Xiàngxīnlì represents both the physical pull toward a center and the social glue holding a group together.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Physical force directing objects toward a center in circular motion.
- Metaphorical term for organizational cohesion and team unity.
- Essential for group stability and collective goal achievement.
Overview
- 1概述：‘向心力’（Centripetal Force）最初是一个物理学术语，描述维持物体沿曲线路径运动的指向中心的力。在现代汉语中，其引申义在职场、政治和社会语境中极为常见，用于形容一个群体的团结程度。2) 使用模式：物理语境下常作为科学名词使用；社会语境下常与动词‘增强’、‘提升’、‘具有’或‘缺乏’搭配。3) 常见语境：在企业管理中，它指员工对公司的忠诚度和归属感；在国家层面，它指民众对国家的认同感。4) 近义词辨析：与‘凝聚力’（Cohesion）相比，‘向心力’更强调成员向‘中心’（如领导者、核心价值观或共同目标）看齐的趋势，而‘凝聚力’更侧重成员之间的相互吸引和结合的紧密程度。
Examples
这个创业团队非常有向心力。
everydayThis startup team has a lot of cohesion.
优秀的文化能增强企业的向心力。
formalAn excellent culture can strengthen the centripetal force of an enterprise.
没有向心力的组织就像一盘散沙。
informalAn organization without cohesion is like a heap of loose sand.
在圆周运动中，向心力的大小与速度平方成正比。
academicIn circular motion, the magnitude of centripetal force is proportional to the square of the velocity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
核心向心力
core centripetal force
民族向心力
national cohesion
Often Confused With
Níngjùlì refers to the internal binding force between members, while Xiàngxīnlì emphasizes the pull toward a central leader or goal.
Líxīnlì is the literal and metaphorical opposite, referring to forces that pull away from the center or cause disintegration.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is highly versatile, transitioning seamlessly between physics textbooks and corporate boardrooms. In a social context, it is almost always positive, implying a healthy and stable organization. It is more formal than '团结' (tuanjie).
Common Mistakes
Do not use 'Xiàngxīnlì' to describe gravity (重力) unless you are specifically referring to its role as a centripetal force in orbits. Avoid using it for simple interpersonal attraction between two friends.
Tips
Use it to describe leadership impact
When discussing a great leader, say they 'enhance the team's xiàngxīnlì' to sound professional and insightful.
Avoid using it for romantic attraction
While it means 'attraction to a center,' it is strictly for groups or physics, not for individual romantic chemistry.
Collectivism in Chinese culture
This word is highly valued in Chinese culture, which emphasizes collective harmony and alignment with a central core.
Word Origin
Originally a translation of the Latin 'centripetus' (seeking the center), coined in physics and later adopted as a metaphor in Chinese social science.
Cultural Context
In China, the concept of a 'Core' (核心) is central to political and social stability, making 'Xiàngxīnlì' a key term in official discourse regarding national unity.
Memory Tip
'Xiàng' means 'towards', 'Xīn' means 'heart/center', and 'Lì' means 'force'. Imagine everyone's efforts pointing toward the 'heart' of the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不是的。虽然它起源于物理学，但在现代汉语中，它更频繁地被用于形容团队合作、企业文化和政治团结。
‘向心力’强调对中心的追随和靠拢，而‘凝聚力’强调成员之间像胶水一样紧密结合，两者通常可以互换使用，但侧重点略有不同。
意味着员工认同公司目标，愿意为集体利益努力，且对管理层有高度的信任感。
是的。在物理上方向相反；在社会学中，‘离心力’指团队内部不和、成员各行其是，导致组织涣散。
Test Yourself
通过这次团建活动，员工们对公司的___得到了显著提升。
‘向心力’在此处指团队的凝聚力和归属感，符合句意。
Which scenario is most appropriate for 'Xiàngxīnlì'?
政府的统治力和民众的认同感可以用‘向心力’来形容。
增强 / 旨在 / 政策 / 的 / 这项 / 民族 / 向心力
‘这项政策’是主语，‘旨在’是谓语，‘增强民族向心力’是宾语成分。
Score: /3
Summary
Xiàngxīnlì represents both the physical pull toward a center and the social glue holding a group together.
- Physical force directing objects toward a center in circular motion.
- Metaphorical term for organizational cohesion and team unity.
- Essential for group stability and collective goal achievement.
Use it to describe leadership impact
When discussing a great leader, say they 'enhance the team's xiàngxīnlì' to sound professional and insightful.
Avoid using it for romantic attraction
While it means 'attraction to a center,' it is strictly for groups or physics, not for individual romantic chemistry.
Collectivism in Chinese culture
This word is highly valued in Chinese culture, which emphasizes collective harmony and alignment with a central core.
Examples
4 of 4这个创业团队非常有向心力。
This startup team has a lot of cohesion.
优秀的文化能增强企业的向心力。
An excellent culture can strengthen the centripetal force of an enterprise.
没有向心力的组织就像一盘散沙。
An organization without cohesion is like a heap of loose sand.
在圆周运动中，向心力的大小与速度平方成正比。
In circular motion, the magnitude of centripetal force is proportional to the square of the velocity.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
