女性
女性 in 30 Seconds
- <strong>女性 (nǚxìng)</strong> means 'female' or 'woman'.
- It's a formal term used in statistics, official contexts, and general discussions about women.
- Commonly paired with <strong>男性 (nánxìng)</strong> (male).
- Alternatives include <strong>女人 (nǚrén)</strong> (woman, more casual) and <strong>女士 (nǚshì)</strong> (Ms./Madam, polite address).
The Chinese word 女性 (nǚxìng) directly translates to female or woman in English. It is a general and often formal term used to refer to the female sex or gender. You will encounter this word in various contexts, from official documents and news reports to academic discussions and respectful everyday conversations. It's a broad term that encompasses all females, regardless of age, though it's most commonly used when differentiating between sexes or discussing characteristics associated with women as a group.
- Usage Contexts
- Formal Settings: In official documents, statistics, and academic papers, 女性 is the standard term. For instance, when reporting on demographics or health studies, you'll see phrases like '女性人口' (female population) or '女性健康' (women's health).
- General Reference: It's used to refer to women as a category. For example, a sign might say '禁止吸烟 - 男性 & 女性' (No Smoking - Male & Female) or a survey might ask about '女性的意见' (women's opinions).
- Distinguishing Sexes: In situations where a clear distinction between male and female is necessary, 女性 is used alongside 男性 (nánxìng), meaning male. This is common in medical forms, public announcements, and scientific contexts.
- Broader Societal Discussions: When discussing gender roles, social issues, or trends related to women, 女性 is the appropriate term. For example, '关注女性权益' (focus on women's rights) or '女性在职场上的挑战' (challenges for women in the workplace).
在统计数据中,我们发现女性的平均寿命比男性长。
这项研究旨在了解女性在科技领域的参与度。
请在表格的女性一栏打勾。
- Distinction from other terms
- 女性 (nǚxìng) vs. 女人 (nǚrén): 女性 is generally more formal and often used in statistical, medical, or academic contexts. 女人 is a more general, everyday term for 'woman'.
- 女性 (nǚxìng) vs. 姑娘 (gūniang): 姑娘 specifically refers to a young woman or a girl, often with a connotation of unmarried status or youthfulness, similar to 'lass' or 'maiden'.
- 女性 (nǚxìng) vs. 女士 (nǚshì): 女士 is a polite form of address for an adult woman, similar to 'Ms.' or 'Madam' in English. It is used when speaking to or referring to a woman respectfully, especially in formal or business settings.
Using 女性 (nǚxìng) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that signifies 'female' or 'woman'. It can function as the subject, object, or a modifier within a sentence, often appearing in conjunction with other nouns or verbs to describe characteristics, statistics, or social contexts related to women.
- As a Subject
- When 女性 is the subject, the sentence focuses on actions or states pertaining to women as a group or individuals within that group.
女性在科学领域取得了显著的成就。
Translation: Women have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of science. 女性的平均身高通常比男性矮。
Translation: The average height of females is generally shorter than males. - As an Object
- When 女性 is the object, the sentence describes an action directed towards or concerning women.
公司正在努力提高女性员工的比例。
Translation: The company is striving to increase the proportion of female employees. 社会应该更多地关注女性的需求。
Translation: Society should pay more attention to the needs of women. - As part of a Noun Phrase (Modifier)
- 女性 can modify another noun, specifying that the noun refers to females or women. This is a very common usage.
这是一本关于女性历史的书。
Translation: This is a book about women's history. 我们部门有许多优秀的女性领导者。
Translation: Our department has many excellent female leaders. 公园里有专门为女性设计的健身区域。
Translation: The park has a specially designed fitness area for women. - In Formal and Official Contexts
- In official announcements, statistics, and surveys, 女性 is consistently used.
本次调查的参与者包括男性和女性。
Translation: Participants in this survey include males and females. 女性健康是公共卫生领域的重要议题。
Translation: Women's health is an important issue in the field of public health.
You will frequently encounter 女性 (nǚxìng) in formal and semi-formal settings, particularly where data, statistics, or societal discussions are involved. It's a standard term in official communications and academic discourse, making it a crucial word for understanding nuanced conversations about gender and demographics in China.
- News and Media
- News reports often use 女性 when discussing topics related to women, such as economic participation, social issues, or health trends. For example, a news headline might read: '研究显示女性在创业方面面临更多挑战' (Research shows women face more challenges in entrepreneurship).
- Documentaries or television programs discussing social sciences, history, or gender studies will also frequently use this term.
- Academic and Research Settings
- In universities, research institutions, and academic publications, 女性 is the standard terminology. You'll see it in papers on sociology, psychology, medicine, and economics, for instance: '女性心理健康研究' (Research on women's mental health) or '女性在劳动力市场中的地位' (The position of women in the labor market).
- Government and Official Documents
- Official statistics, census data, public health announcements, and policy documents invariably use 女性. Examples include '女性人口统计' (female population statistics) or '女性生育率' (female fertility rate).
- Public Announcements and Signage
- In public spaces, you might see signs that differentiate facilities or services based on gender. For example, '女性专用洗手间' (Women's restroom) or '女性候车区' (Female waiting area).
- Healthcare Settings
- Medical forms, doctor's consultations, and health advice often use 女性 to refer to female patients or specific health concerns: '女性泌尿系统感染' (Female urinary tract infection) or '女性定期体检' (Regular health check-ups for women).
电视新闻报道了关于女性在职场上面临的挑战。
大学的社会学系正在进行一项关于女性文学发展的研究。
While 女性 (nǚxìng) is a straightforward term for 'female' or 'woman,' learners can sometimes misuse it by applying it in contexts where a more specific or casual term is appropriate, or by not recognizing its formal register. Understanding these nuances will help you use it more naturally and accurately.
- Mistake 1: Using 女性 in very casual, everyday speech.
- Mistake: Saying '你好,女性!' (Hello, female!) when greeting a woman.
- Correct: In casual greetings, you would use '你好!' (Hello!), or if addressing a specific woman, you might use her name, or a polite term like '女士 (nǚshì)' if appropriate. Using 女性 as a direct address sounds unnatural and overly clinical.
- Explanation: 女性 is a descriptive noun, not typically used as a direct form of address in informal settings. It's like using 'female' to greet someone in English; it sounds odd.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 女性 with terms for young girls.
- Mistake: Referring to a child as '这个女性' (this female).
- Correct: For a young girl, use '女孩 (nǚhái)' or '小女孩 (xiǎo nǚhái)'. For a young woman, '姑娘 (gūniang)' might be used, though it's becoming less common in some regions.
- Explanation: 女性 is a general term for the female sex and usually implies adulthood or is used in a statistical/biological context. It lacks the specific age connotations of 'girl' or 'young woman'.
- Mistake 3: Overusing 女性 when '女人 (nǚrén)' would suffice.
- Mistake: In a casual story about a woman, constantly using '这位女性' instead of '这位女人'.
- Correct: For everyday storytelling or general conversation, '女人 (nǚrén)' is often more natural. For example, '我认识一位女人,她是一位老师' (I know a woman, she is a teacher).
- Explanation: While not strictly incorrect, the constant use of 女性 in casual contexts can make the language sound overly formal or even stiff. Think of it like using 'female person' versus 'woman' in English.
- Mistake 4: Grammatical errors when using it as a modifier.
- Mistake: Incorrect word order when 女性 modifies another noun.
- Correct: 女性 typically precedes the noun it modifies, similar to English. For example, '女性作家' (female writer), not '作家女性'.
- Explanation: Understanding the typical adjective-noun or modifier-noun structure in Chinese is key. 女性 functions like an adjective in these cases.
Understanding the subtle differences between 女性 (nǚxìng) and its related terms is crucial for precise communication in Chinese. While 女性 is a formal and general term for 'female' or 'woman', other words offer more specific connotations regarding age, politeness, or casualness.
- 女性 (nǚxìng) - Female; Woman
- Register: Formal, neutral. Usage: General, statistical, academic, official. It refers to the female sex or gender broadly.
- Example: 女性健康 (women's health), 女性人口 (female population).
- 女人 (nǚrén) - Woman
- Register: Neutral, general. Usage: Everyday conversation, informal to semi-formal. This is the most common, general term for an adult woman.
- Example: 那位女人很友善 (That woman is very friendly).
- Comparison: More common in daily speech than 女性. Less formal.
- 女士 (nǚshì) - Ms.; Madam
- Register: Polite, formal. Usage: A polite form of address or reference, especially in business or formal settings. Similar to 'Ms.' or 'Madam' in English.
- Example: 请问女士,您需要什么帮助? (Excuse me, Madam, how may I help you?)
- Comparison: Used for direct address or respectful reference, unlike 女性 which is a general descriptor.
- 姑娘 (gūniang) - Girl; Young Woman
- Register: Informal, often affectionate or dated. Usage: Refers specifically to a young woman or girl, often unmarried. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or regional.
- Example: 她是个活泼的姑娘 (She is a lively young woman).
- Comparison: Much more specific in age than 女性 or 女人.
- 女孩 (nǚhái) - Girl
- Register: Neutral, common. Usage: Refers to a female child or adolescent.
- Example: 那个女孩在公园里玩耍 (That girl is playing in the park).
- Comparison: Clearly denotes a younger age group than 女性.
- 女 (nǚ) - Female (as a prefix)
- Register: Neutral. Usage: Often used as a prefix to specify female gender for professions, roles, or things. It's not a standalone word for 'woman' in the same way 女性 or 女人 are.
- Example: 女演员 (actress), 女朋友 (girlfriend), 女士 (Ms./Madam).
- Comparison: 女性 is a noun; 女 is usually part of a compound word or prefix.
Examples by Level
她是一位女性。
She is a female.
Basic sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Noun.
这是女性的衣服。
These are women's clothes.
Using '女性' as a modifier before a noun.
男性和女性。
Male and female.
Common pairing with '男性'.
这里有女性。
There are women here.
Simple statement of presence.
女性的房间。
Women's room.
Possessive structure using '的'.
这是女性。
This is a female.
Simple identification.
女性人数。
Number of females.
'女性' as a descriptor for a category being counted.
女性的颜色。
Colors for women.
'女性' modifying '颜色'.
这家公司有很多女性员工。
This company has many female employees.
Using '女性' as a modifier for '员工' (employees).
我们需要了解女性的需求。
We need to understand the needs of women.
'女性' as the object of understanding.
公园里有专门为女性设计的区域。
There is an area in the park specially designed for women.
'女性' specifying the target users of a facility.
女性的平均寿命比男性长。
The average lifespan of women is longer than that of men.
Using '女性' in a comparative context with statistics.
这部电影讲述了三位女性的故事。
This movie tells the story of three women.
'女性' used to specify the number and gender of protagonists.
请填写表格中的“女性”一栏。
Please fill in the 'Female' column in the form.
'女性' as a label in a form.
社会应该关注女性的权利。
Society should pay attention to women's rights.
'女性' as a subject of rights.
这是为女性设计的运动服装。
These are sportswear designed for women.
'女性' as a descriptor for product design.
在许多文化中,女性扮演着重要的家庭角色。
In many cultures, women play important family roles.
Discussing societal roles of women.
这项政策旨在促进女性在科技领域的参与。
This policy aims to promote women's participation in the tech sector.
Policy context and gender participation.
我们应该鼓励更多女性成为领导者。
We should encourage more women to become leaders.
Encouraging female leadership.
女性的健康问题需要得到更多的关注。
Women's health issues require more attention.
Focusing on specific health concerns.
这是一份关于全球女性创业情况的报告。
This is a report on the situation of female entrepreneurship globally.
Economic and business context.
古代的女性社会地位普遍较低。
The social status of women in ancient times was generally lower.
Historical and sociological perspective.
教育对提升女性的社会经济地位至关重要。
Education is crucial for improving the socioeconomic status of women.
Connecting education with social mobility.
市场营销部门正在研究如何更好地吸引女性消费者。
The marketing department is researching how to better attract female consumers.
Consumer behavior and marketing.
随着社会的发展,女性在各个领域的贡献日益显著。
With social development, women's contributions in various fields are becoming increasingly significant.
Discussing societal progress and contributions.
该研究探讨了性别刻板印象对女性职业选择的影响。
This study explores the impact of gender stereotypes on women's career choices.
Academic research on gender and careers.
我们必须努力消除职场中的性别歧视,为女性创造公平的环境。
We must work hard to eliminate gender discrimination in the workplace and create a fair environment for women.
Advocacy for workplace equality.
在某些传统观念中,对女性的期望往往比较单一。
In some traditional views, expectations for women are often quite singular.
Cultural perspectives and expectations.
数字技术的发展为女性提供了更多的学习和工作机会。
The development of digital technology has provided women with more learning and work opportunities.
Impact of technology on opportunities.
评估项目时,需要考虑其对不同性别群体,特别是女性,可能产生的长期影响。
When evaluating projects, their potential long-term impact on different gender groups, especially women, needs to be considered.
Impact assessment and gender considerations.
社会保障体系的完善对于保障老年女性的权益尤为重要。
The improvement of the social security system is particularly important for protecting the rights of elderly women.
Social welfare and specific demographics.
艺术创作中对女性形象的描绘方式反映了时代的变迁。
The way female figures are depicted in artistic creation reflects the changes of the times.
Cultural representation and historical context.
性别平等不仅是法律问题,更是社会文化层面的深层变革,尤其体现在对女性赋权的过程中。
Gender equality is not just a legal issue, but a profound societal and cultural transformation, particularly reflected in the process of women's empowerment.
Complex sentence structure discussing societal transformation and empowerment.
我们必须审视那些根深蒂固的社会结构,它们无形中限制了女性潜能的充分发挥。
We must examine those deeply rooted social structures that invisibly limit the full realization of women's potential.
Critical analysis of societal structures and potential.
历史叙事中对女性声音的忽视,导致了对许多重要历史事件理解的不完整性。
The neglect of women's voices in historical narratives leads to an incomplete understanding of many important historical events.
Critique of historical narratives and representation.
在后殖民语境下,探讨女性身份的建构及其与全球化进程的互动显得尤为重要。
In post-colonial contexts, exploring the construction of female identity and its interaction with the globalization process is particularly important.
Post-colonial theory and identity construction.
科技发展带来的信息爆炸,为女性提供了前所未有的信息获取渠道,但也伴随着信息茧房的风险。
The information explosion brought about by technological development has provided women with unprecedented channels for information access, but it also comes with the risk of information cocoons.
Nuanced discussion of technology's dual impact.
评估政策的有效性时,应采用性别敏感的视角,深入分析其对不同社会群体,尤其是弱势女性群体的影响。
When evaluating policy effectiveness, a gender-sensitive perspective should be adopted to deeply analyze its impact on different social groups, especially vulnerable women.
Policy analysis with a focus on vulnerability.
当代艺术对女性身体意象的解构与重塑,挑战了长期以来存在的观看模式。
The deconstruction and reconstruction of the female body image in contemporary art challenge long-standing viewing paradigms.
Art criticism and deconstruction of imagery.
我们需要构建一个更加包容的社会叙事,其中女性的经验和视角能够得到充分的承认和重视。
We need to construct a more inclusive social narrative where women's experiences and perspectives are fully acknowledged and valued.
Constructing inclusive narratives and valuing perspectives.
在后结构主义的视角下,对“女性”这一范畴的解构,揭示了其社会建构的本质及其在权力话语中的流动性。
From a post-structuralist perspective, the deconstruction of the category 'woman' reveals its socially constructed nature and its fluidity within power discourses.
Advanced theoretical concepts in gender studies.
女性主义理论的演进,从早期强调解放到后期关注多元身份的交织性,深刻地改变了我们对性别与权力关系的认知。
The evolution of feminist theory, from early emphasis on liberation to later focus on the intersectionality of multiple identities, has profoundly altered our understanding of gender and power relations.
Historical and theoretical overview of feminist movements.
我们必须警惕那些以“自然”或“生物学”为名,实则为维护父权制结构而对女性施加限制的论调。
We must be vigilant against arguments that, under the guise of 'natural' or 'biological' reasons, impose restrictions on women to maintain patriarchal structures.
Critique of essentialist arguments and patriarchy.
在数字时代,女性身体的表征及其在虚拟空间中的被观看性,成为了新的批判性研究领域。
In the digital age, the representation of the female body and its visibility in virtual spaces have become new areas of critical research.
Intersection of digital media, representation, and gender.
对“女性气质”的刻板化认知,不仅限制了个体的发展,也阻碍了社会对多元化人才的包容。
The stereotyping of 'femininity' not only restricts individual development but also hinders society's inclusion of diverse talents.
Consequences of stereotyping and the value of diversity.
理解全球南方国家女性所面临的独特挑战,需要超越西方中心主义的视角,关注其历史、经济和文化的多重维度。
Understanding the unique challenges faced by women in Global South countries requires moving beyond a Western-centric perspective and focusing on their multiple historical, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Post-colonial and decolonial perspectives on gender.
女性在科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)领域的代表性不足,是一个复杂的多因素问题,涉及教育、文化和社会偏见。
The underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is a complex, multi-factorial issue involving education, culture, and societal biases.
Analysis of systemic barriers in STEM.
重塑关于女性的公共话语,需要积极挑战那些将女性简化为单一角色的刻板印象,并倡导对其复杂性和能动性的认可。
Reshaping public discourse about women requires actively challenging stereotypes that reduce women to singular roles and advocating for the recognition of their complexity and agency.
Discourse analysis and the importance of agency.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Male and female. This is a very common pairing used when referring to both genders, often in statistical or official contexts.
调查问卷要求填写男性和女性。
— Pay attention to women / Focus on women. This phrase is used when highlighting issues or needs related to women.
社会应该更多地关注女性的需求。
— For women only / Women's exclusive. Used to designate facilities or products meant solely for women.
这是女性专用洗手间。
— Women's rights. Refers to the rights and entitlements belonging to women.
保护女性的权益是重要的社会责任。
— Female readers. Used when discussing the audience of books, magazines, or online content.
这本书的女性读者很多。
— Female users. Common in technology and marketing contexts when referring to users of apps, websites, or products.
该应用程序的女性用户比例正在上升。
— Men and women. Similar to '男性和女性' but can sometimes imply a comparison or discussion between the two groups.
男性与女性在职场上的机会应该平等。
— Average lifespan of women. A statistical term often discussed in health and demographic contexts.
女性的平均寿命通常高于男性。
— Female employment. Refers to the participation of women in the workforce.
提高女性就业率是经济发展的目标之一。
— Female artist. Used to specify the gender of an artist.
她是当代著名的女性艺术家。
Idioms & Expressions
— Women are no less capable than men. Literally, 'a woman's scarf does not yield to a man's eyebrows.' It praises women's abilities and achievements, suggesting they are equal to or even surpass men in certain fields.
在这次比赛中,这位女运动员的表现充分证明了巾帼不让须眉。
Idiomatic, positive— Beautiful women often have tragic fates. This idiom suggests that women who are exceptionally beautiful are more likely to suffer misfortune or have a short, unhappy life. It reflects a traditional, often pessimistic, view.
她虽然年轻貌美,但一生坎坷,真是红颜薄命。
Idiomatic, traditional, often melancholicSummary
<strong>女性 (nǚxìng)</strong> is the standard, formal term for 'female' or 'woman' in Chinese, widely used in official documents, statistics, academic contexts, and general discussions about women as a demographic group. While more casual terms exist, <strong>女性</strong> ensures clarity and appropriateness in formal settings.
- <strong>女性 (nǚxìng)</strong> means 'female' or 'woman'.
- It's a formal term used in statistics, official contexts, and general discussions about women.
- Commonly paired with <strong>男性 (nánxìng)</strong> (male).
- Alternatives include <strong>女人 (nǚrén)</strong> (woman, more casual) and <strong>女士 (nǚshì)</strong> (Ms./Madam, polite address).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
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急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.