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B1 noun #4,000 most common 14 min read

基因

jiyin Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 基因 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 基因 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to know the complex science of genes, but you can learn '基因' (jīyīn) as a special word that sounds like 'gene'. You might hear it when people talk about family. For example, if a baby looks like their dad, someone might say '基因' (gene). It is a noun. You can think of it as a 'family code'. In very simple Chinese, we use it to talk about why we have black hair or brown eyes. Even though it's a science word, it's very common in modern China. Just remember it sounds like 'jee-yeen'. It is a 'loanword', which means it was borrowed from English. This makes it very easy for you to remember! You can use it in simple sentences like '我有好的基因' (I have good genes). This is a fun way to start using more 'adult' words even at a beginner level. Don't worry about the biology; just think of it as the reason why families look the same.

At the A2 level, you can start using '基因' (jīyīn) to describe traits and characteristics in a more structured way. You should know that '基因' is a noun and usually comes after a possessive like '我的' (my) or '他的' (his). You can use it to talk about talents, like '他有音乐基因' (He has music genes). This is a very common way to say someone is naturally good at something. You might also see this word in simple news stories or health tips. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between '基因' (the thing you have) and '像' (to look like). For example, '我像我妈妈' (I look like my mom) because of '基因' (genes). It's a useful word for describing people beyond just their clothes or height. You can also start to recognize it in compound words like '基因学' (genetics). Try to use it when you talk about your family's history or why you are good at certain hobbies.

At the B1 level, you should understand '基因' (jīyīn) both in its biological sense and its metaphorical sense. You will encounter it in articles about health, technology, and society. You should be able to use collocations like '基因突变' (genetic mutation) or '基因检测' (genetic testing). For instance, if you are discussing a healthy lifestyle, you might say '虽然基因很重要，但生活习惯也很重要' (Although genes are important, lifestyle habits are also important). You should also understand how it's used in business to describe a company's 'DNA'. At this level, you are expected to use '基因' in more complex sentence structures, such as using it as the subject of a sentence: '基因决定了我们的很多特征' (Genes determine many of our characteristics). You should also be aware of its phonetic origin and how the characters '基' (base) and '因' (cause) were chosen to represent the concept of a 'fundamental factor'. This will help you remember the word's meaning more deeply.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '基因' (jīyīn) in academic and professional discussions. You should understand the nuances of '基因工程' (genetic engineering) and '基因编辑' (gene editing), especially in the context of ethical debates. You will likely hear this word in TED-style talks or documentaries in Chinese. You should be able to use it to discuss complex topics like '基因多样性' (genetic diversity) or '基因表达' (gene expression). At this level, you should also be able to use the word metaphorically with high precision. For example, '这家公司的创新基因使其在竞争中脱颖而出' (The innovation gene of this company makes it stand out in the competition). You should also be able to explain the difference between '基因' and '遗传' (heredity) to others. Your ability to use '基因' correctly in both formal writing and spontaneous speech is a sign of your advancing proficiency. You should also be familiar with related scientific terms like '染色体' (chromosome) and '脱氧核糖核酸' (DNA).

At the C1 level, your understanding of '基因' (jīyīn) should be near-native. You should be able to follow high-level scientific journals or complex legal discussions regarding genetic patents and ethics. You should understand the cultural implications of '文化基因' (cultural genes) and how this term is used in Chinese sociology to describe the persistence of traditional values. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps in a debate about nature versus nurture: '我们不应被基因所决定，而应通过教育重塑自我' (We should not be determined by our genes, but should reshape ourselves through education). You should also be sensitive to the register of the word—knowing when to use '基因' and when a more technical term like '等位基因' (allele) or '基因型' (genotype) is appropriate. Your use of the word should be fluid, incorporating it into idiomatic-like modern expressions and business jargon without hesitation. You should also be able to analyze how the transliteration of '基因' reflects China's approach to adopting Western scientific concepts.

At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of '基因' (jīyīn) that allows you to use it in any context, from poetic metaphors to cutting-edge genomic research papers. You understand the historical evolution of the term in the Chinese language and its role as a 'perfect' transliteration. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about '基因决定论' (genetic determinism) and its impact on modern society. You are capable of writing professional-grade reports on '基因组学' (genomics) or '转基因食品' (GMO foods) with perfect grammatical accuracy and appropriate terminology. You can also pick up on subtle puns or wordplay involving '基因' in literature or high-end advertising. Your understanding extends to the most abstract applications of the word, such as '城市基因' (the 'gene' or soul of a city). At this level, '基因' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual tool that you use to analyze and describe the world at its most fundamental level, reflecting a complete integration into Chinese intellectual and scientific discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

基因 in 30 Seconds

基因 (jīyīn) is the Chinese word for 'gene,' functioning as both a biological term and a common metaphor for fundamental traits in people or organizations.
The word is a phonetic loanword from English, but its characters '基' (base) and '因' (cause) provide a meaningful literal translation of 'basic factor.'
It is commonly used with verbs like 遗传 (inherit), 突变 (mutate), and 携带 (carry), and is essential for discussing modern science, health, and business culture.
As a CEFR B1 level word, it is a key bridge between everyday conversation about family and advanced academic or professional discourse in Mandarin.

The term 基因 (jīyīn) is one of the most fascinating examples of linguistic adaptation in the modern Chinese language. It is the standard biological term for a 'gene,' but its significance extends far beyond the laboratory. When we look at the word itself, it serves as a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'gene,' yet it was chosen with incredible precision. The first character, 基 (jī), means 'base,' 'foundation,' or 'fundamental.' The second character, 因 (yīn), means 'cause,' 'factor,' or 'reason.' Together, they literally translate to the 'fundamental factor' or 'basic cause' of life. This dual nature—sounding like the original English term while carrying deep, relevant meaning in Chinese—makes it a 'perfect' translation. In everyday conversation, people use this word when discussing inheritance, physical traits, and even metaphorical characteristics of organizations or cultures. For instance, if a child is exceptionally talented at music like their parents, someone might say it is in their 基因. This reflects a transition from a purely scientific concept to a common social descriptor.

Scientific Context: In biology, it refers to the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or protein. It is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity.
Metaphorical Context: Used to describe the inherent nature or fundamental 'DNA' of a brand, a company, or a piece of art. For example, 'Innovation is in this company's genes.'

科学家们正在研究如何编辑人类的基因以治疗疾病。 (Scientists are researching how to edit human genes to treat diseases.)

The word is widely used in news reports regarding medical breakthroughs, agricultural advancements (like GMOs), and forensic science. However, it has also become a buzzword in the business world. You will often hear tech CEOs talking about the 'product gene' (产品基因) or the 'innovation gene' (创新基因) of their startups. This suggests that certain qualities are not just accidental but are part of the very core identity of the entity. When using the word, it is important to remember that it is a noun. You cannot 'gene' something in Chinese; you must use verbs like '改变' (change), '编辑' (edit), or '携带' (carry) in conjunction with it. The versatility of 基因 allows it to bridge the gap between high-level science and casual dinner-table talk about why everyone in a family has the same nose or the same short temper.

他的运动天赋很大程度上源于他的基因。 (His athletic talent largely stems from his genes.)

Furthermore, the concept of 基因 has entered the realm of philosophy and sociology in China. Discussions about 'cultural genes' (文化基因) are common when scholars talk about the enduring traits of Chinese civilization that have persisted for thousands of years. This usage implies that culture is passed down through generations with the same persistence and structural integrity as biological information. Whether you are reading a textbook about CRISPR technology or a business article about why a company failed to adapt to a new market, you will encounter this word. It represents the intersection of modern science and ancient linguistic logic, providing a robust framework for understanding why things are the way they are at their most fundamental level. In the modern era, understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to engage with Chinese media or academic discourse.

这种植物的基因经过了改良。 (The genes of this plant have been improved.)

Popular Culture: In TV shows, characters might joke that 'bad genes' are responsible for their poor luck in dating or their inability to cook, making the word lighthearted and relatable.

优秀的基因需要传承。 (Excellent genes need to be passed down.)

我们正在探索长寿的基因密码。 (We are exploring the genetic code of longevity.)

Medical Importance: Doctors use '基因检测' (genetic testing) to screen for hereditary diseases, a term you will see in many modern Chinese hospitals.

Using 基因 (jīyīn) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. In Chinese grammar, nouns like 基因 often appear as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun phrase. Because it is a scientific term that has entered common parlance, the verbs used with it can range from highly technical to very casual. For instance, in a scientific setting, you will frequently see the verb 携带 (xiédài), which means 'to carry.' A sentence like 'He carries a specific gene' would be '他携带一种特定的基因.' This is the formal way to describe genetic possession. On the other hand, in casual conversation, people might use the verb 有 (yǒu), meaning 'to have,' such as '他有好的基因' (He has good genes).

Common Verb Pairings: 改变 (gǎibiàn - to change), 编辑 (biānjí - to edit), 突变 (tūbiàn - to mutate), 检测 (jiǎncè - to test/detect), 传承 (chuánchéng - to pass down).

科学家成功地编辑了这种作物的基因。 (Scientists successfully edited the genes of this crop.)

Another important grammatical structure involves using 基因 as a modifier for other nouns. In Chinese, you can simply place 基因 before another noun to create a compound. Common examples include 基因工程 (genetic engineering), 基因突变 (genetic mutation), and 基因组 (genome). When using it metaphorically, you might see phrases like 文化基因 (cultural genes) or 品牌基因 (brand genes). In these cases, the word acts as a descriptor for the most essential, unchangeable parts of a concept. For example, 'Innovation is part of our brand's genes' could be translated as '创新是我们品牌基因的一部分.' Notice how the possessive particle 的 (de) is often used to link 基因 to the entity it belongs to.

这双胞胎的基因几乎完全相同。 (The genes of these twins are almost identical.)

In terms of sentence placement, 基因 follows standard SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) patterns. However, it is also common to see it in 'Topic-Comment' structures, which are prevalent in Chinese. For example, '关于基因，我们还有很多不了解的地方' (Regarding genes, there is still much we don't understand). Here, '基因' is the topic, and the rest of the sentence provides a comment on it. This is a very natural way to introduce a subject in Chinese discourse. Additionally, when discussing inheritance, you will often use the pattern 'A 把 B 传给了 C' (A passed B to C). So, 'Parents pass genes to children' would be '父母把基因传给了孩子.' This highlights the directional flow of genetic information.

环境因素可能会影响基因的表达。 (Environmental factors may affect gene expression.)

Formal vs. Informal: Formal: 基因序列 (gene sequence), 基因图谱 (gene map). Informal: 基因好 (good genes - usually referring to looks or intelligence), 基因强大 (strong genes - used when a child looks exactly like a parent).

他的聪明才智是写在基因里的。 (His intelligence is written in his genes.)

我们需要对这些样本进行基因测序。 (We need to perform gene sequencing on these samples.)

In modern China, you will hear the word 基因 (jīyīn) in a surprising variety of contexts, ranging from the highly academic to the extremely casual. One of the most common places is in the news. China has been investing heavily in biotechnology, so reports on '基因编辑' (gene editing) or '基因治疗' (gene therapy) are frequent. You might hear a news anchor discussing the ethical implications of a new scientific discovery or the launch of a massive '基因组计划' (genome project). In these contexts, the word is used with technical precision and is often accompanied by other scientific terms like '细胞' (cell) or '染色体' (chromosome).

News & Science: Frequent in headlines about medical breakthroughs, agricultural science (GMOs), and archaeological DNA studies of ancient populations.

今天的科技新闻报道了基因驱动技术的最新进展。 (Today's science news reported on the latest progress in gene drive technology.)

Another very common place to hear 基因 is in the workplace, particularly in the tech and creative industries. Chinese business culture has adopted the biological metaphor of 'DNA' to describe a company's core values. A manager might say, '我们公司的基因就是创新' (Our company's gene is innovation). This implies that innovation isn't just a goal but is part of the organization's fundamental makeup. Similarly, when discussing product design, a designer might talk about the '设计基因' (design gene) that links all products in a specific line together. This usage is very trendy and reflects a modern, data-driven approach to business and branding.

互联网公司的基因通常是快速迭代。 (The gene of internet companies is usually rapid iteration.)

In social media and popular entertainment, 基因 is often used in a self-deprecating or humorous way. On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, users might post photos of their pets or children with captions about 'good genes' or 'bad genes.' For example, if a cat is particularly lazy, a owner might joke that '懒惰是它的基因' (Laziness is its gene). It is also used in the context of 'beauty genes' (美貌基因). If a celebrity's child is very attractive, the comments section will be filled with praise for the parents' '优秀基因' (excellent genes). This shows how a scientific concept has become a tool for social commentary and humor.

网友们都在讨论这位明星家里的强大基因。 (Netizens are all discussing the strong genes of this celebrity's family.)

Education: In schools and universities, it is a core vocabulary word in biology and medicine classes. Students learn about Mendelian inheritance using this term.

高中生物课上，老师讲解了基因是如何控制性状的。 (In the high school biology class, the teacher explained how genes control traits.)

这部纪录片揭示了人类基因组的奥秘。 (This documentary reveals the mysteries of the human genome.)

While 基因 (jīyīn) is a relatively straightforward word, learners of Chinese often make several common mistakes when using it. The first and most frequent error is confusing 基因 with 遗传 (yíchuán), which means 'heredity' or 'to inherit.' While they are related, 基因 is the physical unit (the noun), whereas 遗传 is the process or the phenomenon. For example, you would say 'This is a genetic disease' using either term depending on the structure, but you cannot say 'My gene is tall' to mean 'I inherited tallness.' You should say '我有高个子的基因' (I have genes for tallness) or '我的身高是遗传的' (My height is inherited). Mixing these up can make your sentence sound unscientific or awkward.

Mistake 1: Noun vs. Verb: Using '基因' as a verb. Incorrect: '他基因了他的父亲' (He 'gened' his father). Correct: '他继承了他父亲的基因' (He inherited his father's genes).

错误：这种病是基因的。正确：这种病是遗传性的。 (Error: This disease is 'gene-ish'. Correct: This disease is hereditary.)

Another common mistake involves the metaphorical use of the word. While it is very common to say 'innovation is in our genes,' some learners over-apply this to every situation. For instance, in English, we might say 'it's in my blood' to mean something is a deep part of us. In Chinese, while 基因 is used similarly, it usually refers to something more structural or 'built-in.' If you are talking about a temporary passion or a learned habit, 基因 is not the right word. It should only be used for traits that feel fundamental and unchanging. Using it for something like 'It's in my genes to drink coffee every morning' sounds a bit strange unless you are making a specific joke about biological addiction.

错误：成功的基因有很多。正确：成功的因素有很多。 (Error: There are many genes for success. Correct: There are many factors for success.)

Pronunciation is another area where errors occur. Because it is a loanword, English speakers often want to pronounce it like 'gene' with an English 'g' sound. However, in Mandarin, 基 (jī) is a clear 'j' sound (like the 'j' in 'jeep'), and 因 (yīn) is a smooth 'een' sound. Getting the tones wrong (it should be 1st tone then 1st tone) can also lead to confusion, though in context, most people will understand you. Finally, be careful with the word 基因组 (jīyīnzǔ). Some learners forget the 组 (group/set) when they are actually referring to the whole 'genome' rather than just a single 'gene.' Precision in scientific terms is highly valued in Chinese academic and professional settings.

科学家们已经完成了人类基因组的测序。 (Scientists have completed the sequencing of the human genome.)

Collocation Errors: Learners often say '做基因' (to do gene), which is incorrect. You should say '做基因检测' (to do genetic testing) or '进行基因研究' (to conduct genetic research).

我们需要进行基因分析，而不是简单的观察。 (We need to conduct genetic analysis, not simple observation.)

不要把基因和性格混为一谈。 (Don't confuse genes with personality.)

In the field of biology and inheritance, several words are closely related to 基因 (jīyīn), and understanding the nuances between them is key to advanced fluency. The most common alternative is 遗传 (yíchuán). As discussed previously, 遗传 refers to the process of heredity. While you can have a 'genetic disease' (基因疾病), you can also say it is 'hereditary' (遗传病). The latter is actually more common in medical contexts. Another related word is 染色体 (rǎnsètǐ), which means 'chromosome.' While genes are segments of DNA, chromosomes are the structures that contain those genes. In a classroom, you will hear both, but 基因 is the functional unit, while 染色体 is the physical package.

基因 vs. 遗传: 基因 (jīyīn) is the noun 'gene'. 遗传 (yíchuán) is the noun/verb 'heredity/inherit'. Use 基因 for the unit, 遗传 for the process.
基因 vs. 染色体: 基因 is the specific code; 染色体 (chromosome) is the structure that holds the code. One chromosome contains many genes.

人类有23对染色体，上面分布着数万个基因。 (Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, on which tens of thousands of genes are distributed.)

In metaphorical contexts, you might choose between 基因 and 本质 (běnzhì), which means 'essence' or 'nature.' If you want to say something is fundamentally part of a company, 基因 is more modern and trendy, implying it's 'coded' in. 本质 is more philosophical and traditional. For example, 'The essence of business is profit' would use 本质, but 'Innovation is in our company's DNA' would use 基因. Another alternative is 天性 (tiānxìng), meaning 'natural disposition' or 'innate nature.' This is used more for people and animals. If someone is naturally kind, you would say '这是他的天性' rather than '这是他的基因,' although the latter is becoming more common in modern slang.

虽然他的基因决定了身高，但后天的营养也很重要。 (Although his genes determine his height, postnatal nutrition is also important.)

When discussing DNA specifically, Chinese speakers often use the English acronym DNA directly in conversation, just as they do in English. However, the formal term is 脱氧核糖核酸 (tuōyǎng hétáng hésuān), which is a mouthful and rarely used outside of textbooks. In most cases, 基因 is the preferred term when talking about the information carried by DNA. Finally, consider the word 特征 (tèzhēng), meaning 'characteristic' or 'feature.' While 基因 causes the trait, 特征 is the trait itself. 'Blue eyes are a genetic characteristic' would be '蓝眼睛是一种基因特征.' This distinction is important for clarity in both scientific and descriptive writing.

这种生物的基因组非常复杂。 (The genome of this organism is very complex.)

Register Differences: DNA: Used in casual and technical speech. 脱氧核糖核酸: Strictly academic. 基因: Versatile, used in all registers.

我们不能只看表面，要看基因里的东西。 (We can't just look at the surface; we have to look at what's in the genes.)

这项技术可以修复受损的基因。 (This technology can repair damaged genes.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before '基因' became standard, scientists tried other terms like '遗传因子' (hereditary factor). '基因' won because it sounds like the international scientific term while making perfect sense in Chinese as 'base factor.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʒiːn/ (English equivalent)

US /dʒiːn/

Both syllables 'jī' and 'yīn' carry the first tone (high level), so they are pronounced with equal, sustained high pitch.

Rhymes With

机 (jī) 鸡 (jī) 心 (xīn - partial) 金 (jīn) 音 (yīn) 新 (xīn) 亲 (qīn) 民 (mín - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jī' as 'zhī' (with a retroflex sound).
Pronouncing 'yīn' as 'yǐn' (third tone).
Using an English 'g' sound for 'jī'.
Failing to sustain the high pitch of the first tone on both syllables.
Blending the two syllables into one like the English 'gene'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is easy, but it often appears in complex scientific texts.

Writing 4/5

The character '基' and '因' are basic, but writing about genetics requires advanced vocabulary.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce due to its phonetic similarity to English.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound that is usually easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

遗传 (Heredity) 身体 (Body) 父母 (Parents) 改变 (Change) 特征 (Characteristic)

Learn Next

染色体 (Chromosome) 细胞 (Cell) 进化 (Evolution) 生物 (Biology) 伦理 (Ethics)

Advanced

脱氧核糖核酸 (DNA) 基因组学 (Genomics) 表观遗传学 (Epigenetics) 克隆 (Cloning) 突变 (Mutation)

Grammar to Know

Noun as Modifier

基因 (Gene) + 工程 (Engineering) = 基因工程 (Genetic Engineering).

Topic-Comment Structure

关于这个基因，我们还需要更多研究。

Possessive '的'

人类的基因 (Human genes).

Verb-Object Pairing

携带基因 (To carry a gene).

Resultative Complements

基因被改良了 (Genes have been improved).

Examples by Level

他有好的基因。

He has good genes.

Subject + 有 + Adjective + 基因.

这是我的基因。

These are my genes.

Simple possessive structure.

宝宝的基因很强大。

The baby's genes are very strong (looks just like parents).

'强大' (strong) is often used to describe genes when someone looks like a parent.

基因决定了头发的颜色。

Genes determine hair color.

Verb '决定' (determine) followed by the object.

我们有相同的基因。

We have the same genes.

'相同' (same) modifies '基因'.

什么是基因？

What is a gene?

Basic question structure with '什么'.

基因在细胞里。

Genes are in the cells.

Location structure using '在...里'.

他的基因很优秀。

His genes are excellent.

Adjective '优秀' (excellent) describes the noun.

他遗传了父母的优秀基因。

He inherited his parents' excellent genes.

Verb '遗传' (inherit) + Object '基因'.

科学家在研究这种基因。

Scientists are studying this gene.

Present continuous '在' + verb.

我不想要这个基因。

I don't want this gene.

Negative '不' + verb '想要'.

这种基因非常罕见。

This gene is very rare.

Adverb '非常' + Adjective '罕见'.

你的基因里有艺术细胞。

There are artistic cells (talent) in your genes.

Metaphorical use of '基因里有'.

基因可以改变吗？

Can genes be changed?

Modal verb '可以' + verb '改变'.

我们需要检查他的基因。

We need to check his genes.

Verb '检查' (check) + '基因'.

这个基因控制着身高。

This gene controls height.

Verb '控制' (control) + aspect particle '着'.

基因检测可以预测某些疾病。

Genetic testing can predict certain diseases.

Compound noun '基因检测' as the subject.

这家公司有创新的基因。

This company has an innovation gene (DNA).

Metaphorical use in a business context.

环境会影响基因的表达。

Environment can affect gene expression.

Formal term '基因的表达' (gene expression).

基因突变是进化的动力。

Genetic mutation is the driving force of evolution.

Scientific statement: Subject + 是 + Predicate.

他携带了一种特殊的基因。

He carries a special gene.

Formal verb '携带' (carry).

基因工程是一门复杂的科学。

Genetic engineering is a complex science.

Compound noun '基因工程'.

我们不能完全依赖基因。

We cannot fully rely on genes.

Verb '依赖' (rely on) + '基因'.

这种作物的基因经过了改良。

The genes of this crop have been improved.

Passive-like structure with '经过了'.

科学家们成功编辑了人类基因。

Scientists successfully edited human genes.

Resultative verb '编辑' + '成功'.

基因多样性对生态平衡至关重要。

Genetic diversity is crucial to ecological balance.

Abstract noun '基因多样性' (genetic diversity).

这个项目旨在绘制人类基因图谱。

This project aims to map the human genome.

Formal structure '旨在' (aim to).

基因歧视是一个严重的社会问题。

Genetic discrimination is a serious social issue.

Compound noun '基因歧视' (genetic discrimination).

转基因食品在市场上引发了争议。

Genetically modified foods have sparked controversy in the market.

Term '转基因' (transgenic/GMO).

这些数据揭示了基因与寿命的关系。

These data reveal the relationship between genes and lifespan.

Structure 'A 与 B 的关系'.

隐性基因只有在特定条件下才会表现。

Recessive genes only manifest under specific conditions.

Technical term '隐性基因' (recessive gene).

基因疗法为许多患者带来了希望。

Gene therapy has brought hope to many patients.

Compound noun '基因疗法' (gene therapy).

基因组学的发展彻底改变了医学研究。

The development of genomics has fundamentally changed medical research.

Term '基因组学' (genomics).

文化基因在民族认同中起着核心作用。

Cultural genes play a central role in national identity.

Metaphorical sociological term '文化基因'.

我们必须审慎对待基因编辑的伦理界限。

We must treat the ethical boundaries of gene editing with caution.

Formal adverbial '审慎对待'.

显性基因通常会掩盖隐性基因的特征。

Dominant genes usually mask the traits of recessive genes.

Technical terms '显性基因' and '隐性基因'.

这种植物的抗旱基因已被成功克隆。

The drought-resistant gene of this plant has been successfully cloned.

Technical verb '克隆' (clone).

基因决定论忽略了后天环境的影响。

Genetic determinism ignores the influence of the postnatal environment.

Philosophical term '基因决定论' (genetic determinism).

由于基因突变的随机性，进化是不可预测的。

Due to the randomness of genetic mutations, evolution is unpredictable.

Structure '由于...的随机性'.

该研究探讨了表观基因组学在癌症中的作用。

The study explored the role of epigenomics in cancer.

Technical term '表观基因组学' (epigenomics).

基因驱动技术可能对生物多样性产生深远影响。

Gene drive technology could have profound impacts on biodiversity.

High-level term '基因驱动' (gene drive).

人类基因组中仍存在大量所谓“垃圾DNA”的未解之谜。

The human genome still contains many unsolved mysteries of so-called 'junk DNA'.

Nuanced phrase '所谓' (so-called).

基因专利的法律纠纷反映了商业利益与科学共享的矛盾。

Legal disputes over gene patents reflect the conflict between commercial interests and scientific sharing.

Complex abstract subject '基因专利的法律纠纷'.

通过全基因组关联分析，科学家找到了致病位点。

Through genome-wide association studies, scientists found the pathogenic loci.

Highly technical term '全基因组关联分析' (GWAS).

基因流在不同种群间的迁移维持了遗传多样性。

Gene flow between different populations maintains genetic diversity.

Technical term '基因流' (gene flow).

表观遗传修饰可以在不改变基因序列的情况下影响表型。

Epigenetic modifications can affect phenotypes without changing the gene sequence.

Technical phrase '表观遗传修饰'.

该学说认为利他主义在某种程度上是由自私的基因驱动的。

The theory posits that altruism is to some extent driven by selfish genes.

Reference to '自私的基因' (The Selfish Gene).

基因库的保存对于防止物种灭绝至关重要。

The preservation of the gene pool is vital for preventing species extinction.

Term '基因库' (gene pool/bank).

Synonyms

遗传因子遗传物质

Antonyms

环境因素后天影响

Common Collocations

基因突变

基因检测

基因工程

基因编辑

基因图谱

品牌基因

优秀基因

基因序列

隐性基因

转基因

Common Phrases

基因强大

— Used to describe when a child looks exactly like their parent.

看这孩子的长相，爸爸的基因太强大了！

基因改良

— Refers to improving traits through genetic modification.

这种大米是经过基因改良的。

基因缺陷

— Refers to a genetic defect or disorder.

有些病是由基因缺陷引起的。

基因库

— A gene pool or a genetic database.

这个种子银行是一个巨大的基因库。

基因治疗

— Medical treatment involving the alteration of genes.

基因治疗是未来的医学方向。

基因重组

— Genetic recombination, often used in science or metaphorically for restructuring.

通过基因重组，我们得到了新的品种。

文化基因

— The fundamental elements that define a culture.

勤劳是中华民族的文化基因。

基因决定论

— The belief that genes determine all human traits.

我们不能陷入基因决定论。

基因表达

— The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.

压力会影响基因表达。

基因组

— The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

人类基因组包含约三万个基因。

Often Confused With

基因 vs 遗传

Genetic (unit) vs. Heredity (process). You inherit (遗传) genes (基因).

基因 vs 因素

Factor (general) vs. Gene (biological). Don't use 'gene' for 'reason' unless it's a 'core' reason.

基因 vs 细胞

Cell vs. Gene. Genes are inside cells.

Idioms & Expressions

"江山易改，本性难移"

— It is easier to change mountains and rivers than a person's nature. Often used when discussing genetic traits metaphorically.

虽然他想变温柔，但江山易改本性难移，这也许是基因决定的。

Traditional Idiom

"龙生龙，凤生凤"

— Dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes. A traditional way of saying children inherit their parents' traits.

龙生龙凤生凤，他爸爸是数学家，他数学也好，这就是基因。

Folksy/Idiomatic

"老鼠的孩子会打洞"

— The children of rats know how to dig holes. Similar to 'like father, like son.'

这孩子从小就爱做生意，真是老鼠的孩子会打洞，基因在那儿呢。

Informal/Folksy

"一脉相承"

— To come from the same origin; to be a direct descendant.

这两个品牌的风格一脉相承，有着共同的基因。

Formal

"骨子里"

— In one's bones. Often used as a synonym for 'in one's genes.'

他骨子里就是一个骄傲的人。

Informal

"天造地设"

— Made by heaven and earth; perfectly matched, sometimes used for perfect genetic combinations.

他们俩真是天造地设的一对，基因一定很合。

Literary

"生来如此"

— Born this way.

他性格很安静，生来如此，大概是基因吧。

Neutral

"根深蒂固"

— Deep-rooted; ingrained.

这种思想在他心里根深蒂固，就像基因一样。

Formal

"如出一辙"

— To be exactly like another; to follow the same track.

他们的反应如出一辙，基因的力量真大。

Formal

"自食其果"

— To reap what one sows; sometimes used in debates about genetic engineering consequences.

如果人类乱动基因，可能会自食其果。

Neutral

Easily Confused

基因 vs 遗传

Both relate to inheritance.

基因 is the physical unit (noun). 遗传 is the process or adjective (heredity/hereditary).

这种病是遗传的，因为它在基因里。

基因 vs 染色体

Both are biological units of inheritance.

Chromosomes (染色体) are the larger structures that contain many genes (基因).

人类有46条染色体，上面有很多基因。

基因 vs 天性

Both refer to innate traits.

天性 is specifically for personality and behavior. 基因 is scientific and covers physical traits too.

善良是他的天性，也是他的基因。

基因 vs 本质

Both can mean 'fundamental nature'.

本质 is more philosophical. 基因 is more modern/biological.

创新的本质是不断尝试，这已经成了公司的基因。

基因 vs 血统

Both relate to family inheritance.

血统 (bloodline) is traditional and refers to ancestry. 基因 is modern and scientific.

他有皇室血统，也继承了优秀的基因。

Sentence Patterns

我有...基因。

我有好的基因。

A 遗传了 B 的基因。

女儿遗传了妈妈的基因。

基因决定了...。

基因决定了植物的颜色。

通过...基因检测，我们可以...。

通过基因检测，我们可以发现潜在疾病。

...是写在基因里的。

对自由的向往是写在人类基因里的。

尽管基因组学...，但...。

尽管基因组学取得了巨大进步，但生命仍有许多奥秘。

这属于...基因的一部分。

这属于品牌基因的一部分。

由于基因突变，...。

由于基因突变，这种动物变异了。

Word Family

Nouns

基因组 (Genome)

基因型 (Genotype)

等位基因 (Allele)

转基因 (GMO)

Verbs

基因化 (Geneticize - rare)

遗传 (Inherit/Heredity)

Adjectives

基因的 (Genetic)

遗传性的 (Hereditary)

转基因的 (Transgenic)

染色体 (Chromosome)

细胞 (Cell)

蛋白质 (Protein)

脱氧核糖核酸 (DNA)

进化 (Evolution)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both scientific and metaphorical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '基因' as a verb. → 使用'遗传'或'携带'作为动词。
You cannot say 'he gened his father'. You must say 'he inherited his father's genes'.
Confusing '基因' with '因素'. → 用'因素'表示一般原因。
Don't say 'the gene of the accident' when you mean 'the cause of the accident'. Use '因素' or '原因'.
Mispronouncing the tones. → 两个字都是第一声 (jīyīn).
Saying 'jǐyín' or 'jīyǐn' might confuse listeners, though context helps.
Forgetting '组' for genome. → 说'基因组'而不是'基因'。
When referring to the entire set of genetic material, '基因组' is the correct scientific term.
Using '基因' for temporary traits. → 用'习惯'或'爱好'。
Genes are for innate, fundamental traits, not things you learned yesterday.

Tips

Loanword Logic

Notice how '基因' sounds like 'gene'. This is a common pattern in modern scientific Chinese words.

Noun Use

Always treat '基因' as a noun. Don't try to use it as an adjective without '的'.

Family Talk

Use '基因' when talking about family resemblances to sound like a modern, native speaker.

Corporate DNA

Use '品牌基因' in business contexts to refer to a brand's core identity.

Tone Stability

Keep both 'jī' and 'yīn' at the same high level pitch for the best clarity.

Character Meaning

Remember '基' (base) + '因' (cause) to understand why this word was chosen.

Context Clues

If you hear 'jīyīn', look for topics related to family, science, or business identity.

Casual Compliments

Say '你的基因真好' (Your genes are really good) as a lighthearted compliment on someone's talent or looks.

Technical Accuracy

In scientific contexts, distinguish between '基因' (gene) and '基因组' (genome).

Word Family

Learn '遗传' (heredity) alongside '基因' as they are almost always used together.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'jīyīn' as 'G-in'. The 'G' is for Gene, and it is 'in' your body. Also, remember 'Base Cause' (基 + 因).

Visual Association

Imagine a DNA double helix acting as the 'foundation' (基) of a house, which is the 'cause' (因) of how the house looks.

Word Web

DNA Inheritance Biology Mutation Family Traits Science Evolution

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend why you have your specific hair color using the word '基因' three times in a short paragraph.

Word Origin

The word 基因 (jīyīn) is a phonetic loanword (transliteration) of the English word 'gene'. It was first coined in the early 20th century as Western biological concepts were introduced to China. The choice of characters was masterful: '基' means foundation/base, and '因' means cause/factor.

Original meaning: The fundamental unit of heredity.

Sino-Tibetan (characters) / Germanic (phonetic root 'gene').

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'bad genes' as it can touch on sensitive topics related to eugenics or discrimination, though in casual Chinese, it is often just a joke.

English speakers use 'it's in my DNA' very frequently. Chinese speakers use '基因' in the exact same way.

Richard Dawkins' 'The Selfish Gene' (自私的基因) is a very famous book in China. The 'Human Genome Project' (人类基因组计划) is a common reference in science education. Gattaca (电影《千钧一发》) is often cited in Chinese discussions about genetic ethics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Health

基因检测 (Genetic testing)
基因缺陷 (Genetic defect)
家族基因 (Family genes)
基因筛查 (Genetic screening)

Business / Corporate

企业基因 (Corporate DNA)
品牌基因 (Brand DNA)
创新基因 (Innovation gene)
产品基因 (Product gene)

Science / Education

基因工程 (Genetic engineering)
基因序列 (Gene sequence)
基因突变 (Genetic mutation)
基因表达 (Gene expression)

Social / Family

好基因 (Good genes)
基因强大 (Strong genes)
遗传基因 (Hereditary genes)
像谁的基因 (Whose genes one resembles)

Agriculture / Food

转基因食品 (GMO food)
非转基因 (Non-GMO)
基因改良 (Genetic improvement)
抗虫基因 (Insect-resistant gene)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得你的性格更多是来自基因还是环境？"

"你支持对人类进行基因编辑吗？"

"你家里谁的基因最强大？你们长得像吗？"

"你对转基因食品有什么看法？你介意吃它们吗？"

"如果可以改变一个基因，你想改变哪一个？"

Journal Prompts

谈谈你从父母那里继承的最明显的基因特征。是外貌还是性格？

写一写你对基因工程未来发展的担忧或期待。

你认为一个成功的公司应该具备什么样的‘企业基因’？

讨论一下‘基因决定论’。你相信我们的命运是由基因写好的吗？

描述一次你听到‘基因强大’这个词的场景。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is very common in business and daily conversation as a metaphor for core characteristics. For example, '品牌基因' (brand DNA).

It is '基因检测' (jīyīn jiǎncè). This is a very common term in modern healthcare.

It literally means 'genes are strong,' but it's used to say a child looks exactly like their parent.

Yes, it is a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'gene.' The characters were chosen for their meaning as well.

No, it is strictly a noun. You must use it with verbs like '改变' (change) or '携带' (carry).

In Chinese, 'DNA' is the molecule, while '基因' is the functional unit. People often use 'DNA' in English when speaking Chinese too.

It is '转基因' (zhuǎn jīyīn), meaning 'transgenic' or 'transferred genes'.

Actually, it's quite easy because it sounds so similar to the English word 'gene' and follows simple noun rules.

It's a sociological term '文化基因' used to describe the fundamental, enduring elements of a culture's identity.

Yes, it's common to say things like '幽默是他的基因' (Humor is in his genes).