A cave is a natural underground hollow space, often formed by erosion, historically serving as a shelter.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Natural underground or cave-like hollow space.
- Formed by erosion or volcanic activity.
- Historically used for shelter and habitation.
Overview
“洞穴”是一个名词，指的是地球表面或地下形成的天然空腔。这些空腔的大小和形状各异，有的狭窄仅容一人通过，有的则十分宽敞，如同地下宫殿。洞穴的形成原因多种多样，最常见的是由于水的侵蚀作用，例如石灰岩地区的水溶蚀作用形成喀斯特洞穴；此外，火山活动形成的熔岩管洞穴、地壳运动形成的断层洞穴等也属此类。在人类历史早期，洞穴是重要的天然庇护所，为原始人类提供了躲避风雨、野兽的场所，甚至成为艺术创作的载体（如史前壁画）。
“洞穴”一词的使用场景广泛，可以指代自然形成的地下或山体空隙，也可以用于比喻意义上的隐蔽、封闭的空间。在描述自然地理时，它常与“山洞”、“溶洞”、“岩洞”等词语搭配使用。在文学作品或日常对话中，它也可能被用来形容不为人知的秘密地点或心境。例如，“他找到了一个隐蔽的洞穴藏身”、“她的内心有一个不愿触及的洞穴”。
Examples
他们发现了一个隐藏在山间的巨大洞穴。
everydayThey discovered a huge cave hidden in the mountains.
史前人类常常利用洞穴作为庇护所。
formalPrehistoric humans often used caves as shelters.
这孩子喜欢在角落里挖个小洞穴玩过家家。
informalThis child likes to dig a little 'cave' in the corner to play house.
喀斯特地貌区的洞穴系统是重要的地质研究对象。
academicThe cave systems in karst regions are important subjects for geological research.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
地下洞穴
underground cave
探洞
caving (spelunking)
洞穴壁画
cave painting
Often Confused With
A tunnel is typically an artificial underground passage, often created for transportation (like roads or railways), whereas a cave is a natural formation.
A '地道' usually refers to an underground passage or tunnel, often dug for secret movement or escape, distinguishing it from a natural cave.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '洞穴' (dòngxué) is a common noun referring to a natural underground hollow. It is widely understood and used in various contexts, from geography and exploration to historical discussions. While generally neutral, its specific usage can lean towards descriptive or scientific depending on the surrounding text.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '洞穴' with man-made structures like '隧道' (tunnel) or '地道' (underground passage). It's important to remember that '洞穴' specifically denotes a natural formation. Also, differentiating it from more specific terms like '溶洞' (karst cave) is key for precise vocabulary use.
Tips
Think of a hidden underground space
Imagine a natural hollow in the earth, like a hidden room beneath the ground or inside a mountain.
Beware of unstable cave structures
Natural caves can sometimes be dangerous due to potential rockfalls or unpredictable geological conditions.
Caves in ancient human history
Caves played a crucial role in early human civilization, serving as shelters and canvases for prehistoric art.
Word Origin
The word '洞穴' is a compound word. '洞' (dòng) means hole, cavity, or cave. '穴' (xué) also means hole, cave, or den. Together, they emphasize the nature of a natural hollow or cavity in the earth.
Cultural Context
Caves hold a significant place in human history and mythology across many cultures, often symbolizing the womb, the underworld, or a place of spiritual retreat and transformation.
Memory Tip
Picture a bear emerging from a dark '洞穴' (cave). The character '洞' (dòng) means hole or cave, and '穴' (xué) also means hole or cave, reinforcing the meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“洞穴”是一个总称，泛指各种天然形成的空腔。“溶洞”特指由水溶蚀可溶性岩石（如石灰岩）形成的洞穴，通常内部有石钟乳、石笋等喀斯特地貌。
在古代，洞穴是原始人类重要的天然庇护所，可以用来躲避恶劣天气、野兽的袭击，也是早期人类生活、居住和进行艺术创作（如壁画）的地方。
虽然“洞穴”主要指天然形成的，但有时人们也会挖掘或改造类似洞穴的结构用于居住、储藏或军事目的，例如地窖、防空洞等，但这些通常有更具体的名称。
是的，“洞穴”有时也用于比喻，形容内心深处不为人知的角落、封闭的思想状态，或者某个隐秘、与世隔绝的地方。
Test Yourself
考古学家在那个古老的______中发现了史前壁画。
根据语境，壁画通常发现于天然形成的洞穴中。
下列哪个选项最能描述“洞穴”的形成原因？
火山活动可以形成熔岩管洞穴，水的侵蚀是更常见的形成原因，但火山喷发也是一种可能。
请用“洞穴”，“探险”，“神秘”这几个词语构建一个通顺的句子。
这个选项将三个词语自然地组合在一起，构成了一个完整的句子。
Score: /3
Summary
A cave is a natural underground hollow space, often formed by erosion, historically serving as a shelter.
- Natural underground or cave-like hollow space.
- Formed by erosion or volcanic activity.
- Historically used for shelter and habitation.
Think of a hidden underground space
Imagine a natural hollow in the earth, like a hidden room beneath the ground or inside a mountain.
Beware of unstable cave structures
Natural caves can sometimes be dangerous due to potential rockfalls or unpredictable geological conditions.
Caves in ancient human history
Caves played a crucial role in early human civilization, serving as shelters and canvases for prehistoric art.
Examples
4 of 4他们发现了一个隐藏在山间的巨大洞穴。
They discovered a huge cave hidden in the mountains.
史前人类常常利用洞穴作为庇护所。
Prehistoric humans often used caves as shelters.
这孩子喜欢在角落里挖个小洞穴玩过家家。
This child likes to dig a little 'cave' in the corner to play house.
喀斯特地貌区的洞穴系统是重要的地质研究对象。
The cave systems in karst regions are important subjects for geological research.
