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B2 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

免疫

mianyi Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 免疫 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 免疫 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '免疫' (mǐanyì) in complex ways. Think of it simply as 'not getting sick.' You might encounter it in very basic health posters or when someone mentions a 'shot' (疫苗 - yìmiáo). At this stage, just remember that '免疫' is related to health and doctors. You can think of it as a 'shield' for your body. If you have '免疫,' you are 'safe' from a specific sickness. You might hear a teacher say '打针是为了免疫' (Getting a shot is for immunity). Don't worry about the scientific details yet; just associate the sound 'mǐanyì' with the idea of being protected from germs. Most A1 learners will focus more on words like '生病' (shēngbìng - get sick) or '医生' (yīshēng - doctor), but knowing '免疫' helps you understand why people go to the hospital when they aren't even sick yet—they are going for '免疫' (immunization). It is a noun, so it acts like a 'thing' you have or get. For example, '身体的免疫' (the body's immunity).

At the A2 level, you can start to use '免疫' (mǐanyì) in simple sentences about health. You should learn the phrase '免疫力' (mǐanyìlì), which means 'the power of immunity.' You can say things like '我的免疫力很好' (My immunity is good) or '吃水果可以提高免疫力' (Eating fruit can improve immunity). At this level, you are learning how to describe your physical state. You will notice that '免疫' is often used with '对' (duì), which means 'to' or 'towards.' For example, '我对感冒免疫' (I am immune to colds). Even if this isn't scientifically perfect, it's a common way to use the word at this level. You might also see '免疫' on food packaging, especially for yogurt or health drinks that claim to help your '免疫系统' (immune system). Just remember: '免' means 'to avoid' and '疫' means 'sickness.' So '免疫' is 'avoiding sickness.' This simple breakdown helps you remember the characters and the meaning. You are moving from just knowing the word to using it to describe health habits.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '免疫' (mǐanyì) in more formal discussions about health, science, and social issues. You will encounter the word in news articles or longer reading passages about vaccines and public health. You should understand the difference between '免疫' (the concept/state) and '免疫力' (the strength/ability). You can now use verbs like '增强' (zēngqiáng - strengthen) or '破坏' (pòhuài - destroy) with '免疫系统.' For example, '熬夜会破坏免疫系统' (Staying up late will destroy the immune system). You can also start using '免疫' metaphorically. If you have heard a certain excuse many times, you can say '我对他的借口已经免疫了' (I am already immune to his excuses). This shows a higher level of fluency. You should also be aware of '免疫接种' (immunization/vaccination) as a formal term for getting shots. At B1, you are expected to handle topics like 'healthy lifestyles' and 'modern medicine,' where '免疫' is a key vocabulary word. You should also be able to explain *why* immunity is important using simple logic and connectors like '因为...所以...' (Because... therefore...).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '免疫' (mǐanyì) with precision in academic or professional contexts. You should understand terms like '自身免疫性疾病' (autoimmune diseases), '免疫反应' (immune response), and '群体免疫' (herd immunity). You should be able to discuss the mechanics of how vaccines work using this word. For instance, '疫苗通过刺激免疫系统产生抗体' (Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies). You should also distinguish '免疫' from its synonyms like '抵抗力' (general resistance) and '豁免' (legal exemption). In a debate about public health policy, you might use '免疫屏障' (immune barrier) to describe the goal of a vaccination campaign. Your metaphorical use should also be more natural; you might discuss how a market is 'immune' to certain fluctuations. At this level, you should be comfortable reading technical texts where '免疫' is used as a prefix for many other terms, such as '免疫学' (immunology) or '免疫抑制' (immunosuppression). You should be able to write a short essay about the importance of vaccines using '免疫' correctly as both a noun and a modifier.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '免疫' (mǐanyì) and its role in complex scientific, legal, and philosophical discourses. You can discuss the nuances between '先天免疫' (innate immunity) and '获得性免疫' (acquired immunity) in detail. You are capable of understanding medical journals or high-level news reports that discuss '免疫逃逸' (immune evasion) by viruses. In legal contexts, you should be careful to use '豁免' for official exemptions but understand when '免疫' might appear in translated international law texts. Your metaphorical usage can be quite sophisticated, perhaps discussing 'cultural immunity' to foreign influences or 'psychological immunity' to trauma. You should be able to use the word in varied grammatical structures, including passive constructions and as part of complex noun phrases. For example, '由于免疫系统的过度反应导致的过敏现象' (The phenomenon of allergies caused by an overreaction of the immune system). You should also be familiar with the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved from ancient Chinese medical concepts to modern biological science. Your speech and writing should reflect a high degree of lexical precision, choosing '免疫' only when it is the most accurate term available.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '免疫' (mǐanyì) is equivalent to that of an educated native speaker or a professional in a related field. You can effortlessly navigate the most technical discussions in immunology, discussing '细胞免疫' (cellular immunity) versus '体液免疫' (humoral immunity). You understand the subtle socio-political implications of terms like '群体免疫' and how they were debated during global health crises. You can analyze the word's use in classical-style modern Chinese, understanding how the characters '免' and '疫' function in a variety of literary contexts. In legal or diplomatic professional settings, you perfectly distinguish between '主权豁免' (sovereign immunity) and biological '免疫.' You can write persuasive articles or deliver speeches on public health, using '免疫' to build complex arguments about societal resilience. You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use the more clinical '免疫' versus the more common '抵抗力' or '底子' (dǐzi - foundation/constitution) to suit your audience. At this level, '免疫' is not just a word you know, but a tool you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair across all domains of human knowledge.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

免疫 in 30 Seconds

免疫 (mǐanyì) means 'immunity,' the body's defense against disease.
It is composed of 'exempt' (免) and 'plague' (疫).
Commonly used in medical contexts (immune system) and metaphorically (immune to talk).
Essential for discussing health, vaccines, and resistance to outside influences.

The Chinese term 免疫 (mǐanyì) is a sophisticated noun that primarily refers to the biological state of being resistant to a particular infection or toxin. In a broader sense, it encompasses the body's entire defense mechanism against pathogens. Understanding this word requires looking at its components: 免 (mǐan), meaning 'to exempt' or 'to avoid,' and 疫 (yì), meaning 'epidemic' or 'plague.' Together, they literally translate to 'exemption from plague.' This term is ubiquitous in medical discussions, health advice, and news reports regarding public health crises.

Biological Context: In biology, 免疫 refers to the complex biological system that protects organisms from diseases. It covers innate immunity (先天免疫) and acquired immunity (获得性免疫). When a doctor says your 'immunity is low,' they use the derivative term 免疫力 (mǐanyìlì).

接种疫苗后，身体会产生特定的免疫反应。 (After vaccination, the body produces a specific immune response.)

Legal and Metaphorical Use: Beyond biology, 免疫 is used metaphorically. In legal terms, 'diplomatic immunity' is translated as 外交豁免权, but the concept of being 'immune' to something (like criticism or temptation) often uses 免疫. For instance, '他对这种诱惑已经免疫了' means 'He is already immune to this kind of temptation.'

长期的压力会削弱人体的免疫系统。 (Long-term stress will weaken the human immune system.)

In modern society, particularly post-2020, 免疫 has become a cornerstone of public discourse. It appears in discussions about herd immunity (群体免疫), auto-immune diseases (自身免疫性疾病), and nutritional supplements designed to 'boost' immunity. The word carries a tone of scientific authority and precision. In a professional setting, such as a laboratory or a hospital, 免疫 is used to describe the mechanisms of antibodies and antigens. In a casual setting, it might be used to describe someone who has heard a joke so many times they no longer find it funny, though this is a more modern, colloquial extension of the term.

Common Compounds: 1. 免疫系统 (Immune system) 2. 免疫力 (Immunity strength) 3. 免疫反应 (Immune response) 4. 免疫球蛋白 (Immunoglobulin).

这种病毒能够逃避人体的免疫监视。 (This virus is able to evade the body's immune surveillance.)

Using 免疫 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its frequent appearance in compound nouns. It rarely stands alone as a verb in formal Chinese; instead, it usually acts as a modifier or the object of a verb like '产生' (produce) or '提高' (improve).

As a Compound Modifier: In most scientific and medical sentences, 免疫 functions like an adjective in English (immune). Examples include 免疫细胞 (immune cells), 免疫缺陷 (immune deficiency), and 免疫疗法 (immunotherapy). In these cases, it specifies the nature of the following noun.

科学家们正在研究新型的免疫疗法来对抗癌症。 (Scientists are researching new immunotherapies to fight cancer.)

Expressing Resistance: To say someone is immune to a disease, you use the pattern: 对 [disease] 产生免疫 (produce immunity to [disease]) or 对 [disease] 具有免疫力 (possess immunity to [disease]).

他在小时候得过这种病，所以现在已经免疫了。 (He had this disease when he was a child, so he is immune now.)

When discussing health maintenance, you will often hear '提高免疫力' (tígāo mǐanyìlì). This is the standard phrase for 'boosting' or 'improving' one's immune system. It is common in advertising for vitamins, yogurt, and health supplements. Another frequent usage is '群体免疫' (qúntǐ mǐanyì), referring to herd immunity, where a large portion of a population becomes immune to a disease, making its spread unlikely.

Metaphorical Sentence Patterns: In social contexts: '我对他的甜言蜜语已经免疫了' (I am already immune to his sweet talk). This implies a psychological resistance developed through repeated exposure.

这个城市对类似的经济危机似乎具有某种免疫力。 (This city seems to have a certain immunity to similar economic crises.)

通过锻炼和健康饮食，我们可以增强自身的免疫功能。 (Through exercise and a healthy diet, we can enhance our own immune functions.)

The word 免疫 is pervasive across several domains of Chinese life, from the clinical to the colloquial. Knowing where you'll encounter it helps in mastering its various nuances. Here are the primary settings where you will hear or see this term used frequently.

Medical and Healthcare Settings: This is the most direct application. In hospitals (医院) or community health centers (社区卫生中心), you will see signs for '免疫接种' (immunization/vaccination). Doctors will discuss '免疫系统疾病' (immune system diseases) or check your '免疫球蛋白' (immunoglobulin) levels in blood tests.

医生建议过敏体质的人去查一下免疫指标。 (The doctor suggests that people with allergic constitutions check their immune indicators.)

News and Public Health Announcements: During any outbreak or flu season, the media is saturated with this word. Phrases like '建立免疫屏障' (building an immune barrier) or '群体免疫' (herd immunity) are common in evening news broadcasts and official government health briefings.

新闻报道说，该地区的免疫接种率已经达到了百分之九十。 (News reports say the immunization rate in the area has reached 90 percent.)

In the workplace or among friends, 免疫 often takes on a metaphorical meaning. If a manager is known for constant criticism, employees might say they are '免疫' to his shouting. In the tech world, '免疫' might be used to describe a computer system's resistance to viruses (though '防御' is more common for software). In academic circles, especially in biology or medicine, the term is part of the basic lexicon, appearing in textbook titles and research papers constantly.

Social Media and Wellness Blogs: On platforms like WeChat or Xiaohongshu, influencers often post about '如何提高免疫力' (how to improve immunity) through diet, sleep, and exercise. You will see infographics explaining how the '免疫系统' works to protect the body.

在这个流感季节，保持良好的心态对增强免疫很有帮助。 (In this flu season, maintaining a good state of mind is very helpful for enhancing immunity.)

专家指出，过度清洁可能会影响儿童免疫系统的发育。 (Experts point out that excessive cleaning may affect the development of children's immune systems.)

While 免疫 is a relatively straightforward term, English speakers often make specific errors when translating the concept of 'immunity' into Chinese. Avoiding these will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 免疫 with 抵抗力 (dǐkànglì): This is the most common mistake. While they are related, 免疫 (immunity) is the specific biological mechanism, whereas 抵抗力 (resistance) is the general ability of the body to fight off illness. If you have a cold, you might say your 抵抗力 is low. If you are protected against a specific virus like Polio, you have 免疫.

错误: 我现在的免疫很差，总是感冒。 (Wrong: My immunity is poor, I always catch colds.)
正确: 我现在的抵抗力很差，总是感冒。 (Correct: My resistance is poor...)

Misusing 'Immune' as a Verb: In English, we say 'I was immunized.' In Chinese, you cannot say '我被免疫了' to mean you received a vaccine. You must say '我接种了疫苗' (I was vaccinated) or '我产生了免疫力' (I produced immunity).

错误: 医生给我免疫了。 (Wrong: The doctor 'immuned' me.)
正确: 医生给我打了免疫针。 (Correct: The doctor gave me an immunity shot.)

Another mistake involves the legal versus medical distinction. If you are talking about 'diplomatic immunity,' using 免疫 alone is incorrect; you must use 豁免 (huòmiǎn). Using 免疫 in a legal context sounds like you are saying the diplomat cannot catch a virus, which is not the intended meaning. Conversely, don't use 豁免 to talk about biological immunity.

Using the Wrong Measure Words: When talking about an 'immune response,' use '种' (zhǒng) or '次' (cì) depending on the context. For the system as a whole, no measure word is typically needed, or use '套' (tào) for 'system' (一套免疫系统).

这种药物会引起某种不寻常的免疫反应。 (This drug will cause a certain unusual immune response.)

错误: 他有免疫。 (Wrong: He has immunity.)
正确: 他对这种病毒已经产生了免疫。 (Correct: He has already produced immunity to this virus.)

To truly master 免疫, you should understand how it relates to other terms in the same semantic field. Chinese has several words that overlap with 'immunity,' 'resistance,' and 'exemption.'

免疫 vs. 抵抗力 (dǐkànglì): As mentioned earlier, 免疫 is the formal, biological term for the system or the specific state of being immune. 抵抗力 is more general, referring to the body's 'strength' to resist disease. You 'enhance' (增强) 抵抗力, but you 'acquire' (获得) 免疫.

他身体很好，抵抗力很强。 (He is in good health and has strong resistance.)

免疫 vs. 豁免 (huòmiǎn): 豁免 is the legal term for 'exemption' or 'immunity.' If a diplomat is 'immune' from prosecution, it is 豁免. If a debt is 'waived,' it is 豁免. 免疫 is never used for financial or legal 'waiving' of duties.

他享有外交豁免权。 (He enjoys diplomatic immunity.)

免疫 vs. 防御 (fángyù): 防御 means 'defense.' It is a broader term used in military, sports, and computing. While the immune system is a 'defense system' (防御系统), 免疫 is the specific biological name for it. You wouldn't say your body has a 'strong defense' (防御很强) in a medical context; you'd use 抵抗力 or 免疫力.

这套防火墙提供了强大的网络防御。 (This firewall provides strong network defense.)

In summary, choose 免疫 for biological immunity or metaphorical psychological resistance. Choose 抵抗力 for general physical health and 'fighting power' against colds. Choose 豁免 for legal or financial exemptions. Choose 防御 for active defense in non-biological contexts.

Comparison Table: 1. 免疫 (Mǐanyì): Biological/Metaphorical 2. 抵抗力 (Dǐkànglì): General physical resistance 3. 豁免 (Huòmiǎn): Legal/Financial 4. 防御 (Fángyù): General defense/Military.

接种疫苗是获得主动免疫的有效途径。 (Vaccination is an effective way to obtain active immunity.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '疫' was often thought to be caused by 'pestilence ghosts.' The word '免疫' effectively turned a supernatural fear into a scientific concept of 'exemption.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪˈmjuːnəti/

US /ɪˈmjunəti/

Mǐan (3rd tone, falling-rising) - Yì (4th tone, sharp falling).

Rhymes With

演义 (yǎnyì) 便宜 (piányi - partial) 建议 (jiànyì) 战役 (zhànyì) 变异 (biànyì) 权益 (quányì) 检疫 (jiǎnyì) 意愿 (yìyuàn - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mǐan' as second tone (mián).
Pronouncing 'yì' as first tone (yī).
Failing to dip the third tone in 'mǐan' properly.
Stressing 'yì' too softly; it should be firm.
Confusing 'mǐan' with 'miàn' (face/noodles).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

The characters are somewhat complex but common in news and health contexts.

Writing 8/5

Writing '疫' correctly requires attention to the strokes in the '疒' radical.

Speaking 5/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy once tones are mastered.

Listening 6/5

Easily recognized in medical or news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

医生病身体打针系统

Learn Next

疫苗抗体过敏病毒细菌

Advanced

免疫抑制剂淋巴细胞抗原巨噬细胞免疫耐受

Grammar to Know

The preposition '对' (duì) for target direction.

我对这种药免疫。

Verb-Object compounds with '提高' or '增强'.

增强免疫力。

Resultative complement '了' for state change.

他已经免疫了。

Using '的' (de) to form complex noun phrases.

免疫系统的功能。

Purpose clauses with '为了' (wèile).

为了获得免疫，他打了疫苗。

Examples by Level

我们要免疫。

We need immunity.

Subject + Verb + Noun.

这是免疫针。

This is an immunity shot.

Demonstrative + Copula + Noun.

身体有免疫。

The body has immunity.

Noun + Verb + Noun.

医生说要免疫。

The doctor says (we) need immunity.

Reported speech.

免疫很重要。

Immunity is very important.

Noun + Adjective.

为了免疫，去医院。

For immunity, go to the hospital.

Purpose clause.

小猫也要免疫。

Kittens also need immunity.

Subject + 'also' + Noun.

我不怕，我有免疫。

I'm not afraid, I have immunity.

Compound sentence.

吃蔬菜能提高免疫力。

Eating vegetables can improve immunity.

Verb phrase as subject.

他的免疫力不太好。

His immunity is not very good.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective.

这种药对免疫有好处。

This medicine is good for immunity.

'对...有好处' pattern.

运动可以增强免疫系统。

Exercise can strengthen the immune system.

Verb + Compound Noun.

你打过免疫针了吗？

Have you had an immunity shot?

Interrogative with '了'.

我们需要更好的免疫。

We need better immunity.

Adjective + Noun.

冬天要注意提高免疫。

In winter, pay attention to improving immunity.

Time phrase + Verb phrase.

那个孩子已经免疫了。

That child is already immune.

Subject + Adverb + Verb/Adj + '了'.

长期的压力会降低你的免疫力。

Long-term stress will lower your immunity.

Complex subject + Modal verb + Verb + Object.

我已经对他这种话免疫了。

I'm already immune to this kind of talk from him.

Metaphorical usage with '对...免疫'.

母乳含有增强宝宝免疫的成分。

Breast milk contains ingredients that enhance a baby's immunity.

Relative clause as modifier.

科学家在研究免疫反应。

Scientists are researching immune responses.

Progressive aspect.

接种疫苗是获得免疫的最佳方式。

Vaccination is the best way to gain immunity.

Nominalized phrase as subject.

这个城市的免疫率很高。

The immunization rate in this city is very high.

Specific noun: 免疫率.

自身免疫系统有时会攻击自己。

The autoimmune system sometimes attacks itself.

Reflexive action.

充足的睡眠对免疫至关重要。

Adequate sleep is vital for immunity.

'对...至关重要' (vital to).

群体免疫需要大多数人接种疫苗。

Herd immunity requires most people to be vaccinated.

Technical term: 群体免疫.

这种病毒具有免疫逃避机制。

This virus has an immune evasion mechanism.

Technical modifier: 免疫逃避.

过敏是免疫系统的过度反应。

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system.

Definition-style sentence.

免疫疗法在癌症治疗中非常有效。

Immunotherapy is very effective in cancer treatment.

Technical term: 免疫疗法.

他似乎对任何批评都具有免疫力。

He seems to have immunity to any criticism.

Metaphorical '具有...力'.

环境污染可能影响人类的免疫功能。

Environmental pollution may affect human immune function.

Causal relationship.

我们需要建立一道免疫屏障。

We need to build an immune barrier.

Metaphorical '屏障'.

这种抗体能提供长期的免疫保护。

This antibody can provide long-term immune protection.

Adjective + Noun compound.

先天免疫是人体对抗病原体的第一道防线。

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens.

Technical distinction: 先天免疫.

该药物通过调节免疫微环境来起作用。

The drug works by modulating the immune microenvironment.

Complex prepositional phrase with '通过'.

免疫缺陷病毒攻击人体的T细胞。

The immune deficiency virus attacks the body's T cells.

Technical term: 免疫缺陷.

这种现象反映了社会对谣言的免疫力。

This phenomenon reflects society's immunity to rumors.

Abstract sociological usage.

免疫球蛋白的水平可以通过血液检测确定。

The level of immunoglobulin can be determined by a blood test.

Passive voice equivalent with '可以...确定'.

自身免疫性疾病的诱因非常复杂。

The triggers for autoimmune diseases are very complex.

Formal noun: 诱因.

该论文探讨了免疫记忆的形成机制。

The paper explores the formation mechanism of immune memory.

Academic verb: 探讨.

这种新型疫苗能诱导产生强烈的免疫应答。

This new vaccine can induce a strong immune response.

Formal term: 免疫应答.

群体免疫的达成取决于疫苗接种率和病毒的传染性。

The achievement of herd immunity depends on vaccination rates and the virus's infectivity.

Complex subject + '取决于' (depends on).

免疫监视功能下降是老年人易患癌症的原因之一。

The decline in immune surveillance function is one of the reasons why the elderly are prone to cancer.

Noun phrase as subject + '是...之一'.

该研究揭示了肠道菌群与免疫系统之间的微妙平衡。

The study revealed the delicate balance between gut microbiota and the immune system.

Formal verb: 揭示.

这种疗法旨在纠正免疫系统的失调状态。

This therapy aims to correct the dysregulated state of the immune system.

'旨在' (aims to) + Verb phrase.

尽管有外交豁免，但这并不意味着对道德责任免疫。

Despite diplomatic immunity, it doesn't mean being immune to moral responsibility.

Nuanced comparison of 豁免 and 免疫.

细胞因子的过度释放会导致致命的免疫风暴。

Over-release of cytokines can lead to a fatal immune storm.

Technical term: 免疫风暴.

免疫学的进步彻底改变了我们对传染病的认识。

Advances in immunology have completely changed our understanding of infectious diseases.

Abstract subject + Adverb + Verb.

该病毒通过频繁变异来逃避既有的免疫识别。

The virus evades existing immune recognition through frequent mutations.

Manner phrase + Verb + Object.

Common Collocations

免疫系统

免疫力

免疫反应

群体免疫

自身免疫

免疫接种

获得性免疫

免疫缺陷

免疫球蛋白

外交豁免

Common Phrases

提高免疫力

— To improve or boost one's immune system strength.

多运动可以提高免疫力。

产生免疫

— To develop or produce immunity to something.

接种后身体会产生免疫。

已经免疫了

— Already immune (often used metaphorically).

我对他的谎言已经免疫了。

免疫功能

— Immune function; the working of the immune system.

免疫功能下降容易生病。

免疫疗法

— Immunotherapy; treating disease by stimulating the immune system.

免疫疗法是癌症治疗的新希望。

免疫细胞

— Immune cells; white blood cells etc.

免疫细胞在血液中流动。

建立免疫

— To build up immunity.

通过锻炼建立更强的免疫。

免疫屏障

— Immune barrier; a protective layer of immunity in a population.

接种疫苗有助于建立免疫屏障。

免疫调节

— Immune regulation; balancing the immune response.

这种中药有免疫调节作用。

先天免疫

— Innate immunity; immunity one is born with.

先天免疫是第一道防线。

Often Confused With

免疫 vs 抵抗力

Resistance (general health) vs. Immunity (specific biological state).

免疫 vs 豁免

Legal/Financial exemption vs. Biological immunity.

免疫 vs 防疫

Epidemic prevention (the action) vs. Immunity (the state).

Idioms & Expressions

"刀枪不入"

— Invulnerable to swords and spears; metaphorically immune to attack or influence.

他现在的脸皮厚得刀枪不入。

Informal

"百毒不侵"

— Immune to a hundred poisons; metaphorically having a very strong constitution or character.

练了这种气功，据说可以百毒不侵。

Literary/Hyperbolic

"无动于衷"

— Indifferent; unmoved. Related to metaphorical immunity to emotion.

面对哀求，他依然无动于衷。

Formal

"习以为常"

— To be used to something; having developed a 'social' immunity to it.

对于这种加班，大家已经习以为常了。

Neutral

"置若罔闻"

— To turn a deaf ear to; immune to advice or warnings.

他对老师的警告置若罔闻。

Formal

"司空见惯"

— A common sight; so frequent that one is 'immune' to the surprise of it.

这种小事在当地司空见惯。

Literary

"见怪不怪"

— To get used to strange things so they no longer seem strange.

见怪不怪，其怪自败。

Literary

"身强体壮"

— Strong and healthy; implies good immunity.

他从小就身强体壮，很少生病。

Neutral

"防患于未然"

— To prevent trouble before it happens; the logic behind immunization.

打预防针就是为了防患于未然。

Formal

"铁石心肠"

— Heart of iron and stone; immune to pity or emotion.

他真是个铁石心肠的人。

Neutral

Easily Confused

免疫 vs 检疫

Sounds similar (jiǎnyì vs mǐanyì).

检疫 is 'quarantine' or 'inspection' to prevent disease spread, while 免疫 is the state of being immune.

入境时需要进行动物检疫。

免疫 vs 防疫

Contains the same '疫' character.

防疫 refers to the measures taken to prevent an epidemic, like wearing masks or lockdowns.

我们要做好防疫工作。

免疫 vs 抗体

Closely related concept.

抗体 (antibody) is the physical protein that provides the 免疫 (immunity).

他的体内已经产生了抗体。

免疫 vs 过敏

Both involve the immune system.

过敏 is a hypersensitive, harmful reaction, whereas 免疫 is typically protective.

他对花生过敏。

免疫 vs 疫苗

The cause of immunity.

疫苗 (vaccine) is the substance injected to trigger 免疫.

这种疫苗非常安全。

Sentence Patterns

S + [对] + N + [免疫]

我对流感免疫。

S + [提高/增强] + [免疫力]

你要多吃水果提高免疫力。

S + [对] + N + [已经免疫了]

我对他的借口已经免疫了。

S + [是] + [免疫系统] + [的] + N

这是免疫系统的正常反应。

[通过] + V + [获得免疫]

通过接种疫苗获得免疫。

[由于] + [免疫缺陷] + [导致] + V

由于免疫缺陷导致频繁感染。

S + [具有] + [免疫记忆]

身体具有长期的免疫记忆。

S + [旨在] + [调节] + [免疫微环境]

该药物旨在调节免疫微环境。

Word Family

Nouns

免疫力

免疫学

免疫系统

免疫反应

免疫球蛋白

Verbs

免疫 (used as 'to immunize' in specific compound structures)

接种 (to vaccinate)

Adjectives

免疫的

免疫缺陷的

自身免疫的

疫苗

抗体

病原体

淋巴

过敏

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in health-related topics, high in news, medium in casual metaphorical use.

Common Mistakes

我免疫了感冒。 → 我对感冒免疫了。
免疫 is not a transitive verb that takes a direct object; it requires '对'.
他有外交免疫。 → 他有外交豁免权。
Legal immunity uses 豁免, not 免疫.
医生免疫了我。 → 医生给我接种了疫苗。
You can't 'immune' someone as a verb; you vaccinate them.
我的免疫很差。 → 我的免疫力很差。
When talking about the strength of your defense, add '力'.
这种病不能免疫。 → 这种病不能产生免疫。
Use a verb like '产生' or '获得' with the noun 免疫.

Tips

Use '对' for Targets

Always use '对' when specifying what someone is immune to. Example: 对感冒免疫.

Learn the Suffixes

Learn 免疫 + 系统, 力, 反应, 细胞 to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'yì' is a sharp falling tone, or it might be confused with other words.

Medical vs. Legal

Remember: 免疫 is for germs, 豁免 is for laws.

Health Connections

In China, boosting immunity is often linked to lifestyle habits like sleep and diet.

Radical Recognition

The 疒 radical always indicates something related to illness.

Metaphorical Flair

Use '对...免疫' to sound more like a native speaker when you're tired of something.

News Keywords

When you hear 'mǐanyì,' expect a discussion about public health or science.

State Change

Use '了' to show you *became* immune after an event.

Etymology Link

Remember 'Exempt from Plague' to never forget the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '免' (Mǐan) as 'Me-An' (Me and...) and '疫' (Yì) as 'Yucky.' So, 'Me and the yucky diseases are separated' because I am immune.

Visual Association

Visualize the character '免' as a person wearing a protective helmet, and '疫' as a germ trying to get in but being blocked by the '疒' (sickness) frame.

Word Web

疫苗 (Vaccine) 医生 (Doctor) 身体 (Body) 保护 (Protect) 系统 (System) 健康 (Health) 病 (Sickness) 抗体 (Antibody)

Challenge

Try to use '免疫' in three different ways today: once about your health, once about a vaccine, and once metaphorically about a bad habit or annoying person.

Word Origin

The term 免疫 was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Chinese scholars translated Western medical texts. '免' (mǐan) dates back to Oracle Bone Script, representing a person removing a hat or crown, signifying exemption or avoidance. '疫' (yì) contains the 'sickness' radical (疒) and a phonetic component representing a weapon or tool, originally referring to labor service or the 'blow' of a plague.

Original meaning: Exemption from the plague or epidemic diseases.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing '免疫缺陷' (immune deficiency) as it is often associated with HIV/AIDS (艾滋病) in medical contexts.

In English, 'immunity' is often used legally (diplomatic immunity). In Chinese, remember to use '豁免' for law and '免疫' for medicine.

The concept of 'Herd Immunity' (群体免疫) discussed by Zhong Nanshan. Immunity-boosting products in Lunar New Year advertisements. Medical TV dramas like 'The Bond' or 'ER' translations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital/Clinic

免疫接种
提高免疫力
免疫系统检查
自身免疫疾病

News/Media

群体免疫
免疫屏障
疫苗免疫效果
免疫逃逸

Gym/Health Club

增强免疫力
免疫功能
健康饮食与免疫
运动免疫学

Legal/Politics

外交豁免
主权豁免
法律豁免
（Note: Use 豁免 here）

Socializing

对...免疫了
心理免疫
抗压能力
百毒不侵

Conversation Starters

"你觉得怎么样才能有效提高免疫力？"

"你已经对流感病毒免疫了吗？"

"在这个季节，你通常怎么保护自己的免疫系统？"

"你听说过‘群体免疫’这个概念吗？"

"对于那些网上的谣言，你是不是已经免疫了？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你为了提高免疫力所做的努力，比如饮食或运动。

描述一次你生病的经历，以及你如何意识到免疫系统的重要性。

讨论一下疫苗在建立社会免疫屏障中的作用。

你对什么样的压力或诱惑已经‘免疫’了？为什么？

想象未来我们可以通过科技完美调节免疫系统，那会是什么样子？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

免疫 is the general noun for 'immunity' (the concept or state). 免疫力 specifically refers to the 'strength' or 'power' of the immune system. In casual speech, people usually say 提高免疫力 (improve immunity power).

Technically, no. In Chinese, 'diplomatic immunity' is translated as 外交豁免权 (wàijiāo huòmiǎnquán). Using 免疫 would sound like the diplomat is biologically immune to a virus.

You can say '我对你的笑话已经免疫了' (Wǒ duì nǐ de xiàohua yǐjīng mǐanyì le). This is a common metaphorical usage.

In modern Chinese, it is primarily a noun. To express 'to immunize,' you usually use 接种疫苗 (to vaccinate) or 使...产生免疫 (make... produce immunity).

It means 'herd immunity,' which occurs when a large enough percentage of a population is immune to a disease to stop its spread.

Yes, it is a formal scientific term, but it is also widely used in daily life because health is a common topic.

It has the 'sickness' radical 疒 on the outside and 殳 on the inside. Be careful with the stroke order of the radical.

They are called 自身免疫性疾病 (zìshēn mǐanyì xìng jíbìng).

Usually, we use 防御 (defense) or 杀毒 (kill virus) for computers, but metaphorically you could say a system is 'immune' to a certain type of attack.

It is 免疫系统 (mǐanyì xìtǒng).