Dolphins are intelligent, streamlined marine mammals known for their echolocation and playful nature.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Intelligent marine mammal known for playful behavior.
- Streamlined body, uses echolocation to navigate.
- Found in oceans worldwide, often in shows.
Overview
海豚（hǎi tún）是一种生活在海洋里的哺乳动物，属于鲸目下的齿鲸亚目。它们以其高度的智慧、复杂的社会结构和独特的声纳系统而闻名。海豚的体型通常呈流线型，适合在水中快速游动，背部有明显的背鳍，胸鳍则用于转向。全球有超过40种不同的海豚，它们分布在世界各大洋，从温暖的热带海域到寒冷的温带水域都能见到它们的身影。海豚是肉食性动物，主要捕食鱼类、鱿鱼等海洋生物。它们通过回声定位来寻找食物和导航，发出高频的咔嗒声并接收回声，从而感知周围的环境。
在中文里，“海豚”一词通常指代这种海洋哺乳动物本身。它可以用作句子的主语、宾语或定语。例如：“海豚在海里跳跃。”（主语）“我看到了很多海豚。”（宾语）“海豚表演很精彩。”（定语）。由于海豚的形象通常与聪明、友好、快乐联系在一起，因此在描述相关事物时，也会用到这个词。例如，可以形容人“像海豚一样聪明”。
“海豚”一词最常出现在描述海洋生物、动物世界、海洋馆、自然纪录片、旅游景点（如海豚湾）以及与海洋相关的科普文章和儿童读物中。在提到海洋动物园或水族馆的表演时，海豚表演也是一个常见的场景。此外，在一些文学作品或比喻中，海豚的形象也可能被用来象征自由、智慧或纯真。
与“海豚”相似但不同的词语包括“鲸鱼”（jīng yú）和“海豹”（hǎi bào）。鲸鱼是比海豚体型更大的齿鲸或须鲸，通常指代体型庞大的鲸目动物，如蓝鲸、抹香鲸等。海豚是鲸鱼的一种，但通常体型较小。海豹（hǎi bào）则是一种鳍足类哺乳动物，主要生活在海边或水中，但它们的外形和生活习性与海豚有显著区别，例如海豹有毛皮，而海豚是光滑的皮肤；海豹的鳍状肢更适合在陆地上爬行，而海豚的鳍状肢更适合水中游动。因此，虽然它们都生活在海洋，但属于不同的动物类别。
Examples
今天在海边看到了好多海豚在跳跃。
everydaySaw many dolphins jumping by the sea today.
海洋生物学家正在研究海豚的声纳系统。
academicMarine biologists are studying the sonar system of dolphins.
孩子们对海洋馆里的海豚表演非常着迷。
informalThe children were fascinated by the dolphin show at the aquarium.
海豚被认为是海洋中最聪明的动物之一。
generalDolphins are considered one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
海豚湾
Dolphin Bay
海豚音
Dolphin sound (referring to very high-pitched singing)
与海豚共游
Swim with dolphins
Often Confused With
Dolphins are a type of toothed whale, but typically smaller and more agile. 'Whale' is a broader term often referring to much larger cetaceans like blue whales or sperm whales.
Dolphins are marine mammals that live entirely in water and breathe air through a blowhole. Seals are pinnipeds, often spending time on land or ice, have fur, and breathe air through their nostrils.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '海豚' is straightforward and commonly used. It's neutral in formality and widely understood across different contexts, from casual conversation to scientific discussion. When used metaphorically, it implies intelligence and agility.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing dolphins with fish, forgetting they are mammals that breathe air. Another is using '海豚' to refer to any large whale; it's best to use '鲸鱼' for larger species.
Tips
Remember Dolphin's Intelligence
Think of dolphins as the "smart students" of the ocean. They are known for problem-solving and social learning.
Avoid Confusing with Fish
Remember, dolphins breathe air with lungs, nurse their young, and are warm-blooded, unlike fish.
Symbol of Harmony
In many cultures, dolphins symbolize peace, friendship, and good luck, often appearing in myths and art.
Word Origin
The word '海豚' (hǎi tún) literally translates to 'sea pig' or 'sea tun'. The '海' (hǎi) means 'sea', and '豚' (tún) historically referred to pigs, possibly due to the shape or sound of some dolphin species.
Cultural Context
Dolphins are often seen as symbols of intelligence, playfulness, and freedom in Chinese culture, similar to many Western cultures. They frequently appear in children's stories and educational materials about the ocean.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'high-tone' (海豚 - hǎi tún) creature leaping gracefully, signaling its intelligence and playful spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不是，海豚是哺乳动物，不是鱼类。它们用肺呼吸，会生小海豚并喂奶，和人类一样是恒温动物。
海豚发出声音是为了交流、导航和寻找猎物。它们使用一系列的声音，包括咔嗒声和哨声，来感知周围环境和与其他海豚沟通。
海豚非常聪明，能够学习和理解复杂的指令，尤其是在经过训练的情况下。但它们并非真正“听懂”人类语言的含义，而是通过声音和行为模式来识别和回应。
绝大多数海豚生活在海洋里，但也有少数种类，如淡水豚，生活在河流等淡水环境中。
Test Yourself
海洋馆里有许多可爱的 ______ 在表演。
根据句子描述的“表演”和“可爱”，海豚是最符合的海洋动物。
以下哪项不是海豚的特征？
海豚是哺乳动物，用肺呼吸，而用鳃呼吸是鱼类的特征。
词语：海豚、聪明、像、一样、人
这个选项将海豚比作聪明的人，符合常见的比喻用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Dolphins are intelligent, streamlined marine mammals known for their echolocation and playful nature.
- Intelligent marine mammal known for playful behavior.
- Streamlined body, uses echolocation to navigate.
- Found in oceans worldwide, often in shows.
Remember Dolphin's Intelligence
Think of dolphins as the "smart students" of the ocean. They are known for problem-solving and social learning.
Avoid Confusing with Fish
Remember, dolphins breathe air with lungs, nurse their young, and are warm-blooded, unlike fish.
Symbol of Harmony
In many cultures, dolphins symbolize peace, friendship, and good luck, often appearing in myths and art.
Examples
4 of 4今天在海边看到了好多海豚在跳跃。
Saw many dolphins jumping by the sea today.
海洋生物学家正在研究海豚的声纳系统。
Marine biologists are studying the sonar system of dolphins.
孩子们对海洋馆里的海豚表演非常着迷。
The children were fascinated by the dolphin show at the aquarium.
海豚被认为是海洋中最聪明的动物之一。
Dolphins are considered one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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种类
A1Species; kind; type of animal.
兔子
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蚂蚁
A1Ant; a small insect, typically living in organized colonies.
蜜蜂
A1Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey and wax.
蝴蝶
A1Butterfly; an insect with large, often brightly colored wings.
苍蝇
A1Fly (insect); a common two-winged insect, often considered a pest.
青蛙
A1Frog; a tailless amphibian with a short squat body and long hind legs.
螃蟹
A1Crab; a marine crustacean with a broad carapace and two large pincers.
跳过
A1To jump over; clear (an obstacle) by jumping.
失去
A1To lose (a pet); no longer have.
