚在海上救助溺水者或驱赶鲨鱼保护人类的故事。虽然科学家们对这种行为的动机有不同的解释,但这确实让海豚赢得了‘海上救生员’的美誉。

中国最著名的海豚物种是中华白海豚(Chinese White Dolphin),它们主要生活在珠江口。另外,长江里的江豚(Finless Porpoise)也非常出名,虽然它们严格来说属于鼠海豚科。

海豚的睡眠方式非常特别。它们的大脑半球会轮流休息,这样它们在睡觉时也能保持一半的清醒,以便浮出水面呼吸并警惕捕食者。

海豚被认为是地球上最聪明的非人类动物之一。它们具有自我意识,能解决复杂的问题,有自己的语言系统,甚至会使用工具。

海豚主要吃鱼类和乌贼。不同种类的海豚有不同的食谱,有些海豚甚至会合作捕猎,将鱼群围困在一起。

海豚是海洋生态系统中的顶级捕食者,它们的存在有助于维持生态平衡。此外,海豚对环境变化非常敏感,保护海豚也就意味着保护了整个海洋环境。

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