Matter is the objective, physical reality that constitutes the foundation of our world.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to physical substance or matter occupying space.
- Often used to contrast with mental or spiritual aspects.
- Commonly appears in discussions about economic conditions or philosophy.
Overview
- 1概述：物质是一个哲学与科学基础概念。在科学上，它指占据空间并具有质量的实体；在哲学上，它指不依赖于人的意识而客观存在的实在。2) 使用模式：在汉语中，物质常作为名词使用，既可指代具体的物品（如：物质基础），也可作为形容词性前缀，修饰与感官、经济相关的词汇（如：物质生活、物质奖励）。3) 常见语境：该词常出现在经济、社会学、哲学以及科学讨论中。例如，人们常说“物质文明”与“精神文明”并重，强调经济条件与思想修养的平衡。4) 近义词辨析：'物体'侧重于具体可见的个体，而'物质'概念更宏大、抽象，涵盖了构成物体的本质材料，而非仅仅指代某个具体的物体。
Examples
我们需要改善贫困地区的物质条件。
everydayWe need to improve the material conditions in impoverished areas.
物质文明与精神文明应协同发展。
formalMaterial civilization and spiritual civilization should develop in coordination.
她太物质了，只看重钱。
informalShe is too materialistic; she only cares about money.
该实验研究了物质在高温下的变化。
academicThe experiment studied the changes of matter at high temperatures.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
物质财富
Material wealth
物质享受
Material enjoyment
物质匮乏
Material scarcity
Often Confused With
Refers to a specific, tangible object or entity. Use this when pointing to a physical thing.
Refers to the branch of science called Physics. It describes the laws governing matter, not matter itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal in scientific and philosophical contexts but can be used informally to critique someone's character. In professional settings, it is often paired with '精神' to create a balanced argument. Avoid using it to refer to a single, small object.
Common Mistakes
Students often use '物质' when they mean '物体' (object). Remember that '物质' is an abstract category or a mass noun, not a count noun. Also, avoid calling a person '物质' unless you intend to criticize their greed.
Tips
Use in philosophical contexts
When discussing the balance of life, pair '物质' with '精神' to show contrast. This creates a balanced and sophisticated sentence structure.
Avoid confusing with specific objects
Do not use '物质' when you mean a specific item like a pen or a chair. Use '物体' or the specific noun instead.
Materialism in modern China
The term '物质' is frequently used in Chinese social commentary to discuss rapid economic growth. It reflects the tension between traditional values and modern consumption.
Word Origin
The term is a modern translation of the Western philosophical concept of 'matter'. It combines '物' (object/thing) and '质' (quality/substance) to denote the fundamental essence of physical reality.
Cultural Context
In China, the concept of '物质' is deeply tied to the country's rapid development. Balancing '物质文明' (material progress) and '精神文明' (cultural/moral progress) has been a significant national theme for decades.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Matter' (物质) as the 'Stuff' (物质) that makes up the universe. Just remember: Matter = 物质, Mind = 精神.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions物体通常指具体的、可感知的单个实体，如桌子或书本。物质则是一个更抽象的范畴，指构成这些物体的基础材料或客观存在的实体总量。
物质生活指人们在衣、食、住、行等方面的经济条件和生活水平。它关注的是客观的生存环境和资源获取。
可以。形容一个人“很物质”通常带有贬义，指该人非常看重金钱、名利等外在利益，而不重视精神追求。
在哲学和文化讨论中，物质的反义词通常是“精神”或“意识”。这代表了客观实体与主观思想之间的对立统一。
Test Yourself
我们不仅要追求___水平的提高，还要注重精神文明建设。
此处指经济和生活条件，应使用“物质”。
形容一个人“很物质”通常表达什么意思？
在口语中，形容人物质通常指过于追求金钱。
物质基础
“物质基础”常用于描述经济条件对发展的支撑作用。
Score: /3
Summary
Matter is the objective, physical reality that constitutes the foundation of our world.
- Refers to physical substance or matter occupying space.
- Often used to contrast with mental or spiritual aspects.
- Commonly appears in discussions about economic conditions or philosophy.
Use in philosophical contexts
When discussing the balance of life, pair '物质' with '精神' to show contrast. This creates a balanced and sophisticated sentence structure.
Avoid confusing with specific objects
Do not use '物质' when you mean a specific item like a pen or a chair. Use '物体' or the specific noun instead.
Materialism in modern China
The term '物质' is frequently used in Chinese social commentary to discuss rapid economic growth. It reflects the tension between traditional values and modern consumption.
Examples
4 of 4我们需要改善贫困地区的物质条件。
We need to improve the material conditions in impoverished areas.
物质文明与精神文明应协同发展。
Material civilization and spiritual civilization should develop in coordination.
她太物质了，只看重钱。
She is too materialistic; she only cares about money.
该实验研究了物质在高温下的变化。
The experiment studied the changes of matter at high temperatures.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More science words
吸收
A1To absorb; to take in.
海拔
B1The height of an object or place above sea level.
属性
B1A quality or feature that is typical of or belongs to something or someone.
生物
B1Any living thing, or the study of living organisms. Basic term for IELTS biology-related reading passages.
模糊
A1Blurry; vague; indistinct.
呼吸
A1To breathe; respiration.
燃烧
A1To burn; combustion.
计算
A1To calculate; to compute; to determine a value mathematically.
推算
B1To calculate, estimate, or figure out something using data, logic, or mathematical methods. It implies a process of reasoning from known facts to unknown values.
校准
B1To calibrate, adjust, or check for accuracy against a standard. It is used for instruments, data, or plans.
