农业 in 30 Seconds
- Agriculture: farming crops and raising animals.
- Broad term for the industry of food production.
- Key to economy, food security, and rural life.
- Includes science, practice, and business of farming.
The Chinese word 农业 (nóng yè) directly translates to 'agriculture' in English. It encompasses the entire field of farming, which includes not only the cultivation of crops but also the raising of livestock. When people talk about 农业, they are referring to the industry, the practices, and the scientific study involved in producing food and other goods from the land and animals.
This term is very common in discussions related to economics, national policy, environmental issues, and rural development. You'll hear it used when governments discuss agricultural subsidies, when news reports cover harvest seasons or food prices, or when people discuss the importance of farming for a country's economy and food security. It's a broad term that covers everything from small family farms to large-scale agricultural corporations.
Consider the context of China's vast land and its historical reliance on farming. 农业 has always been a cornerstone of Chinese society and economy. Discussions about modernization of farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, or the impact of climate change on food production all fall under the umbrella of 农业. It's a fundamental concept for understanding how food reaches our tables and the economic and social structures that support it.
- Related Concepts
- Farming (耕种 gēngzhòng), Livestock (畜牧 mùyù), Food Production (食品生产 shípǐn shēngchǎn), Rural Economy (农村经济 nóngcūn jīngjì).
- Usage Frequency
- Common, especially in formal contexts like news, government reports, and academic discussions.
中国的 农业 发展迅速。
Understanding 农业 is crucial for anyone interested in China's economy, its history, and its future. It's a sector that directly impacts the daily lives of billions and plays a significant role in global trade and environmental sustainability.
农业 (nóng yè) is a noun and is typically used as the subject or object in a sentence, or as part of a larger phrase describing aspects of farming. It's a versatile term that can be used in various grammatical structures.
As a Subject:
农业 是国民经济的基础。
As an Object:
政府正在大力发展农业技术。
In phrases:
- Modern Agriculture
- 现代农业 (xiàndài nóng yè)
我们应该推广现代农业的理念。
- Agricultural Products
- 农业产品 (nóng yè chǎnpǐn)
这些农业产品质量很好。
- Agricultural Science
- 农业科学 (nóng yè kēxué)
他正在研究农业科学。
The word 农业 can also be modified by other nouns to create more specific terms, such as 农业经济 (nóng yè jīngjì - agricultural economy) or 农业政策 (nóng yè zhèngcè - agricultural policy).
You'll encounter 农业 (nóng yè) frequently in various real-world scenarios, reflecting its importance in society and the economy. It's a term that bridges the gap between abstract policy and the tangible reality of food production.
News and Media: News reports, especially those concerning national development, food security, or rural issues, will often use 农业. For instance, a report might discuss government investment in 农业 modernization or the impact of weather on crop yields, which are key aspects of 农业.
电视新闻报道了今年的农业收成。
Government and Policy Discussions: When governments discuss economic strategies, rural development plans, or trade agreements related to food, 农业 is a central term. You might hear about 农业 subsidies, 农业 reforms, or policies aimed at improving 农业 sustainability.
政府制定了新的农业政策。
Academic and Research Settings: Universities and research institutions involved in studying crop science, animal husbandry, soil science, or rural sociology will use 农业 extensively in their research papers, lectures, and discussions.
农业科学是一个重要的研究领域。
Business and Economics: Companies involved in food processing, agricultural equipment, fertilizers, or distribution often refer to their sector as part of the broader 农业 industry. Economic reports analyzing the contribution of 农业 to GDP will also use this term.
该公司的主要业务是农业产品的生产和销售。
Everyday Conversations (less common but possible): While less frequent in casual chat among urban dwellers, people living in rural areas or those directly involved in farming might use 农业 when discussing their livelihoods, the challenges they face, or the future of their communities.
While 农业 (nóng yè) is a straightforward term, learners might make a few common mistakes, often related to oversimplification or confusion with more specific terms.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 农业 with 耕种 (gēngzhòng - to farm/plow)
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Mistake: Using 农业 to refer to the act of farming a specific piece of land.
Correct: 耕种 (gēngzhòng) refers specifically to the act of tilling the soil and planting crops. 农业 is the broader field or industry of agriculture.
Example:
他正在耕种这块地。
He is farming this piece of land. (Here, 耕种 is correct for the action.) 农业是中国的支柱产业之一。
Agriculture is one of China's pillar industries. (Here, 农业 is correct for the industry.)
- Mistake 2: Using 农业 for specific types of farming
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Mistake: Using 农业 when a more specific term like 畜牧 (xùmù - animal husbandry) or 渔业 (yúyè - fishery) is more appropriate.
Correct: While 农业 encompasses these, if the discussion is solely about raising animals or fishing, the more specific term might be preferred for clarity. However, 农业 is always correct as the overarching category.
Example:
这个地区以畜牧业闻名。
This region is famous for its animal husbandry. (More specific than just 农业) 农业包括种植和养殖。
Agriculture includes planting and animal husbandry. (Here, 农业 is the correct umbrella term.)
- Mistake 3: Literal translation of English phrases
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Mistake: Trying to force English sentence structures or idioms directly into Chinese when using 农业.
Correct: Understand that Chinese sentence structure and common collocations might differ. For example, instead of "the agriculture sector," it's more natural to say 农业领域 (nóng yè lǐngyù) or simply 农业.
Example:
农业部门的统计数据很重要。
Statistics from the agricultural sector are important. (农业部门 - agricultural department/sector)
While 农业 (nóng yè) is the most common and general term for agriculture, there are related words and phrases that offer more specific meanings or nuances.
- 耕种 (gēngzhòng)
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Meaning: To farm, to plow, to cultivate the soil. This refers to the *action* of farming.
Comparison: 农业 is the industry or field, while 耕种 is the specific activity of working the land.
Example:
农业技术的进步使得耕种更加高效。
Advances in agricultural technology have made farming more efficient. (农业技术 - agricultural technology, 耕种 - farming/cultivation)
- 种植 (zhòngzhí)
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Meaning: To plant, to grow (crops). This is a more specific term for crop cultivation.
Comparison: 农业 is the broad industry; 种植 focuses specifically on growing plants.
Example:
这个地区主要种植水稻。
This region mainly grows rice. (种植 - grows) 农业发展离不开科学的种植方法。
Agricultural development cannot be separated from scientific planting methods. (农业发展 - agricultural development, 种植 - planting)
- 养殖 (yǎngzhí)
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Meaning: To raise, to breed (livestock, fish, etc.). This specifically refers to animal husbandry and aquaculture.
Comparison: 农业 includes animal husbandry, but 养殖 is the specific term for it.
Example:
他们家养殖了很多鸡。
Their family raises many chickens. (养殖 - raises) 现代农业业养殖技术不断提高。
Modern animal husbandry and aquaculture technology is constantly improving. (农业业 - agriculture industry, 养殖技术 - husbandry/breeding technology)
- 农村 (nóngcūn)
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Meaning: Rural area, countryside. This refers to the location where much of agriculture takes place.
Comparison: 农业 is the activity/industry, while 农村 is the place.
Example:
许多年轻人离开农村去城市工作。
Many young people leave the countryside to work in the cities. (农村 - countryside) 农村的农业发展是国家关注的重点。
The agricultural development of rural areas is a key focus of national attention. (农村 - rural area, 农业发展 - agricultural development)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient Chinese philosophy, 农业 was considered extremely important, often paired with 工业 (industry) or 商业 (commerce) in discussions about national economic structure. The concept of '男耕女织' (men plow, women weave) highlights the traditional agrarian society where agriculture was the primary economic activity.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tones: Pronouncing both syllables with a flat tone or the wrong tone pattern.
- Confusing with similar-sounding words: Mispronouncing the initial consonants or vowels.
- Not differentiating the tones clearly: The pitch contour is essential for correct pronunciation.
Difficulty Rating
The word '农业' is common in news articles, government reports, and basic educational materials. Understanding its context is usually straightforward, making it relatively easy to read for B1 learners.
Using '农业' correctly in writing is generally easy once the meaning and common collocations are understood. Learners can easily incorporate it into sentences about the economy, environment, or daily life.
Pronunciation is manageable with attention to tones. Speaking about topics related to farming, food, or the economy will naturally involve this word, making it easy to practice.
The word is frequently heard in news broadcasts, documentaries, and educational programs related to China's development, making it easy to recognize.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using 是 (shì) to equate nouns (Noun A is Noun B)
农业是国民经济的基础。
Using 的 (de) for possession or modification (Noun A's Noun B / Adjective + 的 + Noun)
现代农业技术。
Using 对 (duì) to indicate the target of an action or influence
气候变化对农业造成了影响。
Using verb + Noun collocations
发展农业 (develop agriculture)
Using Adjective + Noun collocations
绿色农业 (green agriculture)
Examples by Level
这是我的农场。
This is my farm.
我喜欢吃蔬菜。
I like to eat vegetables.
这里有很多动物。
There are many animals here.
天气很好，适合种地。
The weather is good, suitable for farming.
农民伯伯很辛苦。
Farmer Uncle works very hard.
我们有很多粮食。
We have a lot of grain/food.
这是新鲜的水果。
These are fresh fruits.
他是个好农民。
He is a good farmer.
这个村子主要靠农业生活。
This village mainly relies on agriculture for its livelihood.
我们学习了关于农业的知识。
We learned knowledge about agriculture.
政府支持农业的发展。
The government supports the development of agriculture.
现代农业需要高科技。
Modern agriculture requires high technology.
他们家世代从事农业。
Their family has been engaged in agriculture for generations.
发展绿色农业很重要。
Developing green agriculture is important.
农业产品需要安全检查。
Agricultural products need safety checks.
他对农业很感兴趣。
He is very interested in agriculture.
中国的农业正经历着深刻的变革。
China's agriculture is undergoing profound changes.
The phrase '经历着深刻的变革' (jīnglì zhe shēnkè de biàngé) means 'undergoing profound changes'.
为了保障粮食安全，国家大力投入农业科研。
To ensure food security, the state invests heavily in agricultural scientific research.
'粮食安全' (liángshí ānquán) means 'food security'.
可持续农业是未来发展的方向。
Sustainable agriculture is the direction for future development.
'可持续农业' (kě chíxù nóngyè) means 'sustainable agriculture'.
许多农村地区正在发展观光农业。
Many rural areas are developing agritourism.
'观光农业' (guānguāng nóngyè) means 'agritourism' or 'sightseeing agriculture'.
气候变化对全球农业构成了严峻挑战。
Climate change poses a severe challenge to global agriculture.
'气候变化' (qìhòu biànhuà) means 'climate change', and '严峻挑战' (yánjùn tiǎozhàn) means 'severe challenge'.
发展智慧农业有助于提高生产效率。
Developing smart agriculture helps improve production efficiency.
'智慧农业' (zhìhuì nóngyè) means 'smart agriculture'.
我们应该支持本地的农业产品。
We should support local agricultural products.
'本地的农业产品' (běndì de nóngyè chǎnpǐn) means 'local agricultural products'.
农业现代化是提高农民收入的关键。
Agricultural modernization is key to increasing farmers' income.
'农业现代化' (nóngyè xiàndàihuà) means 'agricultural modernization'.
该国致力于推动传统农业向现代化、可持续化转型。
The country is committed to transforming traditional agriculture towards modernization and sustainability.
'致力于' (zhìlì yú) means 'is committed to', and '转型' (zhuǎnxíng) means 'transformation'.
随着城市化进程的加速，农村人口的结构性减少对农业劳动力造成了影响。
With the acceleration of urbanization, the structural decrease in the rural population has impacted the agricultural workforce.
'城市化进程' (chéngshìhuà jìnchéng) means 'urbanization process', and '结构性减少' (jiégòuxìng jiǎnshǎo) means 'structural decrease'.
政府出台了一系列扶持政策，旨在促进小农经济的集约化和规模化发展。
The government has introduced a series of supportive policies aimed at promoting the intensive and scaled development of smallholder farming economies.
'扶持政策' (fúchí zhèngcè) means 'supportive policies', and '集约化' (jíyuēhuà) / '规模化' (guīmóhuà) refer to intensive/scaled development.
生物技术在改良农作物抗病性和产量方面展现出巨大潜力。
Biotechnology shows great potential in improving crop disease resistance and yield.
'生物技术' (shēngwù jìshù) means 'biotechnology', and '抗病性' (kàngbìngxìng) means 'disease resistance'.
国际贸易协定对国内农业市场带来了新的机遇与挑战。
International trade agreements bring new opportunities and challenges to the domestic agricultural market.
'国际贸易协定' (guójì màoyì xiédìng) means 'international trade agreements'.
发展生态农业不仅能保护环境，还能提升农产品的附加值。
Developing ecological agriculture can not only protect the environment but also enhance the added value of agricultural products.
'生态农业' (shēngtài nóngyè) means 'ecological agriculture', and '附加值' (fùjiāzhí) means 'added value'.
农业机械化的普及显著提高了劳动生产率，但也引发了对农村就业结构变化的担忧。
The popularization of agricultural mechanization has significantly increased labor productivity, but it has also raised concerns about changes in the rural employment structure.
'农业机械化' (nóngyè jīxièhuà) means 'agricultural mechanization', and '劳动生产率' (láodòng shēngchǎnlǜ) means 'labor productivity'.
为了应对日益严峻的水资源短缺，农业部门正在积极推广节水灌溉技术。
To cope with the increasingly severe water resource shortage, the agricultural sector is actively promoting water-saving irrigation technologies.
'水资源短缺' (shuǐzīyuán duǎnquē) means 'water resource shortage', and '节水灌溉技术' (jiéshuǐ guàngài jìshù) means 'water-saving irrigation technology'.
在全球化背景下，各国农业政策的相互影响日益凸显，对国际农产品贸易格局产生了深远重塑。
In the context of globalization, the mutual influence of national agricultural policies is increasingly prominent, profoundly reshaping the international agricultural trade landscape.
'相互影响日益凸显' (xiānghù yǐngxiǎng rìyì tūxiǎn) means 'mutual influence is increasingly prominent', and '深远重塑' (shēnyuǎn chóngsù) means 'profound reshaping'.
面对气候变化带来的不确定性，发展气候智能型农业已成为国际社会关注的焦点，旨在构建更具韧性的粮食生产体系。
Facing the uncertainties brought by climate change, developing climate-smart agriculture has become a focus of international attention, aiming to build a more resilient food production system.
'气候智能型农业' (qìhòu zhìnéngxíng nóngyè) means 'climate-smart agriculture', and '粮食生产体系' (liángshí shēngchǎn tǐxì) means 'food production system'.
数字技术赋能的精准农业，通过大数据分析和物联网应用，能够实现对作物生长环境的精细化管理，从而优化资源配置。
Precision agriculture empowered by digital technology, through big data analysis and IoT applications, can achieve refined management of crop growth environments, thereby optimizing resource allocation.
'数字技术赋能' (shùzì jìshù fùnéng) means 'empowered by digital technology', and '资源配置' (zīyuán pèizhì) means 'resource allocation'.
近年来，消费者对食品安全和健康的要求不断提高，这促使农业生产者必须向更加透明、可追溯的生产模式转变。
In recent years, consumer demands for food safety and health have continuously increased, prompting agricultural producers to shift towards more transparent and traceable production models.
'食品安全和健康的要求' (shípǐn ānquán hé jiànkāng de yāoqiú) means 'demands for food safety and health', and '可追溯的生产模式' (kě zhuīsù de shēngchǎn móshì) means 'traceable production models'.
尽管面临诸多挑战，但通过科技创新和政策引导，发展高附加值的特色农业，仍是许多欠发达地区实现经济腾飞的重要途径。
Despite numerous challenges, through technological innovation and policy guidance, developing high-value-added specialty agriculture remains an important path for many less developed regions to achieve economic take-off.
'高附加值的特色农业' (gāo fùjiāzhí de tèsè nóngyè) means 'high-value-added specialty agriculture', and '经济腾飞' (jīngjì téngfēi) means 'economic take-off'.
农业废弃物的循环利用是构建可持续发展社会的重要环节，能够有效减少环境污染并创造新的经济价值。
The circular utilization of agricultural waste is a crucial link in building a sustainable development society, effectively reducing environmental pollution and creating new economic value.
'循环利用' (xúnhuán lìyòng) means 'circular utilization', and '经济价值' (jīngjì jiàzhí) means 'economic value'.
对传统农业知识体系的现代化解读，有助于挖掘其在现代生产实践中的应用潜力，实现古为今用。
A modernized interpretation of traditional agricultural knowledge systems can help tap into their application potential in modern production practices, achieving the principle of 'making the past serve the present'.
'知识体系的现代化解读' (zhīshì tǐxì de xiàndàihuà jiědú) means 'modernized interpretation of knowledge systems', and '古为今用' (gǔ wéi jīn yòng) is an idiom meaning 'making the past serve the present'.
农业保险制度的完善对于分散农民的经营风险、稳定农业生产具有不可替代的作用。
The improvement of the agricultural insurance system plays an irreplaceable role in dispersing farmers' operational risks and stabilizing agricultural production.
'农业保险制度' (nóngyè bǎoxiǎn zhìdù) means 'agricultural insurance system', and '经营风险' (jīngyíng fēngxiǎn) means 'operational risks'.
在全球粮食安全面临日益严峻挑战的宏观背景下，各国农业政策的协同与博弈，深刻影响着区域乃至全球的农产品供需格局。
Against the macro backdrop of increasingly severe challenges to global food security, the synergy and contention of national agricultural policies profoundly influence regional and even global agricultural supply-demand patterns.
'协同与博弈' (xiétóng yǔ bóyì) means 'synergy and contention/game theory', and '供需格局' (gōngxū géjú) means 'supply-demand patterns'.
气候变化对农业生态系统的扰动日益加剧，迫使我们必须采取前瞻性策略，发展兼具适应性和韧性的农业生产模式，以应对未来不可预测的极端天气事件。
The disruption of agricultural ecosystems by climate change is increasingly severe, compelling us to adopt forward-looking strategies and develop agricultural production models that possess both adaptability and resilience to cope with future unpredictable extreme weather events.
'前瞻性策略' (qiánzhānxìng cèlüè) means 'forward-looking strategies', and '适应性和韧性' (shìyìngxìng hé rènxìng) means 'adaptability and resilience'.
数字农业的崛起，通过大数据、人工智能和区块链等前沿技术的集成应用，正在重塑农业生产的价值链，从精准种植、智能养殖到可追溯的供应链管理，均呈现出颠覆性变革。
The rise of digital agriculture, through the integrated application of cutting-edge technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, is reshaping the value chain of agricultural production, presenting disruptive changes from precision planting and intelligent breeding to traceable supply chain management.
'集成应用' (jíchéng yìngyòng) means 'integrated application', and '颠覆性变革' (diānfùxìng biàngé) means 'disruptive change'.
在全球范围内，消费者对食品来源、生产过程的透明度以及伦理道德的关注度与日俱增，这不仅对农业的生产方式提出了更高要求，也催生了对农业伦理学和可持续消费行为的深入研究。
Globally, consumer attention to food origin, production process transparency, and ethical considerations is increasing daily, which not only places higher demands on agricultural production methods but also spurs in-depth research into agricultural ethics and sustainable consumption behavior.
'伦理道德的关注度' (lúnlǐ dàodé de guānzhùdù) means 'attention to ethical considerations', and '农业伦理学' (nóngyè lúnlǐxué) means 'agricultural ethics'.
欠发达地区在推进农业现代化过程中，面临着资金、技术、人才等多重瓶颈，其农业发展路径的设计必须充分考量本土的社会经济条件与生态环境承载力，避免照搬照抄。
Less developed regions face multiple bottlenecks in capital, technology, and talent during the process of advancing agricultural modernization; the design of their agricultural development path must fully consider local socio-economic conditions and ecological environmental carrying capacity, avoiding blind imitation.
'多重瓶颈' (duōchóng píngjǐng) means 'multiple bottlenecks', and '生态环境承载力' (shēngtài huánjìng chéngzàilì) means 'ecological environmental carrying capacity'.
农业废弃物资源化利用的创新实践，通过生物转化、能源化等多元路径，不仅为解决环境污染问题提供了有效途径，更为循环经济的发展注入了新的活力。
Innovative practices in the resource utilization of agricultural waste, through diverse pathways such as biological conversion and energy generation, not only provide effective means to solve environmental pollution problems but also inject new vitality into the development of a circular economy.
'资源化利用' (zīyuánhuà lìyòng) means 'resource utilization', and '注入了新的活力' (zhùrùle xīn de huólì) means 'injected new vitality'.
对传统农耕文化的深刻挖掘与时代性阐释，有助于重塑现代农业的文化内涵，使其在追求经济效益的同时，亦能承载和传承民族的文化基因。
A deep exploration and contemporary interpretation of traditional farming culture can help reshape the cultural connotations of modern agriculture, enabling it to carry and inherit the nation's cultural genes while pursuing economic benefits.
'时代性阐释' (shídàixìng chǎnshì) means 'contemporary interpretation', and '文化基因' (wénhuà jīyīn) means 'cultural genes'.
农业保险作为一种风险管理工具，其制度设计的精细化与覆盖面的拓展，对于增强农业生产主体的抗风险能力，维护国家粮食安全的战略稳定至关重要。
Agricultural insurance, as a risk management tool, its refined system design and expanded coverage are crucial for enhancing the risk-bearing capacity of agricultural production entities and maintaining the strategic stability of national food security.
'风险管理工具' (fēngxiǎn guǎnlǐ gōngjù) means 'risk management tool', and '战略稳定' (zhànlüè wěndìng) means 'strategic stability'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To develop agriculture.
国家正在大力发展农业，以提高粮食产量。
— Modern agriculture.
引入先进技术是实现现代农业的关键。
— Agricultural production.
受气候变化影响，今年的农业生产面临挑战。
— Agricultural technology.
提高农业技术水平是提升效率的重要途径。
— Agricultural products.
这些农业产品销往世界各地。
— Food security.
保障国家粮食安全是农业的首要任务。
— Sustainable agriculture.
我们应该推广可持续农业，保护环境。
— Green agriculture (eco-friendly farming).
绿色农业注重生态平衡和环境保护。
— Agritourism.
许多农村地区都在发展观光农业，吸引游客。
— Smart agriculture.
通过智慧农业技术，可以更有效地管理农场。
Often Confused With
农事 refers to agricultural activities or affairs, often used in more formal or official contexts. 农业 is the broader industry or field.
耕种 specifically refers to the act of tilling the soil and farming. 农业 is the entire sector of agriculture.
农村 means 'rural area' or 'countryside'. 农业 is the practice or industry that often takes place in rural areas.
Idioms & Expressions
— To live off the land and water; to make use of local resources. It implies a direct reliance on natural resources, often related to agriculture and fishing.
在海边，人们都是靠海吃海，发展渔业。
common, descriptive— To work extremely hard in the fields, from sunrise to sunset. It describes the arduous labor of farmers.
农民伯伯们面朝黄土背朝天，辛勤耕耘，才有了今天的丰收。
descriptive, often implies hardship— Every grain is the result of hard work. It emphasizes the value of food and the effort put into producing it.
我们要珍惜粮食，因为粒粒皆辛苦。
moralistic, educational— Spring plowing and summer weeding. It refers to the cyclical nature of agricultural work throughout the seasons.
一年之计在于春，春耕夏耘，秋收冬藏，是农民的定律。
descriptive, seasonal— Favorable weather conditions (literally, wind and rain are timely and proper). It's a common wish for good harvests in agriculture.
希望今年风调雨顺，有个好收成。
wishful, common blessing— Bountiful harvests of the five grains (referring to various staple crops). It signifies a year of great agricultural prosperity.
新的一年，祝大家五谷丰登，身体健康！
traditional blessing, celebratory— To work at sunrise and rest at sunset. It describes a simple, natural way of life, often associated with traditional farming.
古代农民过着日出而作，日落而息的生活。
descriptive, historical— The state regards the people as its foundation, and the people regard food as their heaven. It highlights the fundamental importance of food security and agriculture for a nation.
这句话说明了农业和粮食安全对于一个国家的重要性。
proverbial, emphasizes national importance— Men plow and women weave. It describes a traditional division of labor in agricultural societies, where men worked in the fields and women engaged in textile production.
在古代，男耕女织是常见的社会分工。
historical, descriptive— To make the best use of land and resources. This principle is central to efficient agriculture and resource management.
我们要做到地尽其利，物尽其用，发展可持续农业。
principle-based, emphasizes efficiencyEasily Confused
Both relate to farming.
耕种 (gēngzhòng) specifically means 'to farm' or 'to cultivate the soil'. It refers to the action. 农业 (nóng yè) is the broader term for 'agriculture' as an industry, science, or practice. You can say '农民在耕种' (farmers are farming), but '农业是中国的支柱产业' (agriculture is China's pillar industry).
他正在<mark>耕种</mark>田地，这是他家<mark>农业</mark>的一部分。
Both relate to growing things.
种植 (zhòngzhí) means 'to plant' or 'to grow' crops. It's a specific part of agriculture. 农业 (nóng yè) is the whole field. You can say '我喜欢<mark>种植</mark>蔬菜' (I like to grow vegetables), but you would say '中国的<mark>农业</mark>非常发达' (China's agriculture is very developed).
这个地区<mark>种植</mark>的水果是重要的<mark>农业</mark>产品。
Both are parts of agriculture.
养殖 (yǎngzhí) means 'to raise' or 'to breed' animals or aquatic life. It's another specific component of agriculture. 农业 (nóng yè) includes both crop cultivation and animal husbandry. For example, '<mark>养殖</mark>业是<mark>农业</mark>的重要组成部分' (Animal husbandry is an important component of agriculture).
他们家从事<mark>养殖</mark>业，这是他们<mark>农业</mark>收入的主要来源。
Agriculture is strongly associated with rural areas.
农村 (nóngcūn) refers to 'rural areas' or the 'countryside'. It's the location where much of agriculture happens. 农业 (nóng yè) is the industry or practice itself. You might say '许多<mark>农村</mark>地区发展<mark>农业</mark>' (Many rural areas develop agriculture).
我们参观了一个<mark>农村</mark>，那里<mark>农业</mark>非常发达。
These terms are closely related.
农产品 (nóngchǎnpǐn) means 'agricultural products' (the output). 农业 (nóng yè) is the industry that produces these products. You can say '这些<mark>农产品</mark>来自中国的<mark>农业</mark>部门' (These agricultural products come from China's agricultural sector).
我们购买的<mark>农产品</mark>是本地<mark>农业</mark>的成果。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 靠 + Noun + 生活
这个村子靠农业生活。
政府 + Verb + Noun
政府支持农业的发展。
Noun + 正在经历 + Noun Phrase
中国的农业正经历着变革。
为了 + Goal + , + Subject + Verb + Noun
为了粮食安全，国家投入农业科研。
Noun + 是 + Noun Phrase
可持续农业是未来方向。
随着 + Noun Phrase + 的 + Noun Phrase + , + Noun Phrase + 对 + Noun + 造成 + Impact
随着城市化进程，农村人口减少对农业劳动力造成影响。
Noun + 展现出 + Potential
生物技术在改良农作物方面展现出潜力。
在全球化背景下 + , + Noun Phrase + 的 + Noun Phrase + 影响 + Noun Phrase
在全球化背景下，各国农业政策的相互影响深远。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using 农业 as a verb.
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农业 is a noun. Use verbs like 耕种, 种植, or 养殖 for actions.
Learners sometimes mistakenly try to use nouns as verbs. For example, saying '我农业' instead of '我在耕种'. Remember, 农业 refers to the industry itself.
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Confusing 农业 with 农村.
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农业 is the industry/practice; 农村 is the rural area/countryside.
While agriculture often takes place in rural areas, they are distinct concepts. 农业 describes what happens, and 农村 describes where it often happens. For example, '农村地区发展农业' (Rural areas develop agriculture).
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Incorrect tones.
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Pronounce 农 (nóng) with a rising tone and 业 (yè) with a falling tone.
Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language. Mispronouncing the tones can lead to misunderstanding. Practice the specific tone contours for 农业.
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Using 农业 for specific farming actions.
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Use 耕种, 种植, or 养殖 for specific actions.
If you are talking about the act of plowing and planting, use 耕种. If you are talking about growing specific crops, use 种植. If you are talking about raising animals, use 养殖. 农业 is the umbrella term.
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Literal translation from English.
→
Understand Chinese collocations and sentence structures.
Directly translating phrases like 'the agriculture sector' might lead to awkward Chinese. Instead, consider more natural phrases like 农业领域 (nóngyè lǐngyù - agricultural field/sector) or simply 农业.
Tips
Mastering the Tones
The word 农业 (nóng yè) has two distinct tones: a rising tone on 'nóng' and a falling tone on 'yè'. Practice saying 'nóng' with an upward pitch and 'yè' with a downward pitch. Listen to native speakers and repeat. Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Mandarin.
Collocations for Fluency
Learn common phrases like 发展农业 (develop agriculture), 现代农业 (modern agriculture), and 农业产品 (agricultural products). Using these collocations will make your Mandarin sound more natural and fluent.
Noun Function
农业 functions as a noun. It can be a subject (农业是重要的), an object (我研究农业), or part of a compound noun (农业技术). Understanding its role as a noun helps in constructing correct sentences.
Visual Association
Picture a vast green field (representing 农 - nóng) next to a bustling marketplace or a company building (representing 业 - yè). This visual can help you remember that 农业 is the industry that produces goods from the land and contributes to the economy.
Historical Significance
Remember that agriculture has a deeply rooted historical and cultural significance in China. Understanding this context can provide deeper insights when encountering the word in texts or conversations.
Active Recall
Instead of just reading definitions, try to actively recall the word. When you see a picture of a farm, try to say '农业'. When you read about food production, think of '农业'.
Distinguish from Specific Terms
Be aware of similar but more specific terms like 耕种 (gēngzhòng - to farm), 种植 (zhòngzhí - to plant), and 养殖 (yǎngzhí - to raise animals). Use 农业 for the general industry and these specific terms for actions.
Use in Sentences
Try to create your own sentences using 农业. Write about its importance, its challenges, or its future. The more you use it, the more comfortable you will become.
Global Relevance
Agriculture is a global industry. Think about how 农业 connects to international trade, food security, and environmental issues worldwide. This broader perspective can enrich your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Nóng' sounding like 'no good' if you don't farm, because you won't have food! And 'yè' sounding like 'yes', meaning 'yes, we need agriculture for our lives and economy'. So, 'Nóng yè' means 'No good without agriculture, yes, we need it!'
Visual Association
Imagine a vast green field (农) stretching as far as the eye can see, with a factory or business building (业) nearby, symbolizing the industry and economic aspect of agriculture.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the importance of 农业 in your own words to someone who doesn't know Chinese, using at least three related Chinese words you've learned.
Word Origin
The term 农业 is a compound word formed from 农 (nóng) and 业 (yè). 农 originally referred to farming and agriculture, and in ancient China, it was considered one of the fundamental occupations. 业 means 'enterprise,' 'industry,' 'occupation,' or 'field of study.' Together, 农业 literally means 'the occupation/industry of farming.'
Original meaning: The character 农 (nóng) itself depicts a person holding a plow, symbolizing farming. The character 业 (yè) represents a career or a large undertaking.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When discussing agriculture, be mindful of the diverse nature of farming practices globally and within China. Some regions may be highly modernized, while others still rely on traditional methods. Discussions about food security, land use, and environmental impact can be sensitive topics.
In English-speaking countries, agriculture is also a vital sector, but its historical and cultural weight might be perceived differently. While important, it may not always hold the same foundational, almost sacred, status as it did in traditional Chinese society, where it was directly linked to the sustenance of the entire population and the stability of the state.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing a country's economy and development.
- 农业是国民经济的基础。
- 发展农业，促进经济增长。
- 农业在GDP中占有重要比重。
Talking about food production and supply.
- 保障农业生产，确保粮食安全。
- 农业产品供应充足。
- 气候变化影响农业生产。
Describing rural life and areas.
- 农村的农业发展。
- 大力发展观光农业。
- 农业人口的收入。
Environmental discussions related to land use.
- 发展绿色农业。
- 保护农业用地。
- 农业对环境的影响。
News reports and government policies.
- 政府出台新的农业政策。
- 农业改革正在进行。
- 农业科技的进步。
Conversation Starters
"What do you think is the most important aspect of agriculture today?"
"How has agriculture changed in your country over the past few decades?"
"Do you think technology plays a big role in modern agriculture?"
"What are some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture worldwide?"
"How important is local agriculture for a community's food security?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you visited a farm or saw agricultural work being done. What did you observe?
Imagine you are a policymaker. What are three key policies you would implement to support agriculture in your region?
Reflect on the journey of food from the farm to your table. What role does agriculture play in this process?
Discuss the relationship between agriculture and the environment. How can we practice agriculture more sustainably?
Consider the future of agriculture. What innovations or changes do you expect to see in the next 20 years?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions农业 (nóng yè) refers to the entire industry or field of agriculture, including its science, practices, and economic aspects. 农事 (nóngshì) refers more specifically to agricultural activities, tasks, or affairs, often used in contexts like '农事活动' (agricultural activities) or '农事安排' (agricultural arrangements). Think of 农业 as the subject of a university department, and 农事 as the day-to-day work done within that field.
No, 农业 is a broad term that includes both the cultivation of crops (种植 - zhòngzhí) and the rearing of animals (养殖 - yǎngzhí, 畜牧 - xùmù). It encompasses all aspects of farming that produce food and other agricultural goods.
While 农业 is a very common word, its usage in casual, everyday conversation might depend on the topic. You'll hear it frequently in news, economic discussions, or when talking about food and the environment. In casual chat about personal lives, more specific terms like '种地' (zhòngdì - to farm land) or talking about specific farm products might be more common.
No, 农业 is a noun. You cannot use it directly as a verb. To express the action of farming, you would use verbs like 耕种 (gēngzhòng), 种植 (zhòngzhí), or 养殖 (yǎngzhí).
Key related words include 农村 (nóngcūn - rural area), 农民 (nóngmín - farmer), 农产品 (nóngchǎnpǐn - agricultural products), 粮食 (liángshi - grain/food), and specific actions like 种植 (zhòngzhí - to plant) and 养殖 (yǎngzhí - to raise animals).
农业 (nóng yè) is agriculture, focusing on producing raw materials from natural resources like land and animals. 工业 (gōngyè) is industry, focusing on transforming these raw materials into manufactured goods. They are often seen as primary and secondary sectors of the economy, respectively.
The pronunciation involves tones, which can be challenging for learners. 农 (nóng) has a rising tone, and 业 (yè) has a falling tone. Practicing the tones is key to pronouncing it correctly.
You use 农业 to refer to the entire industry or field of farming. You use 农场 (nóngchǎng) to refer to a specific place – a farm. For example, '中国的农业很发达' (China's agriculture is very developed), but '我参观了一个农场' (I visited a farm).
'发展农业' (fāzhǎn nóngyè) means 'to develop agriculture.' It implies improving farming techniques, increasing production, modernizing the sector, or enhancing its economic contribution.
Yes, common modern terms include 现代农业 (xiàndài nóngyè - modern agriculture), 绿色农业 (lǜsè nóngyè - green/eco-friendly agriculture), 智慧农业 (zhìhuì nóngyè - smart agriculture), and 可持续农业 (kě chíxù nóngyè - sustainable agriculture).
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Summary
农业 (nóng yè) is the comprehensive term for agriculture, encompassing all aspects of farming, from cultivating crops to raising livestock, and is fundamental to food production, national economies, and rural livelihoods.
- Agriculture: farming crops and raising animals.
- Broad term for the industry of food production.
- Key to economy, food security, and rural life.
- Includes science, practice, and business of farming.
Mastering the Tones
The word 农业 (nóng yè) has two distinct tones: a rising tone on 'nóng' and a falling tone on 'yè'. Practice saying 'nóng' with an upward pitch and 'yè' with a downward pitch. Listen to native speakers and repeat. Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Mandarin.
Context is Key
While 农业 is a general term, pay attention to the context. Is it about the industry, the practices, the products, or the rural areas? This will help you understand its precise meaning in different sentences and use it more accurately.
Collocations for Fluency
Learn common phrases like 发展农业 (develop agriculture), 现代农业 (modern agriculture), and 农业产品 (agricultural products). Using these collocations will make your Mandarin sound more natural and fluent.
Noun Function
农业 functions as a noun. It can be a subject (农业是重要的), an object (我研究农业), or part of a compound noun (农业技术). Understanding its role as a noun helps in constructing correct sentences.
Example
现代农业越来越依赖于先进的技术手段。
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消费
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攀升
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变动
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上涨
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刺激
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冲击
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供应
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