In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese term for swimming as a sport or hobby.
- A verb-object compound that can be split or modified.
- Commonly used in daily life, fitness, and travel contexts.
Meaning
This phrase describes the physical act of swimming or moving through water for fun or exercise.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a friend about their weekend plans
我们周末去游泳吧？
Shall we go swimming this weekend?
Complimenting someone's skill
你游泳游得真快！
You swim really fast!
Talking to a fitness coach
我想通过游泳减肥。
I want to lose weight through swimming.
Cultural Background
Swimming is a common summer activity. Swimming is a universal Olympic sport.
Practice
Use it in sentences.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese term for swimming as a sport or hobby.
- A verb-object compound that can be split or modified.
- Commonly used in daily life, fitness, and travel contexts.
What It Means
游泳 is the standard way to say 'to swim' in Chinese. It is a verb-object construction. 游 means to swim or roam. 泳 also means to swim. Together, they form the most common word for the sport. It covers everything from a casual dip to Olympic laps.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. To say 'I go swimming,' use 去游泳. If you want to describe how well you swim, you add a particle: 游得很好. It is very flexible. You can use it for humans, but rarely for fish. Fish just 'swim' using 游.
When To Use It
Use it when planning a weekend trip to the beach. Use it at the gym when talking about your workout. It is perfect for texting a friend to meet at the pool. It is a very safe, everyday word. No one will be confused if you use it.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for 'floating' or 'drifting.' That is a different vibe. Also, avoid using it for metaphorical 'swimming in debt' or 'swimming in work.' Chinese has other idioms for those stressful moments. Keep 游泳 for the actual water. You also don't need the second character 泳 if you are combining it with other words like 游来游去 (swimming back and forth).
Cultural Background
Swimming has become a massive fitness trend in China. In many cities, older generations love 'winter swimming' in freezing rivers. It is seen as a way to build a strong spirit. You might see grandpas diving into icy water while you are shivering in a parka. It is quite a sight!
Common Variations
If you are talking about the sport specifically, you might hear 游泳运动. For a swimming pool, say 游泳池. If you are just 'playing in the water' without really swimming laps, you can say 玩水. It sounds a bit more playful and less like a workout.
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and safe for all levels of formality. Remember to repeat the '游' when adding descriptions like 'fast' or 'well'.
Practice
Use it in sentences.
Examples
6我们周末去游泳吧？
Shall we go swimming this weekend?
A very common way to suggest a casual outing.
你游泳游得真快！
You swim really fast!
Uses the structure 'verb + de + adjective' to describe the action.
我想通过游泳减肥。
I want to lose weight through swimming.
Used here as a noun/activity for a health goal.
海里有很多人在游泳。
There are many people swimming in the sea.
Describing a scene in progress.
这哪里是游泳，这是下饺子！
This isn't swimming, it's boiling dumplings!
A famous Chinese idiom for a pool too crowded to move in.
我小时候很怕游泳。
I was very afraid of swimming when I was a child.
Expressing a personal past emotion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
我喜欢______。
Swimming is the activity.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '游泳'
Texting friends to hit the beach.
去游泳吗？
Standard daily conversation.
我喜欢游泳。
Sports news or official reports.
游泳运动员获得了金牌。
Where to use '游泳'
At the Gym
健身房有游泳池吗？
On Vacation
我们在海里游泳。
Talking about Hobbies
我的爱好是游泳。
School/Lessons
他在上游泳课。
Practice Bank
1 exercises我喜欢______。
Swimming is the activity.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is a verb.
Related Phrases
游泳池
specialized formSwimming pool
