An orphan is a child who has lost one or both parents and is in need of care.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Child whose parents are deceased.
- Requires care and societal support.
- Often a subject in stories and welfare discussions.
Overview
“孤儿” (gū ér) 是一个名词，指父母双亡或至少失去一方，因而无人照顾和抚养的儿童。这个词语带有一定的情感色彩，常常引发人们的同情和关怀。在古代，孤儿的处境尤为艰难，而在现代社会，虽然有各种福利机构和政策的保护，但“孤儿”依然是一个需要社会关注的群体。
“孤儿”一词在日常对话、新闻报道、文学作品以及社会福利相关的语境中都很常见。它可以直接用来指代失去父母的孩子，也可以引申用来比喻失去依靠或保护的人事物，但这种用法相对较少，且需要根据上下文判断。例如，“无家可归的孤儿”或“战争孤儿”。
Examples
他从小是个孤儿，被邻居收养了。
everydayHe was an orphan since childhood and was adopted by his neighbors.
战争留下了无数的孤儿，他们的未来堪忧。
newsThe war left countless orphans, and their future is worrying.
那个故事讲述了一个小孤儿的成长经历。
informalThat story tells about the growth experience of a little orphan.
国际社会应加大对发展中国家孤儿的援助。
formalThe international community should increase aid to orphans in developing countries.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
孤儿寡母
orphan and widow (often implying hardship)
孤儿怨
resentment of an orphan (often used in literature)
Often Confused With
'弃儿' (qì ér) specifically refers to a child abandoned by their parents, emphasizing the act of abandonment. '孤儿' (gū ér) is broader, referring to a child who has lost one or both parents, regardless of whether they were abandoned.
'流浪儿' (liúlàng ér) describes a child who is homeless and wandering, focusing on their lifestyle. An orphan might become a '流浪儿', but not all '流浪儿' are orphans, and not all orphans are '流浪儿'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'orphan' is generally used in formal and neutral contexts, especially when discussing social issues, welfare, or historical events. In casual conversation, while understandable, it might carry a heavy emotional tone. Be mindful of the context and audience when using the word.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'orphan' metaphorically without clear context, as it can be misunderstood or sound insensitive. Ensure the distinction between 'orphan' (loss of parents) and 'abandoned child' is clear when necessary.
Tips
Understand the emotional weight
The word 'orphan' often carries a sense of sadness and vulnerability. Use it with empathy and respect.
Avoid misuse for emphasis
Do not casually use 'orphan' to describe something that is merely lacking support, unless the context clearly supports this figurative meaning.
Historical and social significance
Historically, orphans faced immense hardship. Many cultures have traditions and institutions dedicated to their care and well-being.
Word Origin
The word '孤儿' (gū ér) is composed of '孤' (gū), meaning 'alone' or 'solitary', and '儿' (ér), meaning 'child'. This directly reflects the state of a child being alone due to the absence of parents.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, caring for orphans has been a significant social and religious responsibility. Orphanages and adoption systems exist globally to provide care and a sense of belonging to children who have lost their parents.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lone '孤' (lone/alone) '儿' (child) standing by themselves, symbolizing an orphan who has lost their parental support.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“孤儿”通常指父母双亡或至少一方死亡，导致无人抚养的孩子。“弃儿”则特指被父母故意遗弃的孩子。两者的区别在于原因：孤儿是因父母不在，弃儿是因父母抛弃。
虽然现代社会有更好的儿童福利保障，但因各种原因（如疾病、事故、战争等）仍然存在孤儿。社会各界也在努力为他们提供关爱和支持。
“孤儿”本身是一个中性词，用于描述一种客观情况。但它常常带有同情和怜悯的色彩，因为它指向的是一个弱势群体。在非正式语境下，如果带有嘲笑或侮辱的意味使用，则会变成贬义。
可以，但较少见。有时可以用来比喻失去依靠或保护的人事物，例如“技术上的孤儿”，意思是该技术没有了支持和维护。但这种用法不普遍，需要根据具体语境理解。
Test Yourself
在那个动荡的年代，许多孩子变成了______，失去了父母的庇护。
句子描述的是因年代动荡导致父母不在身边而失去庇护的孩子，最符合“孤儿”的定义。
下列哪个选项最能准确定义“孤儿”？
选项B最全面地概括了“孤儿”的定义，包括父母一方或双方的缺失以及无人抚养的状态。
请用“孤儿”组建一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，主语（社会）、谓语（关怀）、宾语（孤儿）清晰，符合基本造句要求，并且表达了积极的含义。
Score: /3
Summary
An orphan is a child who has lost one or both parents and is in need of care.
- Child whose parents are deceased.
- Requires care and societal support.
- Often a subject in stories and welfare discussions.
Understand the emotional weight
The word 'orphan' often carries a sense of sadness and vulnerability. Use it with empathy and respect.
Avoid misuse for emphasis
Do not casually use 'orphan' to describe something that is merely lacking support, unless the context clearly supports this figurative meaning.
Historical and social significance
Historically, orphans faced immense hardship. Many cultures have traditions and institutions dedicated to their care and well-being.
Examples
4 of 4他从小是个孤儿，被邻居收养了。
He was an orphan since childhood and was adopted by his neighbors.
战争留下了无数的孤儿，他们的未来堪忧。
The war left countless orphans, and their future is worrying.
那个故事讲述了一个小孤儿的成长经历。
That story tells about the growth experience of a little orphan.
国际社会应加大对发展中国家孤儿的援助。
The international community should increase aid to orphans in developing countries.
