At the A1 level, you only need to know that '打疫苗' (dǎ yìmiáo) means 'to get a shot for health.' You can think of it as a simple action. You might use it in very basic sentences like '我打疫苗' (I get vaccine) or '他不打疫苗' (He doesn't get vaccine). At this stage, don't worry too much about the grammar rules of splitting the word. Just remember '打' is the action and '疫苗' is the thing you get. It is helpful to know '打' because you will also see it in '打球' (play ball) and '打电话' (make a phone call). If you go to a hospital in China, you can point to your arm and say '打疫苗' to let people know what you are there for. Most people will understand this simple phrase. You should also recognize the character '打' because it is very common. The character '疫苗' might be hard to write, but you should recognize the '田' (field) part in '苗' and the '疒' (sickness radical) in '疫'. This helps you remember it is related to health and medicine. Practice saying the tones: dǎ (third tone), yì (fourth tone), miáo (second tone). Tones are very important so people don't confuse '疫苗' with other similar-sounding words. Even at A1, knowing this word is useful for daily life and travel.
At the A2 level, you should start using '打疫苗' with time words and simple particles like '了' (le). For example, '我昨天打了疫苗' (I got vaccinated yesterday). You can also use it with '想' (xiǎng - want) or '去' (qù - go), such as '我想去打疫苗' (I want to go get vaccinated). You should understand that '疫苗' is the object of the verb '打'. You can start to distinguish between different types of vaccines by adding a word in front, like '流感疫苗' (flu vaccine). At this level, you might also learn how to ask simple questions: '你打疫苗了吗?' (Have you been vaccinated?). You should also be able to understand simple instructions at a clinic, like '请坐,我们要打疫苗了' (Please sit, we are going to vaccinate you). You are starting to see how '打' is used for many medical things, like '打针' (get a needle). Understanding the difference between '打针' (general) and '打疫苗' (specific) is a good goal for A2. You should also be comfortable using the negative form '没打疫苗' for things you haven't done yet. This is a very practical word for living in a Chinese-speaking environment, especially for school or work requirements.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable with the Verb-Object (VO) structure of '打疫苗'. This means you can split the phrase to include measure words and durations. For example, '我打过两针疫苗' (I have received two doses of vaccine). Notice how '两针' (two doses/needles) goes between '打' and '疫苗'. You should also be able to discuss side effects and reasons for vaccination. For instance, '打完疫苗以后,我有点发烧' (After getting vaccinated, I have a slight fever). You can use '打疫苗' in more complex sentences with conjunctions like '因为...所以...' (Because... therefore...) or '虽然...但是...' (Although... but...). For example, '虽然打疫苗有点疼,但是为了健康是值得的' (Although getting vaccinated is a bit painful, it's worth it for health). You should also recognize the more formal term '接种疫苗' (jiēzhòng yìmiáo) when you see it in news articles or official announcements. At B1, you are expected to handle a basic conversation at a community health center, explaining which vaccine you need and asking about the cost or the next dose. You should also understand the cultural context of vaccination in China, where it is often organized through neighborhoods or workplaces.
At the B2 level, you should use '打疫苗' fluently in both formal and informal contexts. You should understand the nuances of '接种' vs '打' and when to use each. You can discuss public health policies, such as '强制打疫苗' (mandatory vaccination) versus '自愿打疫苗' (voluntary vaccination). You should be able to read news reports about '疫苗接种率' (vaccination rates) and '群体免疫' (herd immunity). Your grammar should be precise; for example, using '给' (gěi) to indicate who is administering the vaccine: '护士给我打疫苗' or '我给孩子打疫苗'. You should also be able to use resultative complements, like '打完' (finish vaccinating) or '打好' (properly vaccinated). You might participate in debates about the pros and cons of certain vaccines or discuss the scientific process of '研发疫苗' (developing vaccines). You should also be aware of the social implications of '打疫苗' in Chinese society, including how it appears on health apps (like the Health Code used during the pandemic). Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like '抗体' (antibodies), '副作用' (side effects), and '加强针' (booster shots).
At the C1 level, you should be able to discuss the medical and political complexities surrounding '打疫苗'. This includes historical perspectives on variolation in China and the evolution of the modern healthcare system. You should be able to analyze the rhetoric used in public health campaigns and how '打疫苗' is framed as a collective responsibility. You can use advanced structures to describe the process, such as '随着疫苗接种工作的推进...' (As the vaccination work progresses...). You should be comfortable reading academic papers or detailed medical reports that use '接种' (jiēzhòng) and '免疫程序' (immunization schedule). You can discuss the ethics of vaccine distribution or the '疫苗外交' (vaccine diplomacy) mentioned in international news. Your use of '打疫苗' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the ability to use it in metaphors or more abstract discussions about protection and prevention. You should also be familiar with the names of various pharmaceutical companies and the technology behind different types of vaccines (e.g., mRNA vs. inactivated virus) in Chinese.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the term '打疫苗' and its formal counterpart '接种疫苗'. You can engage in high-level professional discussions about immunology, epidemiology, and public health law. You can interpret the subtleties of tone in different media outlets when they discuss vaccination mandates. You understand the historical etymology of '疫苗' (seedling of the plague) and can discuss its linguistic development. You can write persuasive essays or deliver speeches on the importance of '打疫苗' for global health security, using sophisticated vocabulary and rhetorical devices. You are also aware of the regional variations in how these terms are used across the Sinophone world (Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.). You can navigate the most complex medical bureaucracies and understand the fine print on vaccination consent forms and legal disclaimers. Essentially, you can use the language surrounding vaccination to discuss any aspect of science, society, or history at a near-native or professional level.

打疫苗 in 30 Seconds

  • A verb-object phrase meaning 'to get vaccinated' or 'to receive a shot'.
  • Uses the versatile verb '打' (to hit/inject) and the noun '疫苗' (vaccine).
  • Can be split grammatically to include measure words like '针' (shot/dose).
  • Essential for medical, travel, and public health contexts in Chinese-speaking regions.
The phrase 打疫苗 (dǎ yìmiáo) is the standard, everyday Chinese expression for 'to get vaccinated' or 'to receive a vaccine.' To understand this term, we must break down its constituent parts. The first character, 打 (dǎ), is one of the most versatile verbs in the Chinese language. While its primary meaning is 'to hit' or 'to strike,' it is used in dozens of contexts ranging from 'to play ball' (打球) to 'to make a phone call' (打电话). In a medical context, is the default verb for administering an injection or a 'shot.' Therefore, 打针 (dǎzhēn) means to get an injection. The second part, 疫苗 (yìmiáo), is a compound noun. 疫 (yì) refers to a plague, epidemic, or pestilence, while 苗 (miáo) literally means a seedling or sprout. Historically, this reflects the early techniques of variolation where a small amount of the 'plague' was planted into the body to grow immunity, much like a seedling grows in soil.
Daily Usage
In mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore, you will hear this phrase constantly in news reports, community announcements, and casual conversations among friends. It is used for everything from childhood immunizations to annual flu shots and global pandemic responses.

医生建议我每年都去打疫苗以预防流感。 (The doctor suggests I go to get vaccinated every year to prevent the flu.)

The concept of vaccination has deep roots in Chinese history, with some of the earliest forms of smallpox inoculation dating back to the 10th century. Today, the phrase carries a sense of civic duty and health consciousness. When people ask, '你打疫苗了吗?' (Have you been vaccinated?), they are often expressing concern for your well-being or checking compliance with travel or work regulations.
Syntactic Structure
It functions as a Verb-Object (VO) compound. This means it behaves differently than a simple English verb. You cannot easily place an object after it without restructuring the sentence.

你打算什么时候去打疫苗? (When do you plan to go get vaccinated?)

社区中心正在组织居民打疫苗。 (The community center is organizing residents to get vaccinated.)

Emotional Tone
Generally neutral to positive. It implies a proactive step toward health. However, for children, '打' might evoke a slight fear of needles, though '打疫苗' is the standard term parents use.

虽然有点怕疼,但我还是去打疫苗了。 (Although I'm a bit afraid of pain, I still went to get vaccinated.)

请问这里可以打疫苗吗? (May I ask if I can get vaccinated here?)

Using 打疫苗 correctly requires an understanding of Chinese sentence structure, particularly how verbs interact with time, frequency, and duration. As a Verb-Object (VO) construction, the verb '打' and the noun '疫苗' can be split to include modifiers. For example, if you want to say you received 'two doses' of the vaccine, you would say 打了两针疫苗 (dǎle liǎng zhēn yìmiáo). Here, '两针' (two needles/doses) is inserted between the verb and the object. This is a crucial grammatical point for B1 learners.
Aspect Particles
To indicate you have completed the action, use '了' (le). '我已经打疫苗了' means 'I have already been vaccinated.' To indicate experience, use '过' (guò). '你打过这种疫苗吗?' means 'Have you ever had this type of vaccine before?'

我昨天刚去打疫苗,现在胳膊有点酸。 (I just went to get vaccinated yesterday, and now my arm is a bit sore.)

When asking someone if they have been vaccinated, you can use the 'A-not-A' question format: 你打没打疫苗? (Nǐ dǎ méi dǎ yìmiáo?) or the more common 你打疫苗了吗? (Nǐ dǎ yìmiáo le ma?). In a professional or medical setting, you might specify the type of vaccine. For instance, '打流感疫苗' (dǎ liúgǎn yìmiáo) for the flu shot or '打新冠疫苗' (dǎ xīnguān yìmiáo) for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Location and Prepositions
We use '去' (qù - to go) or '在' (zài - at) to describe where the action happens. '他在医院打疫苗' (He is getting vaccinated at the hospital).

为了出国旅游,他不得不去打疫苗。 (In order to travel abroad, he had to go get vaccinated.)

护士帮那个小孩打疫苗。 (The nurse is helping that child get vaccinated.)

Negative Forms
Use '没' (méi) for past actions: '我还没打疫苗' (I haven't been vaccinated yet). Use '不' (bù) for general refusal or future intent: '我不打疫苗' (I won't/don't get vaccinated).

你为什么不想去打疫苗? (Why don't you want to go get vaccinated?)

很多老人排队等着打疫苗。 (Many elderly people are queuing up waiting to get vaccinated.)

You will encounter 打疫苗 in a wide variety of social and professional environments in Chinese-speaking regions. The most obvious place is the 医院 (yīyuàn - hospital) or the 社区卫生服务中心 (shèqū wèishēng fúwù zhōngxīn - community health service center). In China, most vaccinations are administered at these community hubs rather than private clinics. You will see signs that say '疫苗接种处' (vaccination point), and staff will direct you by saying '请到这边打疫苗' (Please come this way to get vaccinated).
News and Media
News broadcasts frequently discuss '疫苗接种率' (vaccination rates). Anchors will use '打疫苗' when speaking to the public in a relatable way. For example, '呼吁市民积极打疫苗' (urging citizens to actively get vaccinated).

新闻报道说,现在有更多人愿意去打疫苗了。 (The news report says that more people are now willing to go get vaccinated.)

In the workplace, HR departments might send out emails or WeChat messages asking employees to report their vaccination status: '请统计已完成打疫苗的人员名单' (Please compile a list of personnel who have completed their vaccinations). Parents are another group who use this phrase constantly. In China, every child has a '小绿本' (little green book), which is their vaccination record. Parents will discuss, '你家孩子打疫苗了吗?' (Has your child been vaccinated yet?).
Social Media
On platforms like Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) or Weibo, users often post '打疫苗日记' (vaccination diaries), sharing their experiences, side effects, and which clinic has the shortest queues.

他在朋友圈发了一张去打疫苗的照片。 (He posted a photo of himself going to get vaccinated on his Moments.)

学校通知我们下周统一去打疫苗。 (The school notified us that we will go to get vaccinated together next week.)

Public Service Announcements
In parks or subway stations, you might hear loudspeakers repeating: '早打疫苗,早产生抗体' (Get vaccinated early, produce antibodies early).

如果你还没打疫苗,请尽快预约。 (If you haven't been vaccinated yet, please make an appointment as soon as possible.)

在这个地方打疫苗是免费的。 (Getting vaccinated at this place is free.)

For English speakers learning Chinese, several common pitfalls exist when using 打疫苗. The most frequent error is treating it like a single English verb and trying to attach an object directly. For instance, saying '打疫苗流感' is incorrect. In Chinese, you must say '打流感疫苗' (dǎ liúgǎn yìmiáo). The specific type of vaccine must come before the noun '疫苗' and after the verb '打'.
Verb Confusion
Do not use '做' (zuò - to do) or '吃' (chī - to eat) for vaccines. Even though we say 'do a test' or 'take medicine' in English, vaccines are always 'hit' (打). The only exception is oral vaccines, but '打疫苗' remains the general term for the process.

错误:我去做疫苗。 (Wrong: I go do vaccine.)
正确:我去打疫苗。 (Correct: I go get vaccinated.)

Another common issue involves the passive voice. English speakers might say 'I was vaccinated by the nurse.' In Chinese, while you can use '被' (bèi), it sounds overly formal and slightly awkward in daily life. Instead, use the active voice: '护士给我打疫苗' (The nurse gave me the vaccine) or simply '我打了疫苗' (I got vaccinated).
Word Order with 'Already'
Learners often put '已经' (already) at the end of the sentence. Remember: '已经' comes before the verb. '我已经打疫苗了' is correct; '我打疫苗了已经' is incorrect.

错误:我打疫苗三针。 (Wrong: I vaccinated three doses.)
正确:我打了三针疫苗。 (Correct: I received three doses of the vaccine.)

错误:他打疫苗完了。 (Wrong: He vaccinated finished.)
正确:他打完疫苗了。 (Correct: He has finished getting vaccinated.)

Omission of '打'
Sometimes learners just say '我疫苗了,' which is like saying 'I vaccined.' You must include the verb '打'.

医生,我需要打疫苗吗? (Doctor, do I need to get vaccinated?)

别担心,打疫苗一点都不疼。 (Don't worry, getting vaccinated doesn't hurt at all.)

While 打疫苗 is the most common term, several synonyms and related words are used depending on the level of formality and the specific medical procedure.
接种 (jiēzhòng)
This is the formal, medical term for 'inoculation' or 'vaccination.' You will see this on official forms, hospital signs, and in scientific literature. While '打疫苗' is what you say to a friend, '接种疫苗' is what a health official says on TV.
打针 (dǎzhēn)
This means 'to get a shot' or 'injection.' It is a broader term. All '打疫苗' involves '打针,' but not all '打针' are '打疫苗' (e.g., penicillin shots or IV drips).
种痘 (zhòngdòu)
An older, more specific term referring to smallpox vaccination (variolation). While mostly historical, it's interesting to see the '种' (to plant) verb used here, similar to the '苗' (seedling) in 疫苗.

政府建议所有公民都接种这种新型疫苗。 (The government recommends all citizens be inoculated with this new vaccine.)

我小时候最害怕打针了。 (I was most afraid of getting shots when I was a child.)

免疫 (miǎnyì)
This means 'immunity' or 'to be immune.' It's often used in phrases like '免疫系统' (immune system) or '产生免疫' (to develop immunity). '打疫苗' is the action; '免疫' is the result.

打完疫苗后,身体会产生免疫反应。 (After getting vaccinated, the body will produce an immune response.)

你打过第三针加强针了吗? (Have you had the third booster shot?)

虽然他打过疫苗,但还是要注意防护。 (Even though he has been vaccinated, he still needs to take precautions.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The use of '苗' (seedling) in '疫苗' is a beautiful metaphor. It implies that the vaccine is a small seed planted in the body to grow a forest of protection.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɑː iː mjaʊ/
US /dɑ i mjaʊ/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'dǎ' and the final syllable 'miáo'.
Rhymes With
dǎ (打) rhymes with mǎ (马), kǎ (卡). yì (疫) rhymes with lì (利), qì (气). miáo (苗) rhymes with qiáo (桥), tiáo (条).
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'yì' with a rising tone instead of a falling tone.
  • Failing to dip the voice low enough for the third tone in 'dǎ'.
  • Mispronouncing 'miáo' as 'miao' (flat tone) instead of a rising tone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The character '疫' is slightly complex but recognizable with the sickness radical.

Writing 4/5

Writing '疫苗' requires careful attention to the stroke order of '疫'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common phrase, easily recognized in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

打 (dǎ) 医院 (yīyuàn) 医生 (yīshēng) 药 (yào) 身体 (shēntǐ)

Learn Next

发烧 (fāshāo) 感冒 (gǎnmào) 副作用 (fùzuòyòng) 抗体 (kàngtǐ) 预约 (yùyuē)

Advanced

免疫学 (miǎnyìxué) 流行病 (liúxíngbìng) 临床试验 (línchuáng shìyàn) 病毒载体 (bìngdú zǎitǐ)

Grammar to Know

Verb-Object (VO) Compounds

打 (V) + 疫苗 (O). You can say '打了一针疫苗'.

Resultative Complements

打完 (finish), 打好 (do well). '我打完疫苗了'.

Directional Complements

打进去 (inject into). '药水打进去了'.

Passive Voice with '被'

他被护士打了疫苗 (He was vaccinated by the nurse).

Preposition '给' (for/to)

我给孩子打疫苗 (I give the child a vaccine).

Examples by Level

1

我去打疫苗。

I go get vaccinated.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

他不打疫苗。

He does not get vaccinated.

Using '不' for negation in the present/future.

3

你要打疫苗吗?

Do you want to get vaccinated?

A basic question using '吗'.

4

打疫苗疼吗?

Does getting vaccinated hurt?

Asking about a quality (pain) of the action.

5

这里打疫苗。

Vaccinate here.

Locational phrase.

6

老师打疫苗了。

The teacher got vaccinated.

Using '了' to indicate a completed action.

7

小狗打疫苗。

The puppy gets vaccinated.

Subject can be an animal too.

8

我们去打疫苗吧。

Let's go get vaccinated.

Using '吧' for a suggestion.

1

我昨天去医院打疫苗了。

I went to the hospital to get vaccinated yesterday.

Adding a time (昨天) and location (医院).

2

打疫苗对身体好。

Getting vaccinated is good for the body.

Using '对...好' (good for...).

3

我还没打流感疫苗。

I haven't had the flu vaccine yet.

Using '还没' (not yet) and specifying the type of vaccine.

4

医生,我想打疫苗。

Doctor, I want to get vaccinated.

Using the auxiliary verb '想' (want to).

5

打疫苗以后要多喝水。

After getting vaccinated, you should drink more water.

Using '...以后' (after...).

6

我打过这种疫苗。

I have had this kind of vaccine before.

Using '过' to indicate past experience.

7

小孩必须打疫苗吗?

Do children have to get vaccinated?

Using '必须' (must).

8

请在这里排队打疫苗。

Please line up here to get vaccinated.

A polite command using '请'.

1

为了预防感冒,我每年都打疫苗。

In order to prevent colds, I get vaccinated every year.

Using '为了' (in order to) to show purpose.

2

我已经打了两针疫苗了。

I have already received two doses of the vaccine.

Splitting the VO compound to insert the measure word '两针'.

3

打完疫苗后,我的胳膊有点疼。

After finishing the vaccination, my arm is a bit sore.

Using the resultative complement '完' (finish).

4

你应该去社区中心打疫苗。

You should go to the community center to get vaccinated.

Using '应该' (should) for advice.

5

虽然打疫苗很麻烦,但很有必要。

Although getting vaccinated is troublesome, it is very necessary.

Using '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

6

医生建议过敏的人不要打疫苗。

The doctor suggests that people with allergies should not get vaccinated.

Using '建议' (suggest) and a relative clause for 'allergic people'.

7

打疫苗是免费的,你不用担心钱。

Getting vaccinated is free; you don't need to worry about money.

Using '...是...的' to emphasize a fact.

8

他因为没打疫苗,所以不能参加比赛。

Because he didn't get vaccinated, he couldn't participate in the competition.

Using '因为...所以...' (because... therefore...).

1

随着技术的进步,打疫苗变得越来越安全。

With the progress of technology, getting vaccinated is becoming safer and safer.

Using '随着...越来越...' (along with... more and more...).

2

护士正在给老人们有序地打疫苗。

The nurse is giving vaccinations to the elderly in an orderly manner.

Using '给...打疫苗' and the adverb '有序地'.

3

如果你对疫苗成分过敏,请提前告知医生。

If you are allergic to vaccine ingredients, please inform the doctor in advance.

A conditional '如果' sentence with specific medical vocabulary.

4

打疫苗是建立群体免疫的关键步骤。

Getting vaccinated is a key step in establishing herd immunity.

Using '是...的关键步骤' (is a key step in...).

5

他刚打完疫苗,需要在那边观察三十分钟。

He just finished getting vaccinated and needs to be observed over there for thirty minutes.

Using '需要' and a duration '三十分钟'.

6

有些国家要求入境者必须打过黄热病疫苗。

Some countries require entrants to have been vaccinated against yellow fever.

Using '要求' (require) and '必须' (must).

7

尽管有副作用,大多数人还是选择打疫苗。

Despite side effects, most people still choose to get vaccinated.

Using '尽管...还是...' (despite... still...).

8

打疫苗的记录可以在手机应用上查询。

Vaccination records can be checked on a mobile app.

Passive structure with '可以...查询'.

1

政府通过各种渠道呼吁民众积极打疫苗。

The government is calling on the public to actively get vaccinated through various channels.

Using '通过...渠道' and '呼吁...积极...'.

2

打疫苗不仅是个人的权利,更是社会责任。

Getting vaccinated is not only an individual right but also a social responsibility.

Using '不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

3

专家指出,打疫苗能有效降低重症率。

Experts point out that getting vaccinated can effectively reduce the rate of severe illness.

Using '指出' (point out) and '有效降低' (effectively reduce).

4

由于信息不对称,一些人对打疫苗存有疑虑。

Due to information asymmetry, some people have doubts about getting vaccinated.

Using '由于' (due to) and '存有疑虑' (harbor doubts).

5

接种点的工作人员正在加班加点为群众打疫苗。

Staff at the vaccination points are working overtime to vaccinate the masses.

Using the idiom '加班加点' (to work extra hours).

6

打疫苗后的免疫持续时间是当前研究的热点。

The duration of immunity after vaccination is a current hot topic of research.

Using '...是...的热点' (is a hot topic of...).

7

除非有医学上的禁忌,否则大家都应打疫苗。

Unless there are medical contraindications, everyone should get vaccinated.

Using '除非...否则...' (unless... otherwise...).

8

打疫苗对于遏制病毒变异具有重要意义。

Getting vaccinated is of great significance for curbing virus mutations.

Using '对于...具有重要意义' (has great significance for...).

1

在后疫情时代,打疫苗已成为跨国旅行的常态。

In the post-pandemic era, getting vaccinated has become the norm for international travel.

Using '后疫情时代' and '已成为...常态'.

2

打疫苗政策的制定需平衡公共卫生与个人自由。

The formulation of vaccination policies needs to balance public health and individual freedom.

Using '...的制定' and '平衡...与...'.

3

科学界对打疫苗引发的罕见副作用进行了深入剖析。

The scientific community has conducted an in-depth analysis of rare side effects caused by vaccination.

Using '引发' (trigger/cause) and '深入剖析' (in-depth analysis).

4

打疫苗的普及程度反映了一个国家的公共卫生治理水平。

The popularity of vaccination reflects a country's level of public health governance.

Using '反映了' (reflects) and '治理水平' (governance level).

5

尽管面临物流挑战,偏远地区仍坚持推进打疫苗工作。

Despite logistics challenges, remote areas still persist in promoting vaccination work.

Using '尽管...仍...' and '推进...工作'.

6

打疫苗的科学普及工作任重而道远。

The work of popularizing the science of vaccination is a heavy responsibility and a long road ahead.

Using the idiom '任重而道远'.

7

通过打疫苗,人类历史上首次彻底消灭了天花。

Through vaccination, humanity completely eradicated smallpox for the first time in history.

Historical reference using '彻底消灭' (completely eradicate).

8

打疫苗不仅是医学课题,更是复杂的社会学课题。

Vaccination is not just a medical topic, but a complex sociological one.

Using '不仅是...更是...' for abstract concepts.

Common Collocations

流感疫苗
新冠疫苗
免费打疫苗
强制打疫苗
预约打疫苗
排队打疫苗
打完疫苗
儿童疫苗
第一针疫苗
疫苗加强针

Common Phrases

打一针疫苗

— To get one shot of a vaccine. Uses the measure word '针'.

我只需要再打一针疫苗。

还没打疫苗

— Haven't been vaccinated yet. Common status check.

如果你还没打疫苗,请尽快去。

去哪儿打疫苗?

— Where to go for vaccination? A common question for newcomers.

请问去哪儿打疫苗比较方便?

打疫苗的副作用

— Side effects of getting vaccinated.

打疫苗的副作用通常很轻微。

打疫苗证明

— Vaccination certificate/record.

出国时请带好打疫苗证明。

打疫苗的好处

— The benefits of getting vaccinated.

医生向我们解释了打疫苗的好处。

自愿打疫苗

— Voluntary vaccination.

我们提倡大家自愿打疫苗。

按时打疫苗

— To get vaccinated on schedule.

家长应带孩子按时打疫苗。

拒绝打疫苗

— To refuse to get vaccinated.

由于个人原因,他拒绝打疫苗。

打疫苗现场

— Vaccination site/scene.

打疫苗现场井然有序。

Often Confused With

打疫苗 vs 打针

'打针' is any shot (medicine, blood test), '打疫苗' is only for immunization.

打疫苗 vs 吃药

You 'eat' (take) pills, but you 'hit' (get) vaccines.

打疫苗 vs 看病

'看病' is seeing a doctor for an illness, '打疫苗' is preventive.

Idioms & Expressions

"防患于未然"

— To prevent trouble before it happens. Often used to justify vaccination.

打疫苗就是为了防患于未然。

Formal
"未雨绸缪"

— To prepare for a rainy day. Similar to preventing sickness.

在流感季节到来前打疫苗,正是未雨绸缪。

Formal
"对症下药"

— To prescribe the right medicine for the illness. Used when choosing the correct vaccine.

我们要根据不同的病毒对症下药,选择合适的疫苗。

General
"以防万一"

— Just in case. A common reason people give for getting a flu shot.

虽然我身体好,但还是打个疫苗以防万一。

Informal
"亡羊补牢"

— To mend the fold after the sheep are gone. Used to say it's better to vaccinate late than never.

虽然疫情已经开始了,但现在打疫苗也是亡羊补牢。

Literary
"身体力行"

— To practice what one preaches. Used when leaders get vaccinated first.

市长身体力行,带头去打疫苗。

Formal
"家喻户晓"

— Known to every household. Describes the reach of vaccination campaigns.

打疫苗的重要性在当地已经家喻户晓。

General
"立竿见影"

— Immediate results. Sometimes used to describe the effect of a vaccine campaign.

打疫苗对控制疫情的效果是立竿见影的。

General
"任重道远"

— A heavy load and a long road. Used for the global task of vaccination.

全球范围内的打疫苗工作依然任重道远。

Formal
"众志成城"

— Unity is strength. Used to encourage community vaccination.

大家积极打疫苗,众志成城对抗病毒。

Formal

Easily Confused

打疫苗 vs 接种

Both mean vaccinate.

'接种' is formal/written, '打' is spoken/informal.

我们在讨论疫苗接种率 (We are discussing vaccination rates).

打疫苗 vs 免疫

Related to vaccines.

'打疫苗' is the action, '免疫' is the state of being immune.

打疫苗能增强免疫力 (Vaccination can enhance immunity).

打疫苗 vs 疫苗

Sometimes people omit the verb.

'疫苗' is the noun, '打疫苗' is the verb phrase.

这是一种新型疫苗 (This is a new type of vaccine).

打疫苗 vs 防疫

Both related to epidemics.

'防疫' is the broad concept of epidemic prevention.

我们要做好防疫工作 (We need to do a good job in epidemic prevention).

打疫苗 vs 打点滴

Both involve needles.

'打点滴' is an IV drip, '打疫苗' is a shot.

他生病了,正在打点滴 (He is sick and is on an IV drip).

Sentence Patterns

A1

S + V + O

我打疫苗。

A2

S + Time + V + O

我今天打疫苗。

B1

S + V + Num + MW + O

我打了一针疫苗。

B1

S + 还没 + V + O

我还没打疫苗。

B2

S + V + 完 + O + 后

打完疫苗后要休息。

B2

为了 + Goal, S + V + O

为了健康,他去打疫苗。

C1

不仅...更是...

打疫苗不仅保护自己,更是保护家人。

C2

随着...的推进

随着打疫苗工作的推进,疫情得到了控制。

Word Family

Nouns

疫苗 (yìmiáo - vaccine)
接种者 (jiēzhòngzhě - vaccinee)
接种点 (jiēzhòngdiǎn - vaccination point)

Verbs

打 (dǎ - to hit/inject)
接种 (jiēzhòng - to inoculate)
防疫 (fángyì - to prevent epidemic)

Adjectives

免疫的 (miǎnyì de - immune)
预防性的 (yùfángxìng de - preventive)

Related

抗体 (kàngtǐ - antibody)
病毒 (bìngdú - virus)
副作用 (fùzuòyòng - side effect)
免疫力 (miǎnyìlì - immunity)
发烧 (fāshāo - fever)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in medical and social contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '做疫苗' instead of '打疫苗'. 我去打疫苗。

    '做' (to do) is not the correct verb for medical shots.

  • Saying '打疫苗三针'. 打了三针疫苗。

    The number and measure word should go between the verb and the object.

  • Confusing '打针' and '打疫苗' in formal writing. 接种疫苗。

    In formal contexts, '接种' is preferred over the colloquial '打'.

  • Putting '已经' at the end of the sentence. 我已经打疫苗了。

    Adverbs like '已经' (already) must come before the verb.

  • Using '个' as a measure word for shots. 打了一针疫苗。

    The specific measure word for injections is '针'.

Tips

Splitting the VO

Remember that '打' and '疫苗' can be separated. '打了三针' is more natural than '打疫苗三针'.

Specific Vaccines

Always put the name of the disease before '疫苗'. E.g., '乙肝疫苗' (Hepatitis B vaccine).

Community Centers

In China, look for '社区卫生中心' for vaccinations, not just big hospitals.

Tone Mastery

The third tone in '打' (dǎ) is low. Make sure it doesn't sound like 'dā' or 'dà'.

Radical Recognition

The '疒' radical in '疫' is found in many health-related words like '病' (sick) and '疼' (pain).

Context Clues

If you hear '医院' and '针', '打疫苗' is likely the topic.

Certificates

Keep your '疫苗接种证明' (vaccination certificate) handy when traveling to or from China.

Polite Inquiry

Asking '你打疫苗了吗?' is a common and polite way to show concern during flu season.

The Seedling Metaphor

Remembering '苗' as 'seedling' helps you visualize the vaccine growing immunity.

Post-Vaccination

After '打疫苗', doctors usually tell you '多喝水' (drink more water) and '别吃辛辣' (don't eat spicy food).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are 'hitting' (打) a small 'seedling' (苗) of health into your arm to fight the 'plague' (疫).

Visual Association

Picture a nurse holding a syringe (打) next to a small green sprout (苗) that is wearing a shield.

Word Web

打 (Verb) 疫苗 (Object) 医院 (Location) 护士 (Person) 针 (Measure word) 发烧 (Side effect) 健康 (Goal) 接种 (Formal synonym)

Challenge

Try to say 'I need to get a flu vaccine tomorrow' in Chinese without looking at your notes.

Word Origin

The term '打' is an ancient pictograph of a hand and a nail, meaning to strike. '疫苗' is a modern medical term. '疫' (yì) dates back to the Oracle Bone Script, representing sickness and ghosts. '苗' (miáo) refers to a sprout.

Original meaning: Originally, '打' meant to hit with a hand. '疫苗' literally means 'the seedling of the plague,' referring to the small amount of pathogen used to trigger immunity.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Vaccination can be a sensitive topic for some individuals due to religious or personal beliefs. However, in a Chinese linguistic context, the phrase itself is neutral and medical.

In English-speaking countries, people often say 'get a shot' or 'get a jab' (UK). The Chinese '打疫苗' is more specific than 'get a shot' but less formal than 'get vaccinated'.

National Immunization Program of China (国家免疫规划) The invention of variolation in the Song Dynasty Modern Chinese vaccine developers like Sinopharm and Sinovac

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

  • 请问在哪儿打疫苗?
  • 我需要预约吗?
  • 打完要等多久?
  • 这针多少钱?

With Friends

  • 你打疫苗了吗?
  • 打完有反应吗?
  • 我也打算去打。
  • 听说那家医院不用排队。

At Work

  • 公司组织打疫苗。
  • 我请假去打疫苗。
  • 请提交接种证明。
  • 你苗了吗?

Traveling Abroad

  • 入境需要打疫苗吗?
  • 这是我的疫苗证书。
  • 我要打黄热病疫苗。
  • 翻译疫苗记录。

Parenting

  • 该带孩子打疫苗了。
  • 孩子打完疫苗发烧了。
  • 记得带疫苗本。
  • 医生,这针疼吗?

Conversation Starters

"你最近去打流感疫苗了吗?"

"你觉得打疫苗有必要吗?"

"你打完疫苗后有什么副作用吗?"

"你知道哪里的社区中心可以打疫苗吗?"

"你家小孩的疫苗都打齐了吗?"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你去医院打疫苗的经历。你当时的心情怎么样?

你认为政府应该强制大家打疫苗吗?为什么?

写一段话,向你的朋友解释为什么打疫苗对健康很重要。

如果你害怕打针,你会怎么克服恐惧去打疫苗?

讨论一下疫苗在人类历史上的作用。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While most vaccines are injections, the phrase is used generally for the act of getting immunized. Even for oral vaccines (like some polio vaccines), people might still say '打疫苗' to refer to the scheduled medical event, though '吃疫苗' or '服用疫苗' is more accurate for oral versions.

Grammatically yes, but it sounds like someone attacked you with a vaccine. It's much better to say '我打过疫苗了' (I've been vaccinated) or '护士给我打了疫苗' (The nurse gave me the vaccine).

When referring to the dose or the act of getting the shot, use '针' (zhēn). For example, '三针疫苗' (three doses of vaccine). If referring to the types of vaccines, use '种' (zhǒng), e.g., '两种疫苗' (two types of vaccines).

The common term is '加强针' (jiāqiáng zhēn), which literally means 'strengthening needle.' You can say '去打加强针'.

Yes, it is the standard term in Taiwan as well, though you might also hear '施打疫苗' (shīdǎ yìmiáo) in more formal Taiwanese administrative contexts.

Common ones include '发烧' (fāshāo - fever), '胳膊酸' (gēbo suān - sore arm), '头疼' (tóuténg - headache), and '疲劳' (píláo - fatigue).

You can ask: '打这个疫苗是免费的吗?' (Is getting this vaccine free?)

In many places, yes. You would say '我需要预约打疫苗吗?' (Do I need to make an appointment to get vaccinated?)

It is '流感疫苗' (liúgǎn yìmiáo). You say '打流感疫苗'.

It is usually called '疫苗接种记录' (yìmiáo jiēzhòng jìlù) or colloquially '疫苗本' (yìmiáo běn).

Test Yourself 195 questions

writing

Translate: 'I have already been vaccinated.'

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writing

Translate: 'Does it hurt to get a vaccine?'

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writing

Translate: 'I need to get a flu shot tomorrow.'

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writing

Translate: 'The nurse gave me two doses of the vaccine.'

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writing

Translate: 'Where can I get vaccinated?'

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writing

Write a sentence using '打疫苗' and '副作用'.

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writing

Translate: 'Vaccination is very important for children.'

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writing

Translate: 'I haven't had the booster shot yet.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '为了' and '打疫苗'.

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writing

Translate: 'The community center is providing free vaccines.'

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writing

Translate: 'Please wait here for 30 minutes after the injection.'

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writing

Translate: 'Have you ever had this kind of vaccine?'

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writing

Translate: 'My arm is sore after the vaccine.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue (2 lines) about getting vaccinated.

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writing

Translate: 'Herd immunity is the goal of mass vaccination.'

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writing

Translate: 'He is afraid of needles, so he doesn't want to get vaccinated.'

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writing

Translate: 'Is an appointment required for the flu shot?'

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writing

Translate: 'I will go to the hospital to get vaccinated next Monday.'

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writing

Translate: 'The government encourages everyone to get vaccinated.'

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writing

Translate: 'The vaccine was developed very quickly.'

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speaking

Say: 'I want to get vaccinated.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask: 'Have you been vaccinated yet?'

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speaking

Say: 'I got the flu shot last week.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I have already received three doses.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask: 'Where is the vaccination point?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'My arm feels a bit sore after the shot.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I need to make an appointment for the booster shot.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Getting vaccinated is good for everyone's health.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Is it free to get vaccinated here?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I'm a little afraid of needles, but I'll go.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Please show me your vaccination certificate.'

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speaking

Say: 'The doctor said I should drink more water.'

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speaking

Say: 'I'm going to take the baby to get vaccinated.'

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speaking

Say: 'Is there any side effect?'

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speaking

Say: 'I feel fine after the vaccination.'

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speaking

Say: 'We should all actively get vaccinated.'

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speaking

Say: 'The vaccine protects us from the virus.'

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speaking

Say: 'I finished my second dose yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Do children need to get vaccinated before school?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The queue for vaccination is very long.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the action: '我去医院打针预防感冒。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the vaccine: '我刚打了新冠疫苗。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the number of doses: '我已经打了三针了。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the location: '社区中心可以打疫苗。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the side effect: '我打完以后发烧了。'

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listening

Listen and identify the person: '护士正在打疫苗。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the requirement: '入境需要证明。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify the instruction: '请在那边等半小时。'

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listening

Listen and identify the fee: '这个疫苗是免费的。'

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listening

Listen and identify the time: '我明天去打疫苗。'

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listening

Listen and identify the emotion: '我不怕打疫苗。'

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listening

Listen and identify the type: '这是加强针。'

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listening

Listen and identify the reason: '为了预防流感。'

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listening

Listen and identify the object: '这是我的疫苗本。'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: '接种疫苗很重要。'

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/ 195 correct

Perfect score!

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