When animals sleep through the whole winter, we call this 冬眠 (dōng mián). It's like a very long sleep because it's cold and there's not much food. Bears and some other animals do this. They wake up when spring comes!
When animals hibernate, they enter a deep sleep during winter. This helps them save energy when food is scarce. Think of bears sleeping through the cold months.
In Chinese, we use the word 冬眠 (dōngmián) for this. The first character, 冬 (dōng), means winter. The second character, 眠 (mián), means to sleep.
So, 冬眠 literally means "winter sleep"! It's a verb, so you can say an animal is 冬眠 (dōngmián). This word is very practical for talking about nature.
When we talk about animals sleeping through the winter, we use the verb 冬眠 (dōngmián). This word literally means "winter sleep."
You might use it to say "Bears hibernate in winter," which would be 熊冬天冬眠 (xióng dōngtiān dōngmián).
It's a straightforward word for a natural phenomenon.
When we talk about animals like bears, snakes, or frogs sleeping through the winter, we use the word 冬眠 (dōngmián). This word directly translates to "winter sleep" or "winter dormancy."
It's important to note that while we might say humans "hibernate" when they stay inside during winter, 冬眠 (dōngmián) in Chinese specifically refers to the biological process animals undergo.
You wouldn't use this word to describe yourself staying in and watching movies all winter, even if it feels similar!
The term is quite literal, combining 冬 (dōng) for winter and 眠 (mián) for sleep or dormancy.
When we talk about animals like bears, snakes, or frogs sleeping through the winter, the word we use in Chinese is 冬眠 (dōngmián). It literally means "winter sleep" and is a common verb used to describe this natural process.
You can use 冬眠 to talk about animals entering this dormant state, for example, 说熊在冬天会冬眠 (Shuō xióng zài dōngtiān huì dōngmián – saying bears will hibernate in winter). It’s also used when discussing the concept of hibernation in general.
冬眠 in 30 Seconds
- Animals sleeping in winter
- A state of dormancy to conserve energy
- Metabolic slowdown during cold periods
§ Understanding 冬眠 as a Verb
The Chinese word 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a verb. It literally means 'winter sleep' and is used to describe the biological process of hibernation. You'll typically use it when talking about animals, but sometimes it can be used humorously for people who love to sleep a lot in winter.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + 冬眠
This is the most straightforward way to use 冬眠. The subject will be the animal that hibernates.
熊冬眠。
Translation hint: Bears hibernate.
蛇会冬眠吗？
Translation hint: Do snakes hibernate?
§ Adding Time or Duration
You can specify when or for how long an animal hibernates. Time phrases usually go before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence.
- Time Before Verb
- Subject + (Time Phrase) + 冬眠
青蛙冬天会冬眠。
Translation hint: Frogs hibernate in winter.
- Duration with 着 (zhe) or 了 (le)
- Subject + 冬眠 + 了/着 + Duration
When expressing how long something has been hibernating, you'll often see 了 (le) or 着 (zhe). 了 indicates a completed action with a duration, while 着 suggests an ongoing state.
这只熊已经冬眠了三个月。
Translation hint: This bear has already hibernated for three months.
它们正在冬眠着。
Translation hint: They are currently hibernating.
§ Figurative Use (Less Common but Good to Know)
While primarily for animals, you might occasionally hear 冬眠 used metaphorically for people, especially in a humorous context, referring to someone who sleeps a lot or is inactive during winter.
- Metaphorical Usage
- Subject (person) + 像 (xiàng) + 动物一样 + 冬眠
This structure means 'Subject is like an animal and hibernates'.
冬天我只想在家像熊一样冬眠。
Translation hint: In winter, I just want to stay at home and hibernate like a bear.
- Using with 状态 (zhuàngtài)
- 进入 (jìnrù) + 冬眠 + 状态
You can also talk about entering a 'state of hibernation'. This is a slightly more formal way to express it.
一些动物会在秋末进入冬眠状态。
Translation hint: Some animals enter a state of hibernation in late autumn.
§ Common Prepositions and Particles
While 冬眠 itself doesn't directly take prepositions in the same way English verbs do, you'll use other particles and structures around it to build richer sentences.
在 (zài) for Location/Time: As seen above, you can use 在 to indicate when or where an action happens.
会 (huì) for Ability/Future: To express that an animal 'will' or 'can' hibernate.
开始 (kāishǐ) for Beginning: To say when an animal starts to hibernate.
这些动物什么时候开始冬眠？
Translation hint: When do these animals start to hibernate?
Remember, 冬眠 is a verb, so it acts like most other Chinese verbs in sentence structure. Focus on the subject-verb order and how to place time and duration elements. Practice these basic structures, and you'll be using 冬眠 correctly in no time!
How Formal Is It?
"熊在冬季期间蛰伏，以保存能量。 (Bears hibernate during the winter to conserve energy.)"
"许多动物在冬天冬眠。 (Many animals hibernate in winter.)"
"天气太冷了，我只想在家里猫冬。 (It's too cold, I just want to stay home and 'winter cat' - referring to hibernating like a cat.)"
"小熊睡觉过冬，等春天来了再醒来。 (The little bear sleeps through winter, waiting for spring to wake up.)"
"周末我通常宅家，就像冬眠一样。 (On weekends, I usually 'house-stay,' like hibernating.)"
Pronunciation Guide
- Don't confuse with 'dong mian' which sounds similar but means 'winter noodles'.
Difficulty Rating
Short and common characters.
Relatively simple characters to write.
Common pronunciation, two syllables.
Common word, distinct sounds.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
熊在冬天会冬眠。
Bears hibernate in winter.
有些动物需要冬眠来度过寒冷的季节。
Some animals need to hibernate to get through the cold season.
蛇通常会在洞穴里冬眠。
Snakes usually hibernate in caves.
我真希望能像它们一样冬眠。
I really wish I could hibernate like them.
冬眠是一种动物保护自己的方式。
Hibernation is a way for animals to protect themselves.
这只小动物正在准备冬眠。
This little animal is preparing for hibernation.
科学家研究动物的冬眠行为。
Scientists study the hibernation behavior of animals.
经过一个月的冬眠，它醒来了。
After a month of hibernation, it woke up.
熊在冬天会冬眠。
Bears hibernate in winter.
蛇也冬眠。
Snakes also hibernate.
有些动物需要冬眠来度过寒冷的季节。
Some animals need to hibernate to get through the cold season.
我真想冬眠，直到春天到来。
I really want to hibernate until spring comes.
冬眠是一种动物适应环境的方式。
Hibernation is a way for animals to adapt to the environment.
青蛙在冬天会冬眠。
Frogs hibernate in winter.
他很懒，就像在冬眠一样。
He is very lazy, like he is hibernating.
这个动物园的熊都在冬眠。
All the bears in this zoo are hibernating.
熊在冬天会冬眠。
Bears hibernate in winter.
蛇类通常会冬眠以度过寒冷的季节。
Snakes usually hibernate to survive the cold season.
有些动物冬眠是为了保存能量。
Some animals hibernate to conserve energy.
青蛙在冬天会冬眠，直到春天来临。
Frogs hibernate in winter until spring arrives.
这个物种会冬眠很长一段时间。
This species hibernates for a long period.
蜗牛在不利条件下会冬眠。
Snails hibernate under unfavorable conditions.
科学家研究动物如何冬眠。
Scientists study how animals hibernate.
冬眠是动物适应环境的一种方式。
Hibernation is a way for animals to adapt to the environment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
很多动物冬天会冬眠。
Many animals will hibernate in winter.
熊每年都会冬眠。
Bears hibernate every year.
这些动物的冬眠期很长。
The hibernation period for these animals is very long.
春天来了，冬眠的动物醒了。
Spring is here, and the hibernating animals have woken up.
蛇在冬天会进入冬眠。
Snakes will enter hibernation in winter.
一些昆虫也会冬眠。
Some insects also hibernate.
冬眠可以帮助动物度过严冬。
Hibernation can help animals get through the harsh winter.
它们整个冬天都在冬眠。
They hibernate all winter.
冬眠是一种生存策略。
Hibernation is a survival strategy.
小动物正在冬眠。
The small animal is hibernating.
Often Confused With
冬眠 (dōngmián) is primarily associated with animals.
The '冬' in 冬眠 (dōngmián) directly refers to winter, as hibernation happens in this season.
While not the same, the concept of being inactive and resting links it to 睡觉 (shuìjiào) in some learners' minds.
Idioms & Expressions
"一动不动"
motionless; still as a stone
蛇在冬眠时一动不动。
neutral"睡着了"
asleep; fallen asleep (can be used figuratively for hibernation)
熊在冬天就睡着了。
neutral"蛰伏"
to lie dormant; to be in seclusion (often used for animals in hibernation or people in hiding)
许多动物在冬季蛰伏。
formal"休眠状态"
dormant state
植物在冬天进入休眠状态。
formal"过冬"
to spend the winter
动物需要储存食物来过冬。
neutral"养精蓄锐"
to recuperate and build up energy (often after a period of activity or before a new one, similar to how animals prepare for hibernation)
运动员在比赛前会养精蓄锐。
formal"潜心"
to concentrate on something with devotion; to delve into something (can be used to describe a period of deep focus, similar to the quiet of hibernation)
科学家潜心研究。
formal"储存"
to store; to accumulate (like animals storing fat for winter)
松鼠储存坚果过冬。
neutral"慢下来"
to slow down
冬天动物的新陈代谢会慢下来。
neutral"窝冬"
to stay indoors during winter (a more colloquial way of spending winter, similar to hibernation but for humans)
冬天太冷了，我喜欢窝冬。
informalEasily Confused
Both involve resting, but 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a long-term, physiological dormancy, while 睡觉 (shuìjiào) is a daily rest.
冬眠 (dōngmián) is a specific biological process for winter, often involving metabolic slowdown. 睡觉 (shuìjiào) is the general act of sleeping daily.
动物冬眠是为了生存，人睡觉是为了恢复精力。(Animals hibernate for survival; people sleep to regain energy.)
Both suggest a period of inactivity, but 休息 (xiūxi) is a temporary break, not a long-term dormant state.
休息 (xiūxi) is taking a break or resting from work/activity. 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a sustained period of dormancy, usually for an entire season.
工作累了需要休息，而熊在冬天会冬眠。(When you're tired from work, you need to rest, whereas bears hibernate in winter.)
Both relate to spending winter, but 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a specific way of 'spending winter' (by hibernating), while 过冬 (guòdōng) is a more general term for enduring or getting through winter.
过冬 (guòdōng) means simply to spend or pass the winter, which could involve various activities like staying warm or migrating. 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a specific biological strategy of dormancy during winter.
鸟儿会迁徙过冬，而有些动物会冬眠过冬。(Birds migrate to spend the winter, while some animals hibernate to spend the winter.)
Both imply deep sleep, but 沉睡 (chénshuì) is usually a very deep form of regular sleep, not the metabolic state of hibernation.
沉睡 (chénshuì) is a very deep sleep. 冬眠 (dōngmián) is a physiological state of reduced metabolic activity and body temperature for an extended period, which is distinct from just deep sleep.
宝宝在妈妈怀里沉睡，而蛇在冬天会冬眠。(The baby is sleeping soundly in its mother's arms, while snakes hibernate in winter.)
Both are related to winter and inactivity, but 冬藏 (dōngcáng) primarily refers to storing things for winter, not the act of an animal's physiological state.
冬藏 (dōngcáng) means to store things away for winter (e.g., food, goods). 冬眠 (dōngmián) is an animal's state of dormancy.
农民会冬藏粮食，而有些动物会冬眠。(Farmers store grain for winter, while some animals hibernate.)
How to Use It
冬眠 (dōngmián) is a verb that means 'to hibernate'. It literally translates to 'winter sleep'. This word is generally used for animals, not for people. For example, bears 冬眠.
It can also be used metaphorically in a more poetic sense, but this is less common in everyday conversation. For instance, you might say a project is 'in 冬眠' if it's been inactive for a long time.
A common mistake is to use 冬眠 for humans. While we might feel like hibernating in winter, you wouldn't say a person 冬眠. Instead, you could say 冬天我喜欢宅在家里 (dōngtiān wǒ xǐhuan zhái zài jiālǐ - In winter, I like to stay at home) or 冬天我比较懒 (dōngtiān wǒ bǐjiào lǎn - I'm quite lazy in winter).
Another mistake is to use it for non-animal things that are simply dormant or inactive. While there's a metaphorical usage, for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, it's usually better to use words like 停止 (tíngzhǐ - stop), 暂停 (zàntíng - suspend), or 不活跃 (bù huóyuè - inactive).
Tips
Basic Meaning of 冬眠
Remember 冬眠 (dōngmián) directly translates to 'winter sleep'. This makes it easy to grasp its core meaning: to hibernate. Think of animals like bears.
Breaking Down the Characters
The character 冬 (dōng) means winter. The character 眠 (mián) means to sleep. Putting them together gives you 'winter sleep' or 'hibernate'.
Common Usage: Animals
You'll most often hear 冬眠 used when talking about animals. For example, 熊会冬眠 (xióng huì dōngmián) means 'Bears hibernate'.
Figurative Usage: People (Informal)
Sometimes, people use 冬眠 figuratively to describe staying indoors and being inactive during winter, similar to saying 'I'm going to hibernate this winter'. E.g., 我冬天喜欢在家冬眠 (wǒ dōngtiān xǐhuan zài jiā dōngmián) - 'I like to hibernate at home in winter'.
Not Just for Animals
While primarily for animals, you might hear it for plants in a specific context, though less common. Focus on animals first.
Sentence Structure with 冬眠
冬眠 is a verb. It typically follows the subject. E.g., 蛇在冬天冬眠 (shé zài dōngtiān dōngmián) - 'Snakes hibernate in winter'.
Antonym Consideration
While there isn't a direct single antonym for the act of hibernating, think of actions that imply activity or waking up, like 苏醒 (sūxǐng) meaning to wake up or revive.
Listen for Context Clues
When you hear 冬眠, listen for other words like 动物 (dòngwù - animal) or 冬天 (dōngtiān - winter) to confirm its meaning.
Practice with Different Subjects
Try forming sentences with different animals: 青蛙会冬眠 (qīngwā huì dōngmián) - 'Frogs hibernate'. 乌龟会冬眠 (wūguī huì dōngmián) - 'Turtles hibernate'.
Don't Confuse with Just 'Sleep'
While 眠 means sleep, 冬眠 is a specific type of sleep: hibernation. Don't use it generally for 'I'm sleeping' (我睡觉).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **dong** (like 'don't') who **mian** (sounds like 'mean') to wake up until spring. So, 'don't mean' to wake up = hibernate.
Visual Association
Picture a cute little bear snuggled deep in its cave, sound asleep through the whole winter. That's 冬眠 in action!
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe in Chinese what happens to some animals in winter using '冬眠'. For example, '有些动物在冬天会冬眠。' (Yǒuxiē dòngwù zài dōngtiān huì dōngmián. - Some animals hibernate in winter.)
Test Yourself 126 questions
小熊冬天会___。
Bears hibernate in winter. 小熊 (xiǎo xióng) means 'little bear' or 'bear cub', and 冬眠 (dōngmián) means 'to hibernate'.
蛇喜欢在冬天___。
Snakes like to hibernate in winter. 蛇 (shé) means 'snake'.
很多动物在冬天___，为了节省能量。
Many animals hibernate in winter to save energy. 节省 (jiéshěng) means 'to save', 能量 (néngliàng) means 'energy'.
刺猬冬天会___。
Hedgehogs hibernate in winter. 刺猬 (cìwei) means 'hedgehog'.
青蛙冬天会___。
Frogs hibernate in winter. 青蛙 (qīngwā) means 'frog'.
松鼠冬天不会___。
Squirrels do not hibernate in winter. 松鼠 (sōngshǔ) means 'squirrel', 不会 (bù huì) means 'will not' or 'do not'. They store food instead of full hibernation.
What do I like to do?
What season is coming?
What is the bear doing?
Read this aloud:
你好
Focus: nǐ hǎo
You said:
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Read this aloud:
谢谢
Focus: xiè xie
You said:
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Read this aloud:
再见
Focus: zài jiàn
You said:
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This sentence translates to 'Bears hibernate in winter.'
This means 'Some animals will hibernate.'
This translates to 'It is hibernating.'
冬天来了，许多动物开始___。
The sentence talks about what animals do in winter, and '冬眠' (hibernate) fits the context of many animals going into a dormant state during winter.
熊在冬天会___。
Bears are well-known for hibernating in winter. '冬眠' accurately describes this action.
一些小动物为了躲避寒冷，会___。
The sentence implies a way for small animals to avoid cold. '冬眠' (to hibernate) is a common strategy for some animals to survive cold winters.
蛇到了冬天就会___。
Snakes are cold-blooded animals and often hibernate to survive the winter. '冬眠' is the correct term for this behavior.
小松鼠在冬天不会完全___，它们会时不时地醒来找食物。
The sentence contrasts with '完全' (completely) and describes an action that isn't fully done by squirrels in winter, implying a form of dormancy. '冬眠' (hibernation) fits this, even if it's not a 'complete' hibernation for squirrels.
乌龟在冬天也会___。
Turtles often go into a state of dormancy during winter months. '冬眠' accurately describes this behavior.
Which animal often 冬眠 in winter?
Bears are well-known for hibernating, or 冬眠, during the winter months.
If an animal is in 冬眠, what is it doing?
冬眠 means to be in a dormant state, which is like a very deep sleep to conserve energy.
Which season do animals usually 冬眠?
Winter is the season when food is scarce and temperatures are low, making it the typical time for animals to 冬眠.
所有的动物都会冬眠。 (All animals hibernate.)
Only some animals hibernate, not all of them.
冬眠是为了节省能量。 (Hibernating is to save energy.)
Animals hibernate to conserve energy during cold periods when food is difficult to find.
人在冬天也会冬眠。 (People also hibernate in winter.)
Humans do not hibernate. We stay active during winter.
What do bears like to do in winter?
What do small animals do in winter?
What about snakes?
Read this aloud:
乌龟冬天会冬眠吗？
Focus: 乌龟 (wūguī) 冬眠 (dōngmián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
有些动物需要冬眠。
Focus: 需要 (xūyào) 冬眠 (dōngmián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我想像熊一样冬眠。
Focus: 像 (xiàng) 熊 (xióng) 一样 (yīyàng) 冬眠 (dōngmián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Bears hibernate in winter.'
This sentence means 'Snakes can hibernate.'
This sentence means 'Animals sleep during hibernation.'
青蛙在冬天会___。
青蛙 (qīngwā) means frog. Frogs hibernate in winter.
有些动物需要___来度过寒冷的冬天。
度过 (dùguò) means to pass (time). Animals hibernate to pass the cold winter.
熊在秋天吃很多东西，为___做准备。
做准备 (zuò zhǔnbèi) means to prepare. Bears eat a lot in autumn to prepare for hibernation.
这种小动物通常在地下___。
地下 (dìxià) means underground. Small animals often hibernate underground.
专家说，全球变暖可能会影响动物的___习惯。
全球变暖 (quánqiú biànnuǎn) means global warming. 习惯 (xíguàn) means habit. Global warming might affect animal hibernation habits.
当天气变冷时，蛇就会开始___。
蜕皮 (tuìpí) means to shed skin. 蜕变 (tuìbiàn) means to transform. Snakes start to hibernate when the weather gets cold.
Which animal is known for its ability to 冬眠?
Bears are well-known for hibernating during winter.
When do animals usually 冬眠?
Hibernation is a strategy animals use to survive cold winter months.
What happens to an animal when it 冬眠?
Hibernation involves a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression.
所有的动物都会冬眠。(All animals hibernate.)
Only some animals hibernate to survive winter conditions.
冬眠是为了避开寒冷的冬天和食物短缺。(Hibernation is to avoid cold winter and food shortages.)
Animals hibernate to conserve energy and survive harsh winter conditions when food is scarce.
一个人也可以冬眠。(A person can also hibernate.)
Humans do not hibernate naturally like some animals do.
Imagine you are an animal preparing for winter. Describe what you do to get ready for hibernation, using the word "冬眠" (dōngmián).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冬天快到了，我要开始准备冬眠。我会吃很多东西，把身体养胖，这样冬天睡觉的时候就不会饿。我会找一个温暖的洞穴，然后舒服地冬眠。
Write a short paragraph about an animal that hibernates. Make sure to use "冬眠" (dōngmián) at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
熊在冬天会冬眠。它们会在秋天吃很多东西，储存脂肪，然后找一个安全的地方睡觉。冬眠期间，它们的身体机能会减慢，以节省能量。
You are explaining the concept of hibernation to a friend. Write two sentences using "冬眠" (dōngmián) to describe what it means.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冬眠就是有些动物在冬天的时候，会长时间地睡觉，减少身体活动来度过寒冷的季节。它们通过冬眠来节省能量，避免在食物稀缺的冬天挨饿。
根据短文，小动物在冬天会做什么？
Read this passage:
冬天来了，天气越来越冷。许多小动物开始准备冬眠。它们会找一个暖和的地方，然后一睡就是好几个月，直到春天来临。
根据短文，小动物在冬天会做什么？
短文明确提到“许多小动物开始准备冬眠”，所以它们在冬天会冬眠。
短文明确提到“许多小动物开始准备冬眠”，所以它们在冬天会冬眠。
以下哪项是动物冬眠时的特点？
Read this passage:
有些动物为了度过寒冷的冬天，会选择冬眠。它们在冬眠期间，心跳和呼吸都会变慢，体温也会下降，就像睡着了一样。
以下哪项是动物冬眠时的特点？
短文中提到“它们在冬眠期间，心跳和呼吸都会变慢，体温也会下降”，所以心跳和呼吸变慢是特点。
短文中提到“它们在冬眠期间，心跳和呼吸都会变慢，体温也会下降”，所以心跳和呼吸变慢是特点。
乌龟通常在哪里冬眠？
Read this passage:
乌龟在冬天也会冬眠。它们通常会钻进泥土里，或者藏在石头下面。等到春天气温回升，它们才会从冬眠中醒来。
乌龟通常在哪里冬眠？
短文说明“它们通常会钻进泥土里，或者藏在石头下面”，所以C是正确答案。
短文说明“它们通常会钻进泥土里，或者藏在石头下面”，所以C是正确答案。
This sentence means 'Bears hibernate in winter.'
This sentence means 'Some animals will hibernate.'
This sentence means 'It is hibernating.'
北极熊在冬季会___。
北极熊在冬季会进入冬眠状态以节省能量。
许多动物通过___来度过食物匮乏的寒冷季节。
冬眠是动物适应寒冷和食物稀缺环境的一种生存策略。
蛇通常在地下深处___，直到春天来临。
蛇是冷血动物，在冬季会进入冬眠状态。
当气温下降时，一些昆虫会___，减少新陈代谢。
昆虫通过冬眠来抵抗寒冷，保护自己。
科学家正在研究动物___的机制，希望能应用于人类医学。
研究动物的冬眠机制有助于了解如何在极端条件下保护生命。
冬眠的动物在___期间心跳和呼吸都会减慢。
在冬眠期间，动物的新陈代谢率会显著降低。
Choose the sentence where "冬眠" is used correctly.
“冬眠”特指动物在冬季的休眠状态，不能用于描述人、植物或无生命物体的休息或停止运行。
Which animal is known for its ability to冬眠?
蛇是爬行动物，在寒冷的冬季会进入冬眠状态。老虎、大象和猴子通常不冬眠。
Which of the following is NOT a reason for animals to冬眠?
动物冬眠是为了应对恶劣的冬季环境，主要是为了节省能量、躲避严寒和度过食物短缺，而不是为了繁殖后代。
所有的哺乳动物都会冬眠。
不是所有的哺乳动物都会冬眠，只有少数物种有这种生理习性，例如熊、刺猬等。
冬眠时，动物的心跳和呼吸会减慢。
冬眠是一种深度的休眠状态，动物的心率、呼吸频率和新陈代谢都会显著降低，以减少能量消耗。
只有在冬季，动物才会冬眠。
“冬眠”顾名思义，特指在冬季进行的休眠。虽然有些动物在夏季也有类似的休眠行为（夏眠），但不能称为冬眠。
北极熊会在寒冷的冬季___。
Polar bears hibernate during the cold winter to conserve energy.
有些动物通过___来度过食物匮乏的季节。
Some animals use hibernation to survive seasons with scarce food.
如果你是一个农民，你可能会希望你的害虫在冬天___。
If you were a farmer, you might wish your pests would hibernate in winter.
为了适应严寒，许多爬行动物会选择___。
To adapt to severe cold, many reptiles choose to hibernate.
在漫长的冬季，一些昆虫会进入___状态。
During the long winter, some insects enter a state of hibernation.
科学研究表明，___有助于动物在极端环境下生存。
Scientific research shows that hibernation helps animals survive in extreme environments.
Describe how different animals prepare for 冬眠 (dōngmián) or hibernation. What physiological changes do they undergo?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
许多动物在冬眠前会大量进食，储存脂肪以备不时之需。在冬眠期间，它们的生理变化显著，新陈代谢会大幅减缓，体温也随之下降，心跳和呼吸频率都会降低，以节省能量。这种状态可以帮助它们度过食物匮乏的寒冷冬季。
Imagine you are an animal going into 冬眠 (dōngmián). Write a short diary entry detailing your feelings and preparations.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
10月20日 晴 秋风渐起，我知道冬眠的日子不远了。最近我总是感到身体沉重，食欲也比平时旺盛。我花了很多时间在森林里寻找浆果和坚果，把它们小心翼翼地藏在我的巢穴里。虽然我知道冬眠是为了活下去，但心里还是有些不舍。希望春天快点到来，到时候我就可以再次在阳光下奔跑了。
Discuss the scientific reasons behind 冬眠 (dōngmián) and its importance for animal survival in harsh environments.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冬眠是动物在面对食物短缺和极端寒冷气候时采取的一种重要生存策略。其科学原理在于，通过降低新陈代谢率、体温和心率等生理活动，动物能够大幅减少能量消耗。这使得它们能够在食物稀少且环境恶劣的冬季中存活下来，有效提高了物种的适应性和生存几率。
根据这段文字，冬眠中的动物有哪些特征？
Read this passage:
在漫长的冬季，许多动物为了节省能量和应对食物匮乏，会选择进入冬眠。它们的心跳会变得非常缓慢，体温也会大幅下降，甚至可以降到接近环境温度。这种状态下，它们对外界的反应非常迟钝，几乎像是进入了深度睡眠。
根据这段文字，冬眠中的动物有哪些特征？
文中明确指出“它们的心跳会变得非常缓慢，体温也会大幅下降”。
文中明确指出“它们的心跳会变得非常缓慢，体温也会大幅下降”。
这段文字中，熊的冬眠与其他动物的冬眠有何不同？
Read this passage:
熊是一种典型的冬眠动物，但它们的冬眠并非真正的深度冬眠。与完全进入深度冬眠的动物相比，熊的体温下降幅度较小，更容易被唤醒。尽管如此，熊在冬眠期间仍然主要依靠储存的脂肪来维持生命活动。
这段文字中，熊的冬眠与其他动物的冬眠有何不同？
文中提到“与完全进入深度冬眠的动物相比，熊的体温下降幅度较小，更容易被唤醒”。
文中提到“与完全进入深度冬眠的动物相比，熊的体温下降幅度较小，更容易被唤醒”。
气候变化如何影响动物的冬眠？
Read this passage:
气候变化对动物的冬眠行为产生了显著影响。一些地区由于冬季气温升高，导致动物冬眠的时间缩短，甚至有些物种不再冬眠。这可能打乱其正常的生理周期，对生态系统产生连锁反应。
气候变化如何影响动物的冬眠？
文中明确指出“一些地区由于冬季气温升高，导致动物冬眠的时间缩短，甚至有些物种不再冬眠”。
文中明确指出“一些地区由于冬季气温升高，导致动物冬眠的时间缩短，甚至有些物种不再冬眠”。
This sentence describes bears hibernating in winter. The correct order follows subject-time-verb-object structure.
This sentence uses 'winter dormancy' metaphorically to describe a slow-moving project. The order is subject-simile-state-action-outcome.
This sentence explains that some animals adapt to harsh environments through hibernation. The structure is subject-method-purpose-object.
在寒冷的冬季，许多动物会选择___来度过漫长的严寒。
Context indicates animals spending winter in a dormant state.
医学研究发现，模拟动物___的生理机制，可能对太空旅行中的宇航员有益。
The context of space travel and physiological mechanisms suggests a dormant state.
由于全球变暖，一些原本需要___的动物，现在其生物钟受到了干扰。
Global warming affecting animals' biological clocks points to the disruption of hibernation patterns.
工程师们正在探索如何让机器人进入一种___模式，以节省能源并延长其使用寿命。
Robots entering a dormant state to save energy is analogous to hibernation.
尽管工作繁忙，他还是希望能在春节期间彻底地___，好好休息一番。
In a figurative sense, '冬眠' can mean taking a long, deep rest.
有些理论认为，人类在未来的星际旅行中，可能需要通过某种人工___技术来适应漫长的旅程。
Adapting to long interstellar journeys suggests a dormant state to pass time.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: “由于气温骤降，许多动物开始准备___。”
The sentence describes animals preparing for a drop in temperature, which is characteristic of hibernation. 迁徙 (migrate), 繁殖 (reproduce), and 捕食 (hunt for food) do not fit the context as well.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word “冬眠”?
“冬眠” refers to a dormant state during winter, usually for animals or sometimes used metaphorically for plants. Option B correctly uses it in this biological sense. Options A, C, and D use it incorrectly.
If an animal is described as “正在冬眠”, what is it most likely doing?
“冬眠” specifically means to hibernate, which involves a prolonged period of deep sleep or inactivity during winter to conserve energy.
熊在冬季进入冬眠是为了躲避炎热。
Bears hibernate in winter to cope with cold temperatures and scarcity of food, not to escape heat.
一个长时间没有活动、非常安静的人可以被比喻为“冬眠”。
Metaphorically, someone who is inactive or quiet for a long time can be said to be in a 'hibernating' state, similar to '冬眠'.
“冬眠”通常是指动物在春季进行的一种活动。
“冬眠” (hibernation) occurs during the winter, not the spring.
Listen to the sentence about what bears do in winter.
Listen to the sentence about how many animals adapt to cold weather.
Listen to the sentence about what scientists are studying regarding hibernation.
Read this aloud:
冬眠是一种奇妙的自然现象。
Focus: 冬眠 (dōngmián)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
我希望自己也能像动物一样冬眠，避开寒冷的冬天。
Focus: 像...一样 (xiàng...yīyàng)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
你认为人类有一天也能实现冬眠吗？
Focus: 实现 (shíxiàn)
You said:
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Imagine you are a scientist observing a new species. Describe its hibernation patterns and why you think they evolved this way. Use '冬眠' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们发现的这种新物种具有独特的冬眠习性。它们在秋末会进入一个长达六个月的深度冬眠状态，期间心率和新陈代谢会大幅下降。我们推测这种冬眠模式是为了适应其栖息地极端寒冷的冬季和食物匮乏的环境而进化出的策略。
Write a short reflective essay (around 150 characters) on the concept of '冬眠' as a metaphor for human behavior or societal trends. How might people or societies 'hibernate'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在现代社会，人们有时也会经历一种精神上的“冬眠”。这并非身体的沉睡，而是思想的蛰伏，或是情感的暂时冷却。在经历挫折或迷茫时，选择“冬眠”或许是一种自我保护，提供反思和重塑的时间，最终是为了更好地觉醒和再次出发。这种“冬眠”模式，往往预示着即将到来的新变化或突破。
You are a travel blogger describing a unique winter experience in a remote, cold region. How would you incorporate the concept of '冬眠' into your description of the local wildlife or even the local people's lifestyle during winter? (Around 150 characters)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
来到这片遥远的北方大地，我才真正体会到“冬眠”的意义。这里的动物们纷纷进入了漫长的冬眠期，整个森林都显得异常宁静。甚至连当地居民的生活节奏也慢了下来，仿佛也进入了一种半冬眠的状态，用独特的智慧适应着严寒，等待春天的到来。
根据文章，以下哪项是动物冬眠期间的特点？
Read this passage:
科学研究表明，一些动物在冬眠期间，其身体机能会发生显著变化。例如，心跳和呼吸频率会大幅降低，体温也会随之下降。这种生理上的调整使得它们能够在食物稀缺和严寒的环境中存活下来，有效节省能量。然而，并非所有在冬季不活跃的动物都真正冬眠，有些只是进入了休眠状态，这与真正的冬眠在生理机制上有所不同。
根据文章，以下哪项是动物冬眠期间的特点？
文章明确提到“身体机能会发生显著变化”，并具体列举了心跳、呼吸频率和体温的下降。
文章明确提到“身体机能会发生显著变化”，并具体列举了心跳、呼吸频率和体温的下降。
关于动物冬眠，以下哪项描述是错误的？
Read this passage:
许多人将“冬眠”简单地理解为睡觉，但实际上，冬眠是一种复杂的生理现象，涉及内分泌、神经系统和代谢等多个方面的精密调控。动物在进入冬眠前会大量进食以储存脂肪，这些脂肪在冬眠期间作为能量来源被缓慢消耗。冬眠不仅帮助动物度过严冬，也是它们繁殖周期的一部分。
关于动物冬眠，以下哪项描述是错误的？
文章明确指出“许多人将‘冬眠’简单地理解为睡觉，但实际上，冬眠是一种复杂的生理现象”，因此将其描述为简单的睡觉行为是错误的。
文章明确指出“许多人将‘冬眠’简单地理解为睡觉，但实际上，冬眠是一种复杂的生理现象”，因此将其描述为简单的睡觉行为是错误的。
文章暗示了气候变化对冬眠动物可能造成什么影响？
Read this passage:
随着全球气候变化，一些科研人员发现，部分冬眠动物的冬眠模式正在发生改变。例如，某些地区的熊可能会缩短冬眠时间，或者在冬季出现短暂的醒来活动。这种变化可能对其生存和生态系统产生深远影响。研究这些变化对于理解气候变化对生物多样性的影响至关重要。
文章暗示了气候变化对冬眠动物可能造成什么影响？
文章提到“部分冬眠动物的冬眠模式正在发生改变”，例如“缩短冬眠时间，或者在冬季出现短暂的醒来活动”，这直接支持了该选项。
文章提到“部分冬眠动物的冬眠模式正在发生改变”，例如“缩短冬眠时间，或者在冬季出现短暂的醒来活动”，这直接支持了该选项。
This sentence describes a turtle entering a deep state of hibernation.
This sentence refers to scientists researching the mechanism of hibernation.
This sentence explains that some animals can survive harsh seasons by hibernating.
/ 126 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
冬眠 describes the dormant, sleep-like state animals enter to survive winter.
- Animals sleeping in winter
- A state of dormancy to conserve energy
- Metabolic slowdown during cold periods
Basic Meaning of 冬眠
Remember 冬眠 (dōngmián) directly translates to 'winter sleep'. This makes it easy to grasp its core meaning: to hibernate. Think of animals like bears.
Breaking Down the Characters
The character 冬 (dōng) means winter. The character 眠 (mián) means to sleep. Putting them together gives you 'winter sleep' or 'hibernate'.
Common Usage: Animals
You'll most often hear 冬眠 used when talking about animals. For example, 熊会冬眠 (xióng huì dōngmián) means 'Bears hibernate'.
Figurative Usage: People (Informal)
Sometimes, people use 冬眠 figuratively to describe staying indoors and being inactive during winter, similar to saying 'I'm going to hibernate this winter'. E.g., 我冬天喜欢在家冬眠 (wǒ dōngtiān xǐhuan zài jiā dōngmián) - 'I like to hibernate at home in winter'.
Example
熊冬天会冬眠。
Related Content
More animals words
蚂蚁
A1Ant; a small insect, typically living in organized colonies.
攻击
A1To attack; to assault.
野兽
B1Wild beast; a wild animal, especially a large or dangerous one.
蜜蜂
A1Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey and wax.
鸟窝
A1Bird's nest; a structure built by a bird to lay its eggs in.
咬伤
A1To bite and injure; wound by biting.
骨头
A1Bone; any of the pieces of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton.
虫子
A1Bug; worm; a small insect or invertebrate.
蝴蝶
A1Butterfly; an insect with large, often brightly colored wings.
笼子
A2Cage; a structure of wire or bars in which animals are kept.
