代谢 in 30 Seconds
- Metabolism refers to the body's vital chemical processes for life.
- It includes breaking down food for energy and building necessary compounds.
- Commonly discussed in health, diet, and medical contexts.
- Often heard as '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè) for metabolic rate.
The Chinese word 代谢 (dàixiè) is a fundamental term in biology and medicine, referring to the complex chemical processes that occur within living organisms to sustain life. It encompasses both the breakdown of substances, which releases energy necessary for bodily functions, and the synthesis of new compounds that are essential for cell growth and repair. Think of it as the body's internal engine, constantly working to convert food into energy, build tissues, and eliminate waste products. This intricate balance is crucial for maintaining health and preventing disease.
In everyday conversation, '代谢' is often used when discussing health, diet, exercise, and various medical conditions. For instance, someone might talk about their '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè), which literally translates to 'new and old metabolism,' but is commonly understood as the body's metabolic rate – how quickly it burns calories. People might also refer to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid issues, using this term. In scientific or academic contexts, '代谢' is used with its full biological meaning, discussing metabolic pathways, metabolic rates, and the impact of various factors on these processes.
- Biological Definition
- The sum of all chemical reactions occurring within a cell or organism to maintain life, including catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (synthesis).
- Everyday Usage
- Often refers to metabolic rate, or issues related to how the body processes energy and nutrients.
- Medical Context
- Used to describe metabolic diseases, disorders, and the study of how drugs or treatments affect the body's chemical processes.
Our bodies constantly undergo complex 代谢 processes to stay alive.
A healthy diet can positively influence your 代谢 rate.
Using '代谢' (dàixiè) effectively involves understanding its biological and everyday applications. In scientific contexts, it often appears with specific modifiers or in phrases describing particular processes. For example, '物质代谢' (wùzhì dàixiè) refers to material metabolism, '能量代谢' (néngliàng dàixiè) to energy metabolism, and '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè) commonly denotes metabolic rate. When discussing health and fitness, it's frequently linked to diet and exercise. You might hear about improving one's metabolism or dealing with metabolic issues.
Consider these sentence structures:
- Subject + 代谢 + Verb/Adjective
- The organism's metabolism is active. (该生物的代谢很活跃。)
- Verb + Object + (with) 代谢
- We are studying the metabolic process. (我们在研究物质代谢的过程。)
- Adjective + 代谢 + Noun
- This is a metabolic disorder. (这是一种代谢紊乱。)
Here are more examples showcasing its usage:
Lack of sleep can negatively affect your body's 代谢.
Doctors are investigating the patient's abnormal 代谢 indicators.
Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy 代谢 system.
You'll encounter '代谢' (dàixiè) in a variety of settings, reflecting its broad relevance. The most common place is in medical and health-related discussions. This includes doctor's offices, hospitals, health articles, and documentaries about the human body. For instance, a doctor might explain a patient's condition as a '代谢性疾病' (dàixièxìng jíbìng) – a metabolic disease. News reports on health trends or new research findings will often use '代谢' when discussing diet, exercise, or the impact of environmental factors on our bodies.
In academic and scientific environments, '代谢' is a core term in biology, biochemistry, and medicine. University lectures, research papers, and scientific journals are replete with its usage, detailing complex metabolic pathways and their implications. Students learning about physiology will frequently encounter '物质代谢' (wùzhì dàixiè - substance metabolism) and '能量代谢' (néngliàng dàixiè - energy metabolism).
Beyond formal settings, '代谢' and its common variation '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè) appear in everyday conversations about lifestyle. People discussing weight loss, fitness routines, or feeling sluggish might say things like, 'I need to boost my metabolism' (我需要提高我的新陈代谢 - Wǒ xūyào tígāo wǒ de xīnchén dàixiè). Fitness instructors, nutritionists, and even friends sharing health tips will use these terms. You might also see it on product packaging or advertisements for health supplements, weight-loss products, or dietary foods, promising to improve one's metabolic health.
Consider these scenarios:
A doctor explaining a diagnosis: 'Your condition is related to a problem with fat 代谢.'
A fitness enthusiast discussing diet: 'Eating more protein helps with muscle building and 代谢.'
A biology textbook chapter: 'Understanding cellular respiration is key to understanding energy 代谢.'
When learning to use '代谢' (dàixiè), learners sometimes make a few common errors. One frequent mistake is failing to distinguish between the formal biological term and the more colloquial use of '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè). While '代谢' itself can refer to metabolic rate in some contexts, '新陈代谢' is the more standard phrase for this specific meaning in everyday conversation. Using '代谢' alone when '新陈代谢' is expected can sound a bit too technical or even slightly incorrect in casual chat.
Another pitfall is misapplying '代谢' to non-biological processes. '代谢' is strictly about the chemical changes within living organisms. It should not be used to describe economic processes, for example, where terms like '流通' (liútōng - circulation) or '转化' (zhuǎnhuà - transformation) might be more appropriate. Confusing its scope can lead to misunderstandings.
Furthermore, learners might sometimes overlook the nuances of related terms. For instance, while '代谢' is the general process, '新陈代谢' specifically refers to the rate or efficiency of this process. Using '代谢' when you mean the rate could be less precise. Also, some might use it as a verb without proper context, whereas it functions more often as a noun or part of a noun phrase.
Here are some specific examples of common mistakes:
- Mistake 1: Overly technical in casual talk
- Incorrect: '我的代谢不太好。' (Wǒ de dàixiè bù tài hǎo.) - My metabolism isn't good. (Sounds too clinical for everyday complaints.)
- Correct: '我的新陈代谢不太好。' (Wǒ de xīnchén dàixiè bù tài hǎo.) - My metabolism isn't good. (More natural for discussing personal health.)
- Mistake 2: Applying to non-biological processes
- Incorrect: '这个项目的代谢很快。' (Zhège xiàngmù de dàixiè hěn kuài.) - This project's metabolism is very fast. (Incorrect usage, '代谢' is for living things.)
- Appropriate phrasing would depend on context, e.g., '这个项目的进展很快。' (Zhège xiàngmù de jìnzhǎn hěn kuài.) - This project is progressing very quickly.
- Mistake 3: Confusing general term with specific rate
- Less precise: '我的代谢慢。' (Wǒ de dàixiè màn.) - My metabolism is slow. (Could refer to the process itself being slow, not just the rate.)
- More precise: '我的新陈代谢速度慢。' (Wǒ de xīnchén dàixiè sùdù màn.) - My metabolic rate is slow. (Clearly indicates the speed of metabolism.)
While '代谢' (dàixiè) is the primary term for metabolism, several related words and phrases can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.
The most common and important alternative is 新陈代谢 (xīnchén dàixiè). This phrase literally translates to 'new and old metabolism' and is widely used in everyday language to refer to the body's overall metabolic rate, metabolic processes, or how efficiently the body functions. It's the go-to term for discussing weight, energy levels, and general bodily upkeep in casual conversation.
In more technical or scientific contexts, you might encounter specific aspects of metabolism:
- 物质代谢 (wùzhì dàixiè)
- Material Metabolism: Refers to the processes involving the intake, transformation, and utilization of nutrients and other substances within the body. It's about the building and breaking down of organic matter.
- 能量代谢 (néngliàng dàixiè)
- Energy Metabolism: Focuses on how the body converts food into energy and expends it. This is closely related to calorie burning and energy balance.
- 消化 (xiāohuà)
- Digestion: While not a direct synonym, digestion is the first step in material metabolism, breaking down food into absorbable components. It's a precursor to metabolic processes.
- 吸收 (xīshōu)
- Absorption: The process by which digested nutrients pass from the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymph, making them available for metabolism.
- 排泄 (páixiè)
- Excretion: The process of eliminating metabolic waste products from the body. This is the other side of the metabolic coin, dealing with what the body doesn't need.
In discussions about health and fitness, you might also hear terms that describe the *effect* of metabolism:
- 新陈代谢率 (xīnchén dàixiè lǜ)
- Metabolic Rate: This is a more specific term for how quickly or slowly one's metabolism functions. Often used interchangeably with '新陈代谢' in casual contexts.
- 基础代谢 (jīchǔ dàixiè)
- Basal Metabolism: The minimum amount of energy required to keep the body functioning at rest. This is a key component of overall metabolic rate.
When talking about issues, you might use:
- 代谢紊乱 (dàixiè wěnluàn)
- Metabolic Disorder/Imbalance: Used to describe conditions where metabolic processes are not functioning correctly.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '谢' (xiè) can mean 'to thank', which might seem unrelated. However, in older contexts and certain compounds, it can also relate to decay or falling away, like '凋谢' (diāoxiè - to wither and fall). This dual meaning contributes to the concept of renewal and breakdown inherent in metabolism.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'xie' as a simple 'she' sound without the initial 'k' or the 'y' glide.
- Incorrectly placing stress on the first syllable.
- Confusing the vowel sounds, particularly in the second syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Recognizing '代谢' in texts is generally straightforward, especially in health and science contexts. Understanding the nuances of its various collocations (e.g., 物质代谢, 能量代谢) requires more context. The CEFR B2 level suggests familiarity with such specialized vocabulary.
Using '代谢' accurately in writing, particularly distinguishing between its formal use and the common '新陈代谢', requires careful attention to context. Applying it correctly in scientific or medical writing is more demanding than in general health discussions.
Pronouncing '代谢' correctly is manageable, but using it naturally in conversation, especially choosing between '代谢' and '新陈代谢', can be challenging for learners. It's more common in formal speech or when discussing specific medical conditions.
Identifying '代谢' in spoken Chinese, especially in formal contexts like lectures or news reports, is achievable. Distinguishing it from '新陈代谢' and understanding its context requires good listening comprehension.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using '会' (huì) to indicate future possibility or effect.
缺乏睡眠会影响新陈代谢。
Using '有助于' (yǒuzhù yú) to express 'is beneficial for' or 'helps'.
多喝水有助于身体的代谢。
Using '通过' (tōngguò) to indicate the means or method.
通过运动可以促进新陈代谢。
Using '是...的' (shì...de) structure for emphasis or description.
细胞的能量代谢是维持生命活动的基础。
Using '对于' (duìyú) to introduce the object of concern or discussion.
对于老年人来说，保持良好的新陈代谢尤为重要。
Examples by Level
我的身体需要食物来代谢。
My body needs food to metabolize.
Basic sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Object.
运动帮助我代谢。
Exercise helps my metabolism.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
我感觉我的代谢很慢。
I feel my metabolism is very slow.
Using '感觉' (feel) to express a personal state.
健康的食物对代谢好。
Healthy food is good for metabolism.
Adjective + Noun + 对 + Noun + 好 (good for).
身体需要水来代谢。
The body needs water to metabolize.
Subject + Verb + Object + 来 + Verb (in order to).
新陈代谢很重要。
Metabolism is very important.
Subject + Adjective + 很 + Adjective (very).
我每天都要代谢。
I have to metabolize every day.
Subject + Adverb + 都 + Verb (all/always).
新陈代谢帮助我保持健康。
Metabolism helps me stay healthy.
Subject + Verb + Object + Verb Phrase.
老年人的新陈代谢通常比年轻人慢。
Elderly people's metabolism is usually slower than young people's.
Comparison structure: A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective.
我正在努力改善我的新陈代谢。
I am trying hard to improve my metabolism.
正在 (zhèngzài) indicates an ongoing action.
睡眠不足会影响新陈代谢。
Lack of sleep will affect metabolism.
Subject + Verb Phrase + 会 (huì) + Verb (will).
医生说我的代谢有问题。
The doctor said there is a problem with my metabolism.
Using '说' (shuō) to report speech.
多喝水有助于身体的代谢。
Drinking more water is helpful for the body's metabolism.
Verb Phrase + 有助于 (yǒuzhù yú) + Noun Phrase (is helpful for).
健康的饮食能促进新陈代谢。
A healthy diet can promote metabolism.
Subject + Adjective + Noun + 能 (néng) + Verb (can).
我需要加快我的新陈代谢。
I need to speed up my metabolism.
Subject + Verb + Object + Verb (to speed up).
新陈代谢是维持生命的重要过程。
Metabolism is an important process for maintaining life.
Subject + 是 (shì) + Noun Phrase + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun.
研究表明，规律的体育锻炼能显著提高人体的代谢水平。
Research indicates that regular physical exercise can significantly improve the human body's metabolic level.
Subject + Verb + Object + 能 (néng) + Adverb + Verb + Object.
某些疾病会严重干扰身体正常的物质代谢过程。
Certain diseases can severely interfere with the body's normal material metabolism processes.
Subject + 会 (huì) + Adverb + Verb + Object.
为了减肥，她开始关注自己的能量代谢。
In order to lose weight, she started paying attention to her energy metabolism.
为了 (wèile) + Verb Phrase, Subject + Verb + Object.
缺乏睡眠不仅影响情绪，还会抑制新陈代谢。
Lack of sleep not only affects mood but also inhibits metabolism.
不仅...而且... (bùjǐn...érqiě...) structure (not only...but also...). Also, '抑制' (yìzhì - inhibit).
医生建议他调整饮食，以改善其代谢紊乱的状况。
The doctor advised him to adjust his diet to improve his metabolic disorder condition.
Verb + Object + 以 (yǐ) + Verb Phrase (in order to).
新陈代谢率因人而异，受遗传和生活方式等多种因素影响。
Metabolic rate varies from person to person, influenced by multiple factors such as genetics and lifestyle.
Subject + 因人而异 (yīnrén'éryì - varies from person to person) + , + 受 (shòu) + Noun Phrase + 影响 (yǐngxiǎng - influenced by).
理解基础代谢有助于我们更好地规划热量摄入。
Understanding basal metabolism helps us better plan calorie intake.
Verb Phrase + 有助于 (yǒuzhù yú) + Verb Phrase.
科学家正在研究特定药物对癌细胞代谢的影响。
Scientists are studying the impact of specific drugs on cancer cell metabolism.
Subject + 正在 (zhèngzài) + Verb + Object + 的 (de) + Noun Phrase.
机体在不同生理状态下，其代谢活动会发生显著的动态变化。
Under different physiological states, the body's metabolic activities undergo significant dynamic changes.
Subject + 在 + Noun Phrase + 下 (xià), + 其 (qí) + Noun Phrase + 会 (huì) + Verb + Adjective + Adjective + Noun.
肠道菌群的组成与宿主的能量代谢和免疫功能密切相关。
The composition of the gut microbiota is closely related to the host's energy metabolism and immune function.
Subject + 与 (yǔ) + Noun Phrase + 密切相关 (mìqiè xiāngguān - closely related to).
长期暴露于环境污染物可能扰乱内分泌系统的代谢功能。
Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants may disrupt the metabolic functions of the endocrine system.
Subject + 可能 (kěnéng) + Verb + Object.
基于基因组学分析，我们得以深入了解个体间的代谢差异。
Based on genomic analysis, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of inter-individual metabolic differences.
基于 (jīyú) + Noun Phrase, Subject + 得以 (déyǐ) + Verb Phrase (are able to).
肥胖的发生是能量摄入与消耗之间代谢失衡的直观体现。
The occurrence of obesity is a direct manifestation of metabolic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure.
Subject + 是 (shì) + Noun Phrase + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun.
营养素的吸收和利用是维持细胞正常代谢的前提。
The absorption and utilization of nutrients are prerequisites for maintaining normal cellular metabolism.
Subject + 是 (shì) + Noun Phrase.
对于患有罕见代谢病的儿童，早期诊断和干预至关重要。
For children suffering from rare metabolic diseases, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial.
对于 (duìyú) + Noun Phrase, Subject + 至关重要 (zhìguān zhòngyào - crucial).
现代医学正在探索靶向药物以调控特定代谢通路。
Modern medicine is exploring targeted drugs to regulate specific metabolic pathways.
Subject + 正在 (zhèngzài) + Verb + Object + 以 (yǐ) + Verb Phrase (in order to).
线粒体作为细胞的能量工厂，其代谢活动是维持生命不可或缺的一环。
As the cell's powerhouses, mitochondria's metabolic activities are an indispensable part of sustaining life.
Subject + 作为 (zuòwéi) + Noun, + 其 (qí) + Noun Phrase + 是 (shì) + Noun Phrase + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun.
研究人员试图阐明微生物在地球碳代谢循环中所扮演的关键角色。
Researchers are attempting to elucidate the key role that microorganisms play in the Earth's carbon metabolic cycle.
Subject + 试图 (shìtú) + Verb + Object.
衰老过程中，细胞的自噬和溶酶体代谢功能会逐渐减弱。
During the aging process, cellular autophagy and lysosomal metabolic functions gradually weaken.
Subject + 的 (de) + Noun Phrase + 会 (huì) + Adverb + Verb.
尽管存在争议，但该疗法通过调节下游信号通路来影响肝脏的糖原代谢。
Despite controversies, the therapy affects hepatic glycogen metabolism by regulating downstream signaling pathways.
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) + Noun Phrase, + Subject + 通过 (tōngguò) + Verb Phrase + 来 (lái) + Verb + Object.
对癌症患者而言，理解肿瘤细胞的异常代谢对于制定个性化治疗方案至关重要。
For cancer patients, understanding the abnormal metabolism of tumor cells is crucial for developing personalized treatment plans.
对 (duì) + Noun Phrase + 而言 (éryán), + Verb Phrase + 对于 (duìyú) + Noun Phrase + 至关重要 (zhìguān zhòngyào).
环境因素如温度和pH值，对酶催化的代谢反应速率具有显著影响。
Environmental factors such as temperature and pH value have a significant impact on the rate of enzyme-catalyzed metabolic reactions.
Subject + 如 (rú) + Noun Phrase, + 对 (duì) + Noun Phrase + 具有 (jùyǒu) + Adjective + Noun.
通过整合多组学数据，我们得以揭示细胞在应激条件下复杂的代谢重塑。
By integrating multi-omics data, we are able to reveal the complex metabolic remodeling of cells under stress conditions.
通过 (tōngguò) + Verb Phrase, + Subject + 得以 (déyǐ) + Verb + Object.
这种新型生物传感器能够实时监测细胞的代谢产物浓度。
This novel biosensor can monitor the concentration of cellular metabolites in real-time.
Subject + 能够 (nénggòu) + Verb + Object + Adverbial Phrase.
对代谢组学数据的深入剖析，为理解疾病的早期病理生理机制提供了前所未有的视角。
In-depth analysis of metabolomics data provides an unprecedented perspective for understanding the early pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases.
Subject + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun Phrase, + 为 (wèi) + Noun Phrase + 提供了 (tígōngle) + Adjective + Noun Phrase.
在进化生物学领域，研究物种间代谢谱的差异有助于追溯其系统发育关系。
In the field of evolutionary biology, studying the differences in metabolic profiles among species helps to trace their phylogenetic relationships.
在 (zài) + Noun Phrase + 领域 (lǐngyù), + Verb Phrase + 有助于 (yǒuzhù yú) + Verb Phrase.
干细胞的定向分化过程中，其代谢特征会发生一系列复杂且可调控的转变。
During the directed differentiation of stem cells, their metabolic characteristics undergo a series of complex and controllable transitions.
Subject + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun Phrase + 过程中 (guòchéng zhōng), + 其 (qí) + Noun Phrase + 会 (huì) + Verb + Adjective + 且 (qiě) + Adjective + Noun.
利用先进的质谱联用技术，科学家得以精确描绘出活体生物体内的动态代谢网络。
By utilizing advanced mass spectrometry hyphenated techniques, scientists are able to accurately depict the dynamic metabolic network within living organisms.
利用 (lìyòng) + Noun Phrase, + Subject + 得以 (déyǐ) + Verb + Object.
对于理解昼夜节律对能量代谢的精细调控机制，近年来取得了突破性进展。
Significant breakthroughs have been made in recent years in understanding the intricate regulatory mechanisms of circadian rhythms on energy metabolism.
对于 (duìyú) + Noun Phrase + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun Phrase, + 近年来 (jìnniánlái) + 取得了 (qǔdéle) + Adjective + Noun.
肠道微生物群落的失调常被认为是多种慢性代谢性疾病的始发或促成因素。
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is often considered a primary or contributing factor to various chronic metabolic diseases.
Subject + 常被认为是 (cháng bèi rènwéi shì) + Noun Phrase + 的 (de) + Adjective + Noun Phrase.
通过对特定代谢产物进行标记和追踪，研究人员得以量化细胞内信号转导的速率。
By labeling and tracking specific metabolites, researchers are able to quantify the rate of intracellular signal transduction.
通过 (tōngguò) + Verb Phrase, + Subject + 得以 (déyǐ) + Verb + Object.
在合成生物学领域，设计和构建具有特定代谢功能的工程细胞已成为可能。
In the field of synthetic biology, designing and constructing engineered cells with specific metabolic functions has become possible.
在 (zài) + Noun Phrase + 领域 (lǐngyù), + Verb Phrase + 已成为 (yǐ chéngwéi) + Noun Phrase.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Metabolic rate; the overall process of how the body uses energy and nutrients. Commonly used in everyday conversation about health and fitness.
我需要多运动来提高我的新陈代谢。
— Slow metabolism; referring to a slower rate of burning calories or processing energy.
我最近感觉很容易发胖，可能是因为新陈代谢慢。
— Fast metabolism; referring to a faster rate of burning calories or processing energy.
她吃得很多但从来不胖，她的新陈代谢一定很快。
— Material metabolism; the processes involved in the breakdown and synthesis of substances within the body.
肝脏在物质代谢中扮演着至关重要的角色。
— Energy metabolism; the processes related to how the body converts food into energy and uses it.
运动会显著提高身体的能量代谢水平。
— Metabolic disorder or imbalance; a condition where the body's chemical processes are not functioning correctly.
医生诊断出他患有某种代谢紊乱。
— Basal metabolism; the minimum energy the body needs to function at rest.
基础代谢率是计算每日总能量消耗的重要参考。
— To speed up metabolism; actions taken to increase the body's metabolic rate.
据说喝绿茶可以帮助加速新陈代谢。
— To affect metabolism; how something (like sleep, diet, or stress) impacts metabolic processes.
长期熬夜会严重影响新陈代谢。
— Metabolic products or byproducts; substances produced during metabolic processes, often waste products.
肾脏负责过滤血液中的代谢产物。
Often Confused With
'消化' specifically refers to the process of breaking down food in the digestive system. '代谢' is a broader term encompassing all chemical processes to sustain life, including but not limited to the utilization of digested nutrients.
'吸收' refers to the uptake of digested nutrients into the bloodstream. It's a step that precedes and enables metabolism, but it is not metabolism itself.
While often used interchangeably in everyday speech for 'metabolic rate', '新陈代谢' is technically a more specific phrase that implies a continuous cycle of renewal. '代谢' is the broader, more formal scientific term for the entire set of chemical processes.
Idioms & Expressions
— This is not strictly an idiom but a highly common phrase that has become almost synonymous with 'metabolism' in everyday Chinese. It literally means 'new and old metabolism' and refers to the continuous process of renewal and breakdown within living organisms.
大自然的新陈代谢生生不息。
Everyday, slightly poetic— Literally means 'to expel the old and receive the new'. While not directly about biological metabolism, it's a metaphorical idiom used to describe the continuous process of renewal and discarding the old, which is conceptually similar to the idea of metabolic processes in a broader sense.
城市需要不断地吐故纳新，才能保持活力。
Metaphorical, general— Similar to '吐故纳新', this means 'the old and new replace each other'. It describes a process of transition and renewal, which is a fundamental aspect of metabolism.
随着季节的变化，自然界迎来新旧交替。
Metaphorical, general— Literally means 'transforming and creating all things'. This refers to the process of creation and change, which is a grander, philosophical concept that encompasses the fundamental transformative nature of metabolic processes in sustaining life.
天地之间，化生万物，周而复始。
Philosophical, grand— Means 'to live and reproduce continuously without end'. This phrase captures the essence of life sustained by metabolism – the constant activity and renewal that keeps organisms alive and propagating.
生命在于运动，生命在于新陈代谢，生命生生不息。
Philosophical, descriptive of life— Means 'to cycle and repeat'. Many metabolic processes are cyclical, and this idiom describes such recurring patterns in nature and life.
水循环往复，滋养大地。
Descriptive of cyclical processes— Refers to 'withering and flourishing'. This is a natural cycle, much like the breakdown and building phases of metabolism, representing the ebb and flow of life and biological processes.
花开花落，草木枯荣，皆是自然。
Poetic, natural cycles— While primarily a scientific term, in certain contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe the constant renewal and change in systems, societies, or ideas. This usage is less common than its literal biological meaning.
一个健康的组织需要不断的新陈代谢，才能保持活力。
Metaphorical, organizational— Means 'to simplify the complex'. While not a direct synonym, metabolism breaks down complex substances into simpler ones for energy, and builds simple substances into complex ones. This relates to the transformation aspect.
这个程序的设计理念是化繁为简。
General, principle— The four stages of life: birth, aging, sickness, and death. Metabolism is the driving force behind '生' (birth/life) and '老' (aging), and its failure leads to '病' (sickness) and '死' (death).
生老病死是人生的自然规律。
Philosophical, life cycleEasily Confused
Both relate to processing food and its components within the body.
'消化' is the initial breakdown of food in the digestive tract. '代谢' is the subsequent chemical processes that occur within cells to use nutrients for energy, growth, and repair. You digest food first, then your body metabolizes it.
食物需要先经过消化，然后才能被身体代谢利用。
Both are part of the body's process of obtaining and using nutrients from food.
'吸收' is the process of nutrients passing from the digestive system into the bloodstream. '代谢' is what happens to those nutrients once they are in the body's cells – how they are used, broken down, or synthesized into other compounds.
肠道负责吸收营养，而细胞则负责代谢这些营养。
This is the most common confusion, as '新陈代谢' is often used as a synonym for 'metabolism' in daily life.
'代谢' is the general scientific term for all chemical processes that sustain life. '新陈代谢' literally means 'new and old metabolism' and often refers more specifically to the metabolic rate or the continuous cycle of renewal and breakdown within the body. While '代谢' can refer to the rate, '新陈代谢' is more colloquially used for it.
医生谈论疾病时会用“代谢”，而朋友聊天时会说“新陈代谢慢”。
Both are fundamental processes for maintaining a healthy body.
'排泄' is the process of removing waste products from the body. This is a result of metabolic processes, as metabolism produces waste. So, '排泄' is an outcome or a related process, not metabolism itself.
肾脏通过排泄来清除体内的代谢废物。
Metabolism includes breakdown processes.
'分解' means to break down or decompose. It is a component of metabolism (catabolism), but metabolism also includes synthesis (anabolism). '分解' is just one part of the larger metabolic picture.
糖的分解是能量代谢的一个重要环节。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 代谢 + Verb/Adjective
我的身体 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢</mark> 很快。
Subject + Verb + Object + (对/有助于) + 代谢
运动 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>有助于</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢</mark>。
Subject + 会 + (显著) + 影响/改变 + 代谢
睡眠不足 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>会</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>影响</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢</mark>。
关于/在 + Noun Phrase + 方面，+ Subject + 代谢 + Verb/Adjective
在 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>新陈代谢</mark> 方面，<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>她</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>一直</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>很</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>好</mark>。
Subject + 正在 + 研究/分析 + 代谢 + 过程/数据
科学家 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>正在</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>研究</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>细胞</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>的</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>过程</mark>。
Subject + (是) + 一种 + 代谢性 + Noun
糖尿病 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>是</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>一种</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢性</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>疾病</mark>。
Subject + 通过 + Verb Phrase + 来 + 调节/影响 + 代谢
该药物 <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>通过</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>调节</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>信号通路</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>来</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>影响</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>肝脏</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>的</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>糖原</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢</mark>。
Subject + 的 + Noun Phrase + 为 + Noun Phrase + 提供了 + Noun Phrase
<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>对</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>代谢组学</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>数据</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>的</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>深入</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>剖析</mark>，<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>为</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>理解</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>疾病</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>的</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>早期</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>病理生理</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>机制</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>提供</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>了</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>前所未有</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>的</mark> <mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>视角</mark>。
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially when considering '新陈代谢'. The term '代谢' itself is moderately high in scientific/medical fields.
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Using '代谢' alone in casual conversation to mean metabolic rate.
→
Using '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè) for metabolic rate in everyday talk.
While '代谢' is the scientific term, '新陈代谢' is the much more common and natural phrase for discussing how quickly one's body burns calories or general bodily upkeep in informal settings. Using '代谢' alone can sound too technical or slightly awkward.
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Applying '代谢' to non-biological processes.
→
Using appropriate terms like '流通' (circulation) or '转化' (transformation) for economic or general processes.
'代谢' is strictly defined as the chemical processes within living organisms. It should not be used to describe the flow of money, goods, or abstract concepts. This would lead to a misunderstanding of the word's scope.
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Confusing '消化' (digestion) with '代谢' (metabolism).
→
Understanding that digestion is the first step, and metabolism is the subsequent utilization of nutrients.
Digestion breaks down food into absorbable components. Metabolism is what the body does with those absorbed nutrients to create energy and build tissues. They are sequential processes, not synonyms.
-
Using '代谢' as a verb without proper construction.
→
Using phrases like '进行代谢' (jìnxíng dàixiè - to carry out metabolism) or '身体在代谢' (shēntǐ zài dàixiè - the body is metabolizing).
'代谢' primarily functions as a noun. While it can appear in verb-like contexts in scientific English translations, in standard Chinese, it's more common to use auxiliary verbs or phrases to express the action of metabolizing.
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Treating '代谢' and '新陈代谢' as completely interchangeable in all contexts.
→
Using '代谢' for formal/scientific contexts and '新陈代谢' for informal/everyday contexts referring to metabolic rate.
While there's overlap, '代谢' is the broader scientific term. '新陈代谢' specifically implies renewal and is more common for discussing the rate of energy expenditure. Overuse of '代谢' in casual talk can sound overly clinical.
Tips
Distinguish Formal vs. Casual
Remember that '代谢' is the formal, scientific term for metabolism. In everyday conversation, especially when referring to metabolic rate or general bodily upkeep, '新陈代谢' is much more common and natural.
Master the Pronunciation
Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable (daì-xiè). Practice the 'xie' sound, which is not a simple 'she' but has a slight 'y' glide, sounding closer to 'shyeh'. Consistent practice will improve fluency.
Learn Related Terms
Understanding related terms like '物质代谢' (material metabolism) and '能量代谢' (energy metabolism) will help you grasp the different facets of this complex biological process and use '代谢' more precisely in scientific contexts.
Use Mnemonics
Associate '代' (dài) with 'replacement' and '谢' (xiè) with 'decay' or 'withering'. This helps remember that metabolism is the body's continuous cycle of breaking down old and building new, essential for life.
Active Recall
Instead of just reading definitions, try to actively recall the meaning and usage of '代谢' by creating your own sentences or explaining it to someone else. This reinforces learning.
Cultural Significance
In Chinese culture, health is highly valued. Understanding 'metabolism' connects to concepts of balance and vitality, making it a relevant topic in discussions about well-being and longevity.
Common Patterns
Familiarize yourself with common sentence patterns like 'X 影响 代谢' (X affects metabolism) or '有助于 代谢' (is beneficial for metabolism) to use the word more naturally in context.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Learn related terms like '代谢紊乱' (metabolic disorder) and '基础代谢' (basal metabolism) to build a more comprehensive understanding and express yourself with greater precision.
Apply in Conversation
Don't be afraid to use the word, especially '新陈代谢', in conversations about health, diet, or exercise. The more you use it, the more comfortable you will become with its nuances.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '代' (dài) as 'taking turns' or 'replacing' old cells, and '谢' (xiè) as things 'withering' or being broken down to make way for new growth. So, metabolism is the body's constant 'taking turns' of breaking down old and building new.
Visual Association
Imagine a factory (your body) that is constantly receiving raw materials (food), processing them (metabolism), producing energy and finished goods (cells, tissues), and discarding waste. The '代' could be the conveyor belts moving materials, and '谢' could be the waste disposal units.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the concept of metabolism to someone using only the characters '代' and '谢' and their basic meanings of 'replace' and 'decay/thank'. Focus on the idea of continuous renewal.
Word Origin
The term '代谢' is composed of two characters: '代' (dài) meaning 'to replace' or 'to substitute', and '谢' (xiè) meaning 'to thank', 'to decline', or 'to wither/decay'. Together, they conceptually represent the continuous process of breaking down the old and making way for the new, which is the essence of metabolic processes.
Original meaning: The combination of 'replace' and 'decay/thank' suggests a cycle of renewal where old substances are broken down or replaced by new ones. This aligns with the biological concept of catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (synthesis).
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The term 'metabolism' and related discussions are generally not sensitive. However, when discussing specific metabolic disorders or conditions, it's important to be respectful and avoid stigmatizing language.
In English-speaking cultures, 'metabolism' is a widely understood term in health and fitness contexts, often discussed in relation to weight management and energy levels. It's a common topic in gyms, diet plans, and health media.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing health and fitness routines.
- 提高新陈代谢 (tígāo xīnchén dàixiè)
- 加快新陈代谢 (jiākuài xīnchén dàixiè)
- 新陈代谢慢 (xīnchén dàixiè màn)
Medical consultations and explanations of diseases.
- 代谢紊乱 (dàixiè wěnluàn)
- 代谢性疾病 (dàixièxìng jíbìng)
- 影响代谢 (yǐngxiǎng dàixiè)
Biology and science education.
- 物质代谢 (wùzhì dàixiè)
- 能量代谢 (néngliàng dàixiè)
- 细胞代谢 (xìbāo dàixiè)
Nutrition and diet advice.
- 促进代谢 (cùjìn dàixiè)
- 基础代谢 (jīchǔ dàixiè)
- 合理饮食有助于代谢 (hélǐ yǐnshí yǒuzhù yú dàixiè)
Discussions about sleep and lifestyle factors.
- 影响新陈代谢 (yǐngxiǎng dàixiè)
- 睡眠不足 (shuìmián bùzú) 影响代谢
- 生活方式与代谢 (shēnghuó fāngshì yǔ dàixiè)
Conversation Starters
"你觉得自己的新陈代谢快还是慢？"
"你有没有试过什么方法来提高新陈代谢？"
"医生说我的代谢有些问题，你知道代谢紊乱是怎么回事吗？"
"我们常说新陈代谢，但它到底具体指的是什么过程？"
"听说运动对新陈代谢很好，你能详细说说吗？"
Journal Prompts
今天我学到了关于“代谢”这个词。它让我思考身体内部的化学过程是多么神奇，支撑着我们的生命。
我经常听到“新陈代谢”这个词，今天我终于明白了它在科学上的真正含义。我应该如何运用这些知识来改善我的健康？
我最近感到精力不足，我开始怀疑是不是我的新陈代谢出了问题。我应该从哪些方面着手来调整？
想象一下，如果身体的代谢停止了会怎样？这让我更加珍惜生命中每一个活跃的时刻。
我打算记录一下我每天的饮食和运动，看看它们对我的新陈代谢有什么影响。这对我来说是一个有趣的实验。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile both relate to metabolism, '代谢' is the formal, scientific term for the entire set of chemical processes that sustain life. '新陈代谢' is a more common, colloquial phrase often used to refer to one's metabolic rate – how quickly the body burns calories. In everyday conversation, '新陈代谢' is usually preferred when talking about personal health and energy levels. For example, 'My metabolism is slow' is more naturally said as '我的新陈代谢有点慢' (Wǒ de xīnchén dàixiè yǒudiǎn màn).
Generally, '代谢' functions as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It describes the process itself. While you might see it used in verb-like contexts in scientific writing (e.g., 'the cells metabolize'), in standard Chinese, it's more common to use phrases like '进行代谢' (jìnxíng dàixiè - to carry out metabolism) or '身体在代谢' (shēntǐ zài dàixiè - the body is metabolizing) if you need a verb-like construction. However, it's often used as a noun describing the process.
Metabolism is crucial for weight management because it determines how many calories your body burns at rest (basal metabolism) and during activity. A higher metabolic rate means your body burns more calories, potentially making it easier to lose or maintain weight. Factors like exercise, diet, and muscle mass can influence your metabolic rate.
Common metabolic disorders include diabetes (problems with blood sugar metabolism), thyroid disorders (affecting thyroid hormone metabolism), Gout (related to uric acid metabolism), and certain genetic conditions like Phenylketonuria (PKU). These are often referred to as '代谢性疾病' (dàixièxìng jíbìng).
Yes, metabolism tends to slow down with age. This is partly due to a decrease in muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can help mitigate this age-related decline in metabolic rate.
While you can't drastically change your fundamental metabolic rate, you can influence it. Building muscle through strength training increases your basal metabolic rate because muscle tissue burns more calories than fat. Regular aerobic exercise also burns calories and can temporarily increase metabolism. Ensuring adequate protein intake and staying hydrated can also support metabolic processes.
'物质代谢' translates to 'material metabolism'. It refers to the processes involved in the breakdown and synthesis of organic and inorganic substances within the body. This includes how the body takes in, transforms, and utilizes nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as building and repairing tissues.
'能量代谢' translates to 'energy metabolism'. This focuses specifically on how the body converts the energy stored in food into usable energy (ATP) for all its functions, and how it expends that energy. It's directly related to calorie balance and energy expenditure.
The term '代谢' as a scientific concept was largely introduced and standardized with the adoption of Western scientific terminology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the characters themselves have ancient origins, their use to specifically denote biological metabolism is relatively modern.
For general discussions about your own metabolic rate, it's more natural to use '新陈代谢'. For example, '我感觉我的新陈代谢有点慢，所以最近在努力运动。' (Wǒ gǎnjué wǒ de xīnchén dàixiè yǒudiǎn màn, suǒyǐ zuìjìn zài nǔlì yùndòng. - I feel my metabolism is a bit slow, so I've been working hard to exercise recently.) If you were talking to a doctor about a specific metabolic issue, you might use '代谢'. '医生说我的肝脏代谢有问题。' (Yīshēng shuō wǒ de gānzàng dàixiè yǒu wèntí. - The doctor said there's a problem with my liver metabolism.)
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Summary
代谢 (dàixiè) is the essential biological term for metabolism, the sum of chemical processes keeping life going by converting food to energy and building tissues. In everyday talk, 新陈代谢 (xīnchén dàixiè) is frequently used to mean metabolic rate.
- Metabolism refers to the body's vital chemical processes for life.
- It includes breaking down food for energy and building necessary compounds.
- Commonly discussed in health, diet, and medical contexts.
- Often heard as '新陈代谢' (xīnchén dàixiè) for metabolic rate.
Distinguish Formal vs. Casual
Remember that '代谢' is the formal, scientific term for metabolism. In everyday conversation, especially when referring to metabolic rate or general bodily upkeep, '新陈代谢' is much more common and natural.
Master the Pronunciation
Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable (daì-xiè). Practice the 'xie' sound, which is not a simple 'she' but has a slight 'y' glide, sounding closer to 'shyeh'. Consistent practice will improve fluency.
Context is Key
The meaning and appropriateness of using '代谢' or '新陈代谢' heavily depend on the context. Scientific papers and medical reports will favor '代谢', while health blogs and casual chats will lean towards '新陈代谢'.
Learn Related Terms
Understanding related terms like '物质代谢' (material metabolism) and '能量代谢' (energy metabolism) will help you grasp the different facets of this complex biological process and use '代谢' more precisely in scientific contexts.
Example
充足的睡眠有助于维持身体的正常代谢。
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一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
