At the A1 level, you only need to know '原始' (yuánshǐ) in its most basic sense: 'primitive' or 'very old/natural.' Think of it like a 'caveman' word. You might see it in a picture book describing a '原始人' (yuánshǐ rén - primitive person/caveman) or a '原始森林' (yuánshǐ sēnlín - primitive forest). It's a way to describe something that doesn't have modern things like computers or electricity. At this stage, just remember that '原' means source and '始' means start. Together they mean 'the very first start.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, just recognize it when talking about nature or history.
At the A2 level, you can start using '原始' to describe things that are 'original' or 'untouched.' For example, when you go to a park, you might say the trees look '原始.' You also begin to see it in simple historical contexts. You might learn that long ago, people lived in a '原始社会' (yuánshǐ shèhuì - primitive society). It is also used to describe things that are not yet 'fixed' or 'changed.' If you have a first draft of a drawing, it is the '原始' version. Try to use it to contrast with '现代' (xiàndài - modern). For example: '这是原始的,那是现代的' (This is primitive/original, that is modern).
At the B1 level, '原始' becomes more useful in professional and academic settings. You should know it means 'raw' or 'original' when referring to data or documents. In an office, you might hear '原始数据' (yuánshǐ shùjù - raw data) or '原始记录' (yuánshǐ jìlù - original record). This is a crucial distinction from 'processed' or 'edited' information. You should also be able to use it to describe human nature, such as '原始的欲望' (primitive desires). At this level, you start to see that '原始' isn't just about cavemen; it's about the 'first version' of anything before it gets complicated. You should be able to distinguish it from '最初' (initial).
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '原始' in abstract and technical discussions. You will encounter it in economics, such as '原始积累' (primitive accumulation of capital), and in legal contexts, like '原始证据' (primary evidence). You should understand its nuance in literature—where a '原始' style might be praised for its raw power and lack of pretension. You should also be able to use it as a modifier for complex nouns without needing '的' in established terms. Your understanding should include the fact that '原始' can be a neutral, scientific term or a slightly critical one depending on whether you're talking about a forest or a person's working methods.
At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the philosophical and sociological implications of '原始.' You might read academic papers discussing '原始宗教' (primitive religion) or '原始思维' (primitive thinking/mentality). You should be able to discuss the tension between '原始' (the primal/natural) and '文明' (civilization). You will also see it used in advanced scientific contexts, like '原始细胞' (protocell) or '原始星云' (primordial nebula). At this level, you should be able to use the word with precision, choosing it over synonyms like '原生,' '古老,' or '初级' to convey the exact sense of 'foundational beginning' or 'unprocessed state.'
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '原始.' you can appreciate its use in high-level political discourse, complex scientific theories, and avant-garde art criticism. You understand how the term has been used in Chinese historiography and Marxist theory within the Chinese context. You can use '原始' to describe the most subtle 'primal' forces in psychology or the 'primordial' conditions of the universe. You are aware of its rhetorical power—how calling a modern policy '原始' can be a sharp critique of its crudeness, or how praising a design as '原始' can highlight its elegant simplicity and closeness to nature. You can navigate all its technical, metaphorical, and historical layers fluently.

原始 en 30 secondes

  • 原始 (yuánshǐ) primarily means 'primitive' or 'original,' describing things at their earliest stage of existence or in an unrefined, natural state.
  • Commonly used in terms like 原始森林 (primitive forest), 原始社会 (primitive society), and 原始数据 (raw data) for unprocessed information.
  • In business and law, it refers to 'first-hand' or 'original' documents and vouchers that serve as primary evidence or records.
  • It differs from '最初' (initial time) and '原创' (creative/novel) by focusing on the 'raw' or 'foundational' nature of the object.

The Chinese term 原始 (yuánshǐ) is a multifaceted adjective that primarily translates to 'primitive,' 'original,' or 'initial.' At its core, it describes a state that is untouched, unrefined, or existing at the very beginning of a timeline. Whether you are discussing the dawn of human civilization or the raw data sitting in a spreadsheet, 原始 is your go-to word for anything that represents the 'source' state before modifications, processing, or modernization took place.

Etymological Breakdown
The first character, 原 (yuán), represents a source or a meadow, often associated with the origin of a river. The second character, 始 (shǐ), means to start or begin. Together, they form a concept of 'the very first beginning' or 'the source start.'

科学家们在这一带发现了大量的原始森林遗迹。 (Scientists discovered a large number of primitive forest remains in this area.)

In a historical context, 原始 is used to describe the earliest stages of human development. You will frequently encounter terms like 原始社会 (yuánshǐ shèhuì), referring to primitive society, and 原始人 (yuánshǐ rén), meaning primitive man or cavemen. This usage implies a lack of technological advancement and a close relationship with nature. However, it is important to note that in Chinese, 原始 does not always carry a negative or 'backward' connotation; it can often imply purity, authenticity, and the foundational essence of a thing.

Modern Application
In the digital age, 原始 is crucial in fields like forensics, accounting, and scientific research. It distinguishes between a modified version and the 'first-hand' evidence. For example, 原始凭证 (yuánshǐ píngzhèng) refers to original accounting vouchers, which are legal requirements for audits.

我们需要分析这些原始数据,才能得出正确的结论。 (We need to analyze this raw data to reach the correct conclusion.)

Furthermore, 原始 can describe human instincts or emotions. 原始冲动 (yuánshǐ chōngdòng) refers to primal urges or primitive impulses—those feelings that are hardwired into our biology before societal conditioning takes over. This depth makes the word useful in psychology and literature. In summary, 原始 bridges the gap between the ancient past and the technical present by focusing on the 'starting point' of any entity or concept.

Using 原始 correctly requires understanding its role as an attributive adjective. It almost always precedes a noun to define its nature as being in an early or unprocessed state. Unlike some adjectives in Chinese, it is rarely used with '很' (hěn) because 'primitiveness' is often seen as an absolute state rather than a degree. You wouldn't usually say something is 'very primitive' (很原始) unless you are speaking colloquially about lack of modern facilities.

Common Collocations
  • 原始森林 (yuánshǐ sēnlín) - Virgin forest / Primitive forest
  • 原始积累 (yuánshǐ jīlěi) - Primitive accumulation (often used in economics)
  • 原始记录 (yuánshǐ jìlù) - Original record
  • 原始动力 (yuánshǐ dònglì) - Primal drive / Original motive force

这本小说的原始手稿被保存在国家图书馆里。 (The original manuscript of this novel is kept in the National Library.)

When describing technology or living conditions, 原始 conveys a sense of being 'rudimentary' or 'crude.' If you visit a remote village with no electricity or running water, you might describe their lifestyle as 原始. Here, it functions to contrast with 'modern' (现代). However, be careful with your tone; while it can be a neutral descriptive term in anthropology, calling someone's methods '原始' in a professional setting might imply they are outdated or inefficient.

这种原始的捕鱼方式已经传承了几千年。 (This primitive way of fishing has been passed down for thousands of years.)

In academic writing, particularly in history and sociology, 原始 is used to categorize eras. The 原始公社 (yuánshǐ gōngshè) or primitive commune is a standard term in Marxist historical materialism taught in Chinese schools. Understanding this allows you to engage with Chinese academic texts about the evolution of society. In legal contexts, 原始证据 (yuánshǐ zhèngjù) refers to primary evidence, which is the most powerful type of evidence in a courtroom because it hasn't been filtered through a second party.

You will encounter 原始 in several distinct environments in China, ranging from the highly technical to the poetic. In the workplace, specifically in IT and finance, it is a daily term. Developers talk about 原始代码 (yuánshǐ dàimǎ) or source code (though '源代码' is more common, '原始' emphasizes the version before any patches). Accountants will insist on seeing the 原始发票 (yuánshǐ fāpiào) or the original invoice for reimbursement.

请提交原始凭证,否则无法报销。 (Please submit the original vouchers, otherwise, reimbursement cannot be processed.)

In the media, 原始 is a staple of nature documentaries and travel shows. When CCTV-9 (the documentary channel) features the rainforests of Yunnan or the plains of Africa, the narrator will inevitably use 原始森林 or 原始荒野 to evoke a sense of awe and untouched beauty. It paints a picture of a world far removed from the concrete jungles of Beijing or Shanghai.

In literature and art, 原始 is used to describe a style or a feeling. 原始主义 (yuánshǐ zhǔyì) or Primitivism is an art movement that draws inspiration from non-Western or prehistoric themes. You might hear an art critic describe a painting as having a 原始的力量 (yuánshǐ de lìliàng)—a primal power—suggesting that the work taps into deep, unrefined human emotions that transcend modern civilization.

Daily Life Examples
If you go hiking, the guide might warn you that the path ahead is very '原始,' meaning it's not paved and might be difficult to navigate. If you are buying a house, the '原始户型' refers to the original floor plan before any renovations or wall removals occurred.

保持原始的风貌是这个古镇最大的卖点。 (Maintaining its original appearance is the biggest selling point of this ancient town.)

The most common mistake learners make with 原始 is confusing it with other words that mean 'original' or 'first,' such as 最初 (zuìchū), 原本 (yuánběn), or 原创 (yuánchuàng). While they all share a similar theme, their applications are quite specific and generally not interchangeable.

Mistake 1: 原始 vs. 最初
最初 is a time-based word meaning 'at the very beginning.' You use it to describe a starting point in time (e.g., 'Initially, I didn't like it'). 原始 describes the *nature* or *state* of something being primitive or unprocessed. You can't say '原始我不想去' (Primitive I didn't want to go).

Correct: 我最初的想法是开一家咖啡馆。 (My initial idea was to open a cafe.)
Incorrect: 我原始的想法...

Another common error is using 原始 when you mean 'original' in the sense of 'creative' or 'novel.' For this, you should use 原创 (yuánchuàng). If you say a song is '原始,' you are saying it sounds like it was made by cavemen or is a raw, unedited demo. If you want to say it's an 'original song' (not a cover), you must use 原创歌曲 (yuánchuàng gēqǔ).

Mistake 2: Overusing '很'
As mentioned before, 原始 is often a categorical adjective. Saying '这片森林很原始' is acceptable in casual speech, but in formal writing, 原始 is usually used as a direct modifier: '这是一片原始森林.'

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 原始 with 原生 (yuánshēng). 原生 usually refers to something indigenous or native to a place, especially in biological or environmental contexts (e.g., 原生植物 - native plants). 原始 focuses more on the timeline (being first/early) or the lack of processing.

To truly master 原始, you need to know its synonyms and how they differ in shade and scope. The Chinese language is rich with words denoting 'origins,' and choosing the right one marks the difference between a beginner and an advanced speaker.

1. 最初 (zuìchū) vs. 原始
最初 is purely temporal. It means 'at the start.' 原始 implies a state of being unrefined or first-hand. You can have a '最初' plan that is very modern, but an '原始' plan would be the very first draft or a very crude version.
2. 古老 (gǔlǎo) vs. 原始
古老 means 'ancient' or 'old.' It suggests a long history and often carries a sense of respect or value (e.g., ancient culture). 原始 emphasizes being at the *beginning* or being *unprocessed*. A civilization can be ancient (古老) but not necessarily primitive (原始).

虽然这个部落的生活方式很原始,但他们拥有古老的智慧。 (Although this tribe's lifestyle is primitive, they possess ancient wisdom.)

3. 原本 (yuánběn) vs. 原始
原本 usually functions as an adverb meaning 'originally' or 'formerly,' often implying that things have since changed. '他原本是个医生' (He was originally a doctor). 原始 is an adjective describing the nature of the object itself.

In summary, use 原始 when you want to emphasize the 'starting state,' the 'unprocessed nature,' or the 'primitive stage' of something. Use its alternatives when you want to focus on the time (最初), the age (古老), the change in status (原本), or the creativity (原创).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient texts, '原始' was often used in a philosophical sense to describe the creation of the universe, long before it became a common term for 'raw data' in the computer age!

Guide de prononciation

UK /juːˈæn ʃiː/
US /juːˈæn ʃiː/
Second syllable (shǐ) has a distinct pitch change.
Rime avec
开始 (kāishǐ) 历史 (lìshǐ) 此时 (cǐshí - partial) 真实 (zhēnshí) 事实 (shìshí) 地址 (dìzhǐ) 停止 (tíngzhǐ) 意志 (yìzhì)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'yuán' like 'yawn'. It should be more like 'yoo-en'.
  • Missing the third tone on 'shǐ', making it sound like 'shì' (fourth tone).
  • Confusing 'shǐ' with 'sī'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news and history books.

Écriture 4/5

Requires understanding of specific collocations.

Expression orale 3/5

Easy to pronounce but tones matter.

Écoute 3/5

Frequently heard in documentaries and office settings.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

开始 原本 森林 社会

Apprends ensuite

源代码 积累 凭证 记录 生态

Avancé

混沌 图腾 茹毛饮血 初级阶段

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives as Attributives

原始森林 (No 'de' needed for fixed terms).

Adjectives with 'De'

原始的生态环境 (Used for emphasis or non-fixed terms).

Stative Adjectives

It usually doesn't take 'hen' unless describing a quality degree.

Compound Nouns

原始 + Noun creates a specific category.

Contrastive Usage

Using 原始 to contrast with 现代.

Exemples par niveau

1

那是原始人。

That is a primitive man (caveman).

原始人 is a fixed noun phrase.

2

原始森林很漂亮。

The primitive forest is very beautiful.

原始 modifies the noun 森林.

3

这里没有原始的动物。

There are no primitive animals here.

Using 的 to link the adjective to the noun.

4

他在看原始森林的照片。

He is looking at photos of a primitive forest.

Object of the sentence is a noun phrase.

5

原始社会没有电脑。

Primitive society had no computers.

Subject is 原始社会.

6

山里有原始的树。

There are primitive trees in the mountains.

Existential sentence structure.

7

我不喜欢原始的生活。

I don't like a primitive life.

Describing a lifestyle.

8

这是原始的石头。

This is a primitive (natural/unworked) stone.

Basic 'this is' structure.

1

我们要保护原始生态。

We need to protect the primitive ecology.

原始生态 refers to untouched nature.

2

这个地方保持着原始风貌。

This place maintains its original appearance.

风貌 means style or features.

3

这种工具非常原始。

This tool is very primitive/crude.

Used as a predicative adjective with 非常.

4

他们过着原始的生活方式。

They live a primitive lifestyle.

生活方式 is the noun phrase.

5

原始的火是怎么产生的?

How was the original fire produced?

Asking about origins.

6

他在收集原始的贝壳。

He is collecting original (unpolished) shells.

Describing natural objects.

7

这个想法很原始。

This idea is very primitive/basic.

Can imply 'underdeveloped' in this context.

8

我们去原始森林探险吧。

Let's go explore the primitive forest.

探险 means to explore/adventure.

1

请把原始数据发给我。

Please send me the raw data.

原始数据 is a common business/tech term.

2

这些是实验的原始记录。

These are the original records of the experiment.

Records that haven't been typed up yet.

3

他保留了那封信的原始手稿。

He kept the original manuscript of that letter.

Handwritten first version.

4

这种原始的冲动很难控制。

This kind of primal impulse is hard to control.

Psychological use of 'primal'.

5

公司需要原始凭证来报销。

The company needs original vouchers for reimbursement.

Accounting term.

6

这个村庄还没有被原始商业化所破坏。

This village hasn't been destroyed by primitive commercialization.

Using 原始 to describe an early, often crude stage.

7

我们要找回原始的动力。

We need to find the original motivation.

Abstract use: 'source' motivation.

8

原始部落有他们自己的法律。

Primitive tribes have their own laws.

Anthropological context.

1

资本的原始积累往往是残酷的。

The primitive accumulation of capital is often cruel.

Economic term from Marxist theory.

2

这篇文章探讨了原始宗教的起源。

This article explores the origins of primitive religions.

Academic context.

3

法官要求出示原始证据。

The judge demanded the presentation of primary evidence.

Legal context: first-hand evidence.

4

这部电影展现了人类原始的恐惧。

This movie shows the primal fears of humanity.

Abstract: deep-seated emotions.

5

原始群是人类最早的社会组织形式。

The primitive horde was the earliest social organization of humanity.

Sociological term.

6

他喜欢用原始的材料进行创作。

He likes to use raw materials for his creations.

Artistic context: unrefined materials.

7

数据分析前必须检查原始性。

The originality/authenticity of the data must be checked before analysis.

原始性 is the noun form: 'originality' or 'raw state'.

8

这里依然保留着原始的耕作方式。

The primitive ways of farming are still preserved here.

Contrasting with industrial farming.

1

研究原始大气的成分对了解生命起源至关重要。

Studying the composition of the primordial atmosphere is crucial to understanding the origin of life.

Scientific: 'primordial' context.

2

这种艺术风格具有强烈的原始感。

This artistic style has a strong sense of primitivism.

原始感: 'sense of the primitive'.

3

他试图通过冥想回归原始的自我。

He tries to return to his primal self through meditation.

Philosophical/Psychological.

4

原始公社制度下,财产是公有的。

Under the primitive commune system, property was communal.

Historical/Political term.

5

我们需要从原始文献中寻找线索。

We need to find clues from the original documents/literature.

原始文献: primary sources.

6

他的理论建立在对原始数据的错误解读上。

His theory is built on a misinterpretation of raw data.

Formal critique.

7

这部作品探讨了文明与原始本能之间的冲突。

This work explores the conflict between civilization and primitive instincts.

Thematic analysis.

8

原始积累阶段的资源分配极不均衡。

The distribution of resources during the stage of primitive accumulation was extremely uneven.

Complex economic sentence.

1

在原始星云坍缩的过程中,恒星开始形成。

During the collapse of the primordial nebula, stars began to form.

Astrophysics term.

2

这种原始的图腾崇拜反映了早期人类对自然的敬畏。

This primitive totem worship reflects early humans' awe of nature.

Anthropological/Sociological.

3

我们应当警惕那种将复杂问题原始化的倾向。

We should be wary of the tendency to oversimplify (primitivize) complex issues.

原始化: to make primitive or oversimplify.

4

原始形态的物物交换早已被现代金融体系所取代。

The primitive form of bartering has long been replaced by modern financial systems.

Formal historical comparison.

5

他的诗歌充满了原始的生命力,震撼人心。

His poetry is full of primal vitality, which is deeply moving.

Literary criticism.

6

原始证据的灭失给案件的侦破带来了巨大困难。

The loss of primary evidence has brought great difficulties to the investigation of the case.

Legal/Investigative formal language.

7

该学说试图还原原始社会的权力和分配逻辑。

The doctrine attempts to reconstruct the logic of power and distribution in primitive society.

High-level social science.

8

在原始积累的血腥过程中,许多传统文化消失了。

In the bloody process of primitive accumulation, many traditional cultures disappeared.

Socio-political critique.

Collocations courantes

原始森林
原始数据
原始社会
原始人
原始积累
原始记录
原始凭证
原始动力
原始证据
原始风貌

Phrases Courantes

回归原始

— To return to a primitive or natural way of life.

他决定去山里隐居,回归原始。

原始形态

— The original or most basic form of something.

这是这种语言的原始形态。

原始点

— The starting point or origin point.

我们需要回到问题的原始点来思考。

原始创新

— Original innovation (innovation from the ground up).

国家鼓励原始创新。

原始股

— Original shares (shares issued before a company goes public).

他手里有一些公司的原始股。

原始生命

— Primitive life forms.

科学家在深海发现了原始生命。

原始本能

— Primal instincts.

生存是人类最原始的本能。

原始部落

— Primitive tribe.

他去亚马逊森林探访原始部落。

原始资料

— Raw materials or primary source materials.

历史学家需要查阅大量的原始资料。

原始森林保护区

— Primitive forest reserve.

这里是国家级原始森林保护区。

Souvent confondu avec

原始 vs 最初

最初 refers to the first point in time, while 原始 refers to the state of being primitive or raw.

原始 vs 原本

原本 is often an adverb meaning 'originally' (but now changed), while 原始 is an adjective.

原始 vs 原创

原创 means creatively original (novel), while 原始 means primitive or raw.

Expressions idiomatiques

"返璞归真"

— To return to one's original nature; to discard artificiality and return to simplicity. (Related to the concept of 原始).

现代人渴望返璞归真,追求自然的生活。

Literary
"混沌初开"

— The beginning of the world when everything was in a primitive, chaotic state.

那个时代就像混沌初开,充满了未知。

Literary
"茹毛饮血"

— To eat hair and drink blood (describing the life of primitive people).

原始人过着茹毛饮血的生活。

Descriptive
"刀耕火种"

— Slash-and-burn cultivation (primitive farming method).

有些地区仍然保留着刀耕火种的原始农业。

Historical
"原封不动"

— To keep something exactly as it was, without moving or changing anything.

这个房间一直原封不动地保留着。

Neutral
"本性难移"

— It's hard to change one's original/primal nature.

俗话说,江山易改,本性难移。

Common
"追本溯源"

— To trace something back to its original source.

我们要追本溯源,找到问题的根结。

Formal
"开天辟地"

— Since the beginning of time; a monumental event starting a new era.

这是开天辟地以来的第一次大变革。

Literary
"初出茅庐"

— Just starting out (inexperienced), like the 'original' state of a career.

他虽然初出茅庐,但很有潜力。

Common
"源远流长"

— Something that has a long history and a distant source.

中华文化源远流长。

Formal

Facile à confondre

原始 vs 原生

Both mean 'original' in some sense.

原生 is more about being native/indigenous to a place, while 原始 is about being from an early time or unrefined.

原生植物 (Native plants) vs. 原始森林 (Primitive forest).

原始 vs 古老

Both refer to the past.

古老 means ancient/old (often with respect), while 原始 means primitive/first-stage.

古老的文化 (Ancient culture) vs. 原始社会 (Primitive society).

原始 vs 原件

Both refer to an 'original' document.

原件 is a noun (the physical original), while 原始 is an adjective describing the document's nature.

请出示原件 (Please show the original) vs. 原始凭证 (Original voucher).

原始 vs 最初

Both mean 'first'.

最初 is a time marker; 原始 is a status/nature marker.

最初他不来 (At first he didn't come) vs. 原始人 (Primitive man).

原始 vs 初级

Both mean 'early stage'.

初级 implies a level in a hierarchy (beginner), while 原始 implies the very first natural state.

初级汉语 (Beginner Chinese) vs. 原始数据 (Raw data).

Structures de phrases

A1

这是 + 原始 + N

这是原始森林。

A2

S + 很 + 原始

这里的工具很原始。

B1

请提供 + 原始 + N

请提供原始数据。

B1

保持 + 原始的 + N

我们要保持原始的风貌。

B2

处于 + 原始 + 阶段

这个项目还处于原始阶段。

B2

属于 + 原始 + N

这属于原始证据。

C1

回归 + 原始的 + N

他想回归原始的生活方式。

C2

在...原始积累过程中

在资本原始积累过程中,有很多矛盾。

Famille de mots

Noms

原始人
原始社会
原始性
原始森林

Verbes

原始化 (to make primitive)

Adjectifs

原始的

Apparenté

原告
原料
原因
开始
始终

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written texts, moderate in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 原始 to mean 'creative original'. 原创

    原始 means primitive/raw; 原创 means creative/novel.

  • Saying '原始我不知道'. 最初我不知道

    原始 is an adjective; 最初 is a time adverb.

  • Using 原始 for 'old' things like an old phone.

    原始 implies a stage of development, not just age.

  • Adding 'de' to 原始人. 原始人

    It's a fixed compound noun.

  • Confusing 原始 with 原来. 原来他没去。

    原来 means 'as it turns out'.

Astuces

Data Science

Always use 原始数据 when referring to data before any cleaning or processing.

History

Remember 原始社会 as the first of the five historical stages in Chinese education.

Fixed Phrases

Learn 原始人 and 原始森林 as single units; don't split them with '的'.

Synonym Choice

Use 原创 for 'original creative work' and 原始 for 'original raw state'.

Finance

If you are in accounting, 原始凭证 is a must-know term for original receipts.

Nature

Use 原始 to praise a place for its untouched, natural beauty.

Art

原始主义 (Primitivism) is a useful term if you discuss art history.

Instincts

Use 原始本能 to describe deep-seated human drives like survival or fear.

Politeness

Avoid calling modern technology '原始' unless you intend to be critical or funny.

Character Root

Remember '原' means 'source' to help you associate it with 'original'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Yuan' (Original) person 'Shi-tting' in a forest. It's primitive! (Yuan + Shi = Primitive).

Association visuelle

Imagine a caveman (原始人) holding a giant raw (原始) data cable in a lush jungle (原始森林).

Word Web

Forest Data Caveman Source Raw History Unprocessed Ancient

Défi

Try to use '原始' three times today: once for nature, once for a document/data, and once for an instinct.

Origine du mot

The term combines '原' (yuán), which depicts a spring flowing from under a cliff, symbolizing a source, and '始' (shǐ), which consists of '女' (woman) and '台' (phonetic/beginning), symbolizing the start of life or birth.

Sens originel : The very first beginning; the source of things.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling a person's ideas '原始' as it can imply they are stupid or backward.

English speakers often use 'primitive' negatively, but in Chinese, 原始 is often neutral or even positive in environmental contexts.

北京猿人 (Peking Man) 《原始公社》 (Historical texts) 原始森林 (Common imagery in Chinese ink painting)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

History Class

  • 原始社会
  • 原始人
  • 石器时代
  • 部落

Office/Business

  • 原始数据
  • 原始凭证
  • 原始记录
  • 报销

Nature/Travel

  • 原始森林
  • 探险
  • 自然风貌
  • 生态系统

Psychology

  • 原始本能
  • 原始欲望
  • 冲动
  • 潜意识

Finance

  • 原始积累
  • 原始股
  • 资本
  • 投资

Amorces de conversation

"你曾经去过原始森林旅游吗?"

"你觉得现代生活和原始生活相比,哪个更快乐?"

"做研究时,你觉得原始数据重要吗?"

"人类最原始的本能是什么?"

"你对手工制作这种原始的生产方式怎么看?"

Sujets d'écriture

描述一次你在大自然中感受到的‘原始’气息。

如果让你回到原始社会生活一天,你会做什么?

讨论为什么在数字化时代,原始记录仍然如此重要。

谈谈你对‘资本原始积累’这个词的理解。

写一段话,对比现代科技与原始工具。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 原创 (yuánchuàng) for a creative or novel idea. 原始 would imply the idea is primitive or crude.

Close, but 原始森林 specifically means a 'virgin forest' or 'old-growth forest' that hasn't been disturbed by humans.

It refers to 'original shares' issued to founders and early investors before a company goes public (IPO).

In a historical context, no. But calling a friend a 原始人 might imply they are tech-illiterate or 'living in a cave'.

The most accurate term is 原始数据 (yuánshǐ shùjù).

Usually not. For raw food, use 生 (shēng) or 原味 (yuánwèi) for 'original flavor'. 原始 might describe a very crude way of cooking.

In fixed terms like 原始人 or 原始森林, '的' is omitted. In descriptive phrases like '原始的味道', '的' is used.

原来 usually means 'it turns out' or 'originally' (adverb). 原始 is an adjective for 'primitive/raw'.

No, use 旧衣服. 原始衣服 would mean clothes made of animal skins or leaves like a caveman's.

It's an economic term for 'primitive accumulation,' describing the initial gathering of wealth to start a capitalist system.

Teste-toi 191 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '原始森林'.

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Please provide the raw data.'

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

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a short paragraph about '原始人'.

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writing

Translate: 'This ancient town maintains its original style.'

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writing

Explain the difference between '原始' and '原创' in Chinese.

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writing

Write a sentence using '原始本能'.

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writing

Translate: 'Primitive society had no money.'

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writing

Use '回归原始' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The original manuscript is in the library.'

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writing

Describe a 'primitive' lifestyle using 原始.

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writing

Translate: 'Capitalist primitive accumulation.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '原始证据'.

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writing

Translate: 'Protecting the primitive ecology.'

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writing

Use '原始动力' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Original invoice' (for reimbursement).

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writing

Write a sentence about '原始记录'.

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writing

Translate: 'The primitive horde'.

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writing

Use '原始化' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Primordial nebula'.

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writing

Describe the term '原始股'.

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speaking

Say 'Primitive Forest' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a caveman in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask for raw data in a professional way.

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speaking

Explain '原始凭证' to a colleague.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about returning to nature.

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speaking

Discuss the 'primitive accumulation' of a business.

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speaking

Describe an 'original manuscript'.

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speaking

Talk about 'primitive instincts'.

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speaking

Describe a place that looks 'primitive'.

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speaking

Pronounce '原始积累' correctly.

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speaking

Say 'Primary Evidence' in Chinese.

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speaking

Describe the 'original appearance' of a building.

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speaking

Talk about 'primitive society'.

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speaking

Say 'Original Innovation'.

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speaking

Pronounce '原始人' with correct tones.

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speaking

Talk about the 'original records' of an experiment.

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speaking

Say 'Primitive Tribe'.

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speaking

Describe the 'original state' of something.

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speaking

Say 'Primordial Nebula'.

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speaking

Discuss 'returning to simplicity'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write: 原始森林 (Audio: yuán shǐ sēn lín)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始数据 (Audio: yuán shǐ shù jù)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始社会 (Audio: yuán shǐ shè huì)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始人 (Audio: yuán shǐ rén)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始记录 (Audio: yuán shǐ jì lù)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始积累 (Audio: yuán shǐ jī lěi)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始凭证 (Audio: yuán shǐ píng zhèng)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始本能 (Audio: yuán shǐ běn néng)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始股 (Audio: yuán shǐ gǔ)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始创新 (Audio: yuán shǐ chuàng xīn)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始风貌 (Audio: yuán shǐ fēng mào)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始证据 (Audio: yuán shǐ zhèng jù)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始形态 (Audio: yuán shǐ xíng tài)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始部落 (Audio: yuán shǐ bù luò)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write: 原始文献 (Audio: yuán shǐ wén xiàn)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 191 correct

Perfect score!

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