平原 in 30 Seconds
- A large, flat or gently rolling area of land, typically with few trees. It's a major geographical feature.
- <mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) means plain or flatland, often fertile and suitable for farming.
- Used to describe wide, open landscapes, contrasting with mountains or hills.
- Key term in geography, travel, and descriptions of rural areas.
The Chinese word 平原 (píng yuán) refers to a plain, a large area of flat or gently rolling land with few trees. It's a geographical term used to describe a significant type of terrain found all over the world, including in China.
- Geographical Context
- In geography, plains are characterized by their low elevation and lack of significant topographical features like mountains or hills. They are often fertile and suitable for agriculture, making them important areas for human settlement and development throughout history.
- Usage in Description
- When describing landscapes or locations, 平原 is used to convey a sense of openness, vastness, and flatness. It contrasts with terms for mountainous regions (山区 shān qū) or hilly areas (丘陵 qiū líng).
- Examples
- You might hear it in sentences like: 'The Yellow River flows through a vast 平原.' (黄河流经一片广阔的平原。) or 'This region is known for its fertile 平原 suitable for farming.' (这个地区以其适合耕种的肥沃平原而闻名。)
中国有许多著名的平原。
我们看到了广阔的平原。
Mastering 平原 (píng yuán) involves understanding its role in describing landscapes and geographical features. It's a noun that typically appears in contexts related to geography, travel, agriculture, and history.
- Describing Geography
- The most common use of 平原 is to describe a geographical area. You'll often find it paired with adjectives that describe its size or characteristics.
- In Travel and Tourism
- When discussing travel destinations or routes, 平原 helps paint a picture of the scenery. For example, a train journey across a 平原 would offer a different view than one through mountains.
- Agriculture and Economy
- Plains are vital for agriculture due to their fertile soil and ease of cultivation. Sentences might discuss the crops grown on a 平原 or the economic importance of these regions.
- Historical Significance
- Many ancient civilizations developed in river valleys and plains. Historical texts might refer to battles fought on a 平原 or the establishment of cities in these areas.
这片平原适合放牧。
他们穿越了广袤的平原。
平原地区人口稠密。
这里曾是一片荒凉的平原。
平原上的风很大。
You'll encounter 平原 (píng yuán) in a variety of real-world situations, reflecting its importance in describing the physical world and human interaction with it.
- Geography Lessons
- In Chinese geography classes, 平原 is a fundamental term. Teachers will use it when discussing different types of landforms, major geographical features of China, and the distribution of its population and resources.
- News and Current Events
- News reports about natural disasters (like floods or droughts affecting agricultural areas), infrastructure projects (building roads or railways across plains), or economic development in rural regions will often mention 平原.
- Travel Documentaries and Guides
- When a documentary showcases the diverse landscapes of China, it's highly likely to feature shots of expansive 平原. Travel guides will use it to describe regions you might visit.
- Literature and Historical Accounts
- Classical Chinese literature and historical texts often describe settings in terms of plains, mountains, or rivers. 平原 would be used to depict the backdrop for stories, battles, or the lives of people in agricultural societies.
- Conversations with Locals
- If you're talking to someone from a rural area, they might describe their hometown as being located on a 平原, or they might talk about the challenges of farming in such an environment.
新闻里说，今年的收成很好，因为平原地区雨水充足。
纪录片展示了中国北方广阔的平原风光。
我的家乡在中国的平原地带。
While 平原 (píng yuán) is a straightforward term, learners might make a few common errors, mostly related to using it in slightly inappropriate contexts or with incorrect modifiers.
- Confusing with Similar Landforms
- Mistake: Using 平原 to describe a plateau (高原 gāo yuán) or a basin (盆地 pén dì). While all are large land areas, they have distinct topographical features. A plain is flat, a plateau is a high, flat area, and a basin is a low-lying area surrounded by higher ground.
- Incorrect Adjectives
- Mistake: Attaching adjectives that don't fit the concept of flatness or openness. For example, saying a 'mountainous plain' (山地平原 shān dì píng yuán) would be contradictory. If you mean a plain with some rolling hills, you might use terms like 'undulating plain' (起伏的平原 qǐ fú de píng yuán) or simply describe it as hilly.
- Overuse in Small Areas
- Mistake: Calling any small, flat area a 平原. The term generally refers to large expanses of flat land. A small backyard or a park might be flat, but it wouldn't typically be called a 平原.
- Grammatical Errors
- Mistake: Incorrectly using measure words or sentence structure. While 平原 is a noun, it often takes the measure word '片' (piàn - piece/expanse) when referring to an area, like '一片平原' (yī piàn píng yuán - a plain). Using other measure words might sound unnatural.
错误：这个山地平原非常美丽。
正确：这片平原地势平坦。
错误：我住在平原公园里。
While 平原 (píng yuán) specifically means 'plain' or 'flatland', there are related terms and alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.
- 平坦 (píng tǎn)
- Meaning: Flat; level.
- Comparison: 平坦 is an adjective describing the state of being flat. 平原 is a noun referring to a geographical area that *is* flat. You can say a 平原 is 平坦 (a plain is flat), but you wouldn't call a 平坦 area a 平原 unless it's a large expanse.
- 陆地 (lù dì)
- Meaning: Land; dry land (as opposed to sea).
- Comparison: 陆地 is a very general term for land. A 平原 is a specific type of 陆地. You can talk about the 陆地 surface, which might include plains, mountains, deserts, etc.
- 草原 (cǎo yuán)
- Meaning: Grassland; prairie.
- Comparison: A 平原 can be a grassland (草原), but not all plains are grasslands (they might be deserts, agricultural fields, etc.). 草原 specifically emphasizes the presence of grass. Many grasslands are located on plains.
- 荒原 (huāng yuán)
- Meaning: Wilderness; wasteland; barren land.
- Comparison: A 平原 can be a 荒原 if it is barren and undeveloped. However, 平原 itself doesn't imply barrenness; it only refers to the flat topography. A fertile plain is the opposite of a wasteland.
- 大地 (dà dì)
- Meaning: Earth; land; great land.
- Comparison: 大地 is a more poetic or general term for the land or the earth. It can encompass any type of terrain. You might speak of the bounty of the 大地, which could include crops from a 平原.
这片平原非常平坦。
草原上覆盖着厚厚的草。
广阔的陆地上有许多不同的地形。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 原 (yuán) itself has an interesting pictographic origin. It is believed to depict a large, flat expanse of land, possibly with a hill or mound in the distance, representing an open and expansive view. This visual connection reinforces the concept of a plain.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tones: Mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning of the word.
- Aspiration: Not aspirating the initial 'p' sound, making it sound like an English 'p'.
- Vowel sound: Pronouncing 'yuan' too much like 'wan' or 'yuen' instead of the correct glide.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its geographical context and collocations requires some background knowledge.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using Measure Words with Nouns
The measure word '片' (piàn) is commonly used for flat, spread-out things like land, paper, or memories. For 平原, '一片平原' (yī piàn píng yuán) is a very common and natural phrasing to refer to 'a plain' or 'an expanse of plain'.
Prepositional Phrases of Location
To indicate location on a plain, the particle '上' (shàng) is often used: '在平原上' (zài píng yuán shàng) - on the plain. This is similar to saying 'on the ground' or 'on the table'.
Adjective-Noun Modification
Adjectives directly modify nouns in Chinese, often without needing a connecting word like '的' (de) for simple adjectives, but '的' is frequently used for descriptive phrases. For example, '广阔的平原' (guǎng kuò de píng yuán) - vast plain.
Compound Nouns
平原 itself is a compound noun. It can also be part of other compound nouns referring to specific types of plains, like '冲积平原' (chōng jī píng yuán - alluvial plain).
Using '是' (shì) for Identification
To identify something as a plain, '是' (shì) is used: '这是平原' (zhè shì píng yuán) - This is a plain.
Examples by Level
这是平原。
This is a plain.
我喜欢平原。
I like plains.
这里是平原。
This place is a plain.
看，平原！
Look, a plain!
大大的平原。
A big plain.
小小的平原。
A small plain.
绿色的平原。
Green plain.
这是平原吗？
Is this a plain?
这片平原很开阔。
This plain is very open.
片 (piàn) is a measure word for flat, spread-out things like land or paper.
我们看到了广阔的平原。
We saw the vast plain.
广阔 (guǎng kuò) means vast or extensive.
这个平原适合种田。
This plain is suitable for farming.
适合 (shì hé) means suitable for.
他们住在平原上。
They live on the plain.
上 (shàng) is used here to indicate location 'on'.
远方是连绵的平原。
In the distance are continuous plains.
连绵 (lián mián) means continuous or stretching endlessly.
这平原的地形很平坦。
The terrain of this plain is very flat.
地形 (dì xíng) means terrain or topography. 平坦 (píng tǎn) means flat or level.
他们穿越了平原。
They crossed the plain.
穿越 (chuān yuè) means to cross or traverse.
这里以前是一片平原。
This place used to be a plain.
以前 (yǐ qián) means before or previously.
中国的华北平原是中国最重要的农业区之一。
The North China Plain is one of China's most important agricultural regions.
华北 (Huá běi) - North China; 农业区 (nóng yè qū) - agricultural region.
河流在平原上蜿蜒流淌，滋养着两岸的土地。
The river meanders across the plain, nourishing the land on both banks.
蜿蜒 (wān yán) - to meander; 滋养 (zī yǎng) - to nourish.
从飞机上俯瞰，平原像一块巨大的绿色地毯。
Looking down from the plane, the plain resembles a giant green carpet.
俯瞰 (fǔ kàn) - to look down from a height; 像 (xiàng) - like, as if.
这个平原地区地势平坦，交通便利，因此吸引了大量人口定居。
The terrain of this plain region is flat and transportation is convenient, thus attracting a large population to settle.
地势 (dì shì) - terrain; 交通便利 (jiāo tōng biàn lì) - convenient transportation; 吸引 (xī yǐn) - to attract; 定居 (dìng jū) - to settle down.
历史上，许多文明都发源于肥沃的平原。
Historically, many civilizations originated in fertile plains.
历史上 (lì shǐ shàng) - historically; 文明 (wén míng) - civilization; 发源于 (fā yuán yú) - to originate from; 肥沃 (féi wò) - fertile.
由于缺乏高山阻挡，这里的平原常常受到强风的侵袭。
Due to the lack of high mountains as barriers, the plains here are often subjected to strong winds.
缺乏 (quē fá) - lack of; 阻挡 (zǔ dǎng) - to block or obstruct; 侵袭 (qīn xí) - to invade or attack (used for weather phenomena).
这个平原上有许多湖泊和湿地。
There are many lakes and wetlands on this plain.
湖泊 (hú pō) - lake; 湿地 (shī dì) - wetland.
他们正在规划在平原上修建新的城市。
They are planning to build a new city on the plain.
规划 (guī huà) - to plan; 修建 (xiū jiàn) - to build or construct.
广袤的平原为畜牧业的发展提供了得天独厚的条件。
The vast plains provide uniquely advantageous conditions for the development of animal husbandry.
广袤 (guǎng mào) - vast; 畜牧业 (chù mù yè) - animal husbandry; 得天独厚 (dé tiān dú hòu) - uniquely advantageous; 条件 (tiáo jiàn) - conditions.
工程师们面临的挑战是如何在平原上有效排水，以防止洪水泛滥。
The challenge faced by the engineers is how to effectively drain the plain to prevent flood overflow.
工程师 (gōng chéng shī) - engineer; 面临 (miàn lín) - to face; 有效 (yǒu xiào) - effective; 排水 (pái shuǐ) - to drain water; 防止 (fáng zhǐ) - to prevent; 洪水泛滥 (hóng shuǐ fàn làn) - flood overflow.
考古学家在平原上发现了一些古代定居点的遗迹。
Archaeologists discovered remnants of ancient settlements on the plain.
考古学家 (kǎo gǔ xué jiā) - archaeologist; 发现 (fā xiàn) - to discover; 定居点 (dìng jū diǎn) - settlement; 遗迹 (yí jì) - relics or remnants.
随着工业化进程的加速，许多平原地区的面貌发生了翻天覆地的变化。
With the acceleration of industrialization, the appearance of many plain regions has undergone earth-shattering changes.
工业化 (gōng yè huà) - industrialization; 进程 (jìn chéng) - process; 加速 (jiā sù) - to accelerate; 面貌 (miàn mào) - appearance; 翻天覆地 (fān tiān fù dì) - earth-shattering, tremendous.
这个平原的独特地质构造使得地下水资源异常丰富。
The unique geological structure of this plain makes its groundwater resources exceptionally abundant.
独特 (dú tè) - unique; 地质构造 (dì zhì gòu zào) - geological structure; 地下水 (dì xià shuǐ) - groundwater; 资源 (zī yuán) - resources; 异常 (yì cháng) - exceptionally; 丰富 (fēng fù) - abundant.
尽管平原地带交通便利，但其生态系统的脆弱性也不容忽视。
Although the plain areas have convenient transportation, the fragility of their ecosystem cannot be ignored.
尽管 (jǐn guǎn) - although; 交通便利 (jiāo tōng biàn lì) - convenient transportation; 生态系统 (shēng tài xì tǒng) - ecosystem; 脆弱性 (cuì ruò xìng) - fragility; 不容忽视 (bù róng hū shì) - cannot be ignored.
在平原地区，夏季的平均气温较高，降雨量也相对集中。
In plain areas, the average temperature in summer is relatively high, and the rainfall is also relatively concentrated.
平均气温 (píng jūn qì wēn) - average temperature; 降雨量 (jiàng yǔ liàng) - rainfall amount; 相对 (xiāng duì) - relatively; 集中 (jí zhōng) - concentrated.
为了保护平原的生物多样性，政府实施了一系列严格的环保措施。
To protect the biodiversity of the plains, the government has implemented a series of strict environmental protection measures.
生物多样性 (shēng wù duō yàng xìng) - biodiversity; 保护 (bǎo hù) - to protect; 实施 (shí shī) - to implement; 一系列 (yī xì liè) - a series of; 严格 (yán gé) - strict; 环保措施 (huán bǎo cuò shī) - environmental protection measures.
这片平原的形成是地质构造运动和河流长期冲刷共同作用的结果。
The formation of this plain is the result of the combined effects of geological tectonic movements and long-term river erosion.
地质构造运动 (dì zhì gòu zào yùn dòng) - geological tectonic movement; 冲刷 (chōng shuā) - to scour or wash away; 共同作用 (gòng tóng zuò yòng) - combined effect; 结果 (jié guǒ) - result.
在平原地区发展现代农业，需要克服水源限制和土壤退化等诸多挑战。
Developing modern agriculture in plain areas requires overcoming numerous challenges such as water source limitations and soil degradation.
现代农业 (xiàn dài nóng yè) - modern agriculture; 克服 (kè fú) - to overcome; 水源限制 (shuǐ yuán xiàn zhì) - water source limitations; 土壤退化 (tǔ rǎng tuì huà) - soil degradation; 诸多 (zhū duō) - numerous; 挑战 (tiǎo zhàn) - challenge.
古代的平原往往是人口稠密、文化繁荣的摇篮。
Ancient plains were often cradles of dense populations and flourishing cultures.
古代 (gǔ dài) - ancient times; 人口稠密 (rén kǒu chóu mì) - densely populated; 文化繁荣 (wén huà fán róng) - flourishing culture; 摇篮 (yáo lán) - cradle.
然而，平原地带也更容易受到自然灾害的影响，例如洪水和干旱。
However, plain areas are also more susceptible to the impact of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts.
然而 (rán ér) - however; 易受...影响 (yì shòu... yǐng xiǎng) - susceptible to the influence of; 自然灾害 (zì rán zāi hài) - natural disaster; 例如 (lì rú) - for example.
该平原的生物多样性极其丰富，是许多珍稀动植物的栖息地。
The biodiversity of this plain is extremely rich, serving as a habitat for many rare flora and fauna.
极其 (jí qí) - extremely; 珍稀 (zhēn xī) - rare and precious; 动植物 (dòng zhí wù) - animals and plants; 栖息地 (qī xī dì) - habitat.
随着全球气候变化，平原地区面临着海平面上升和极端天气事件增多的双重威胁。
With global climate change, plain regions face the dual threat of rising sea levels and an increase in extreme weather events.
全球气候变化 (quán qiú qì hòu biàn huà) - global climate change; 海平面上升 (hǎi píng miàn shàng shēng) - rising sea levels; 极端天气事件 (jí duān tiān qì shì jiàn) - extreme weather events; 双重威胁 (shuāng chóng wēi xié) - dual threat.
为了实现可持续发展，需要在平原开发与环境保护之间找到微妙的平衡。
To achieve sustainable development, a delicate balance must be found between the development of plains and environmental protection.
可持续发展 (kě chí xù fā zhǎn) - sustainable development; 开发 (kāi fā) - development; 环境保护 (huán jìng bǎo hù) - environmental protection; 找到 (zhǎo dào) - to find; 微妙的平衡 (wēi miào de píng héng) - delicate balance.
该平原的形成历史悠久，承载了丰富的地质信息和人类活动痕迹。
The formation history of this plain is long, carrying rich geological information and traces of human activity.
历史悠久 (lì shǐ yōu jiǔ) - long history; 承载 (chéng zài) - to carry or bear; 地质信息 (dì zhì xìn xī) - geological information; 人类活动痕迹 (rén lèi huó dòng hén jì) - traces of human activity.
该平原的形成机制复杂，涉及多期构造抬升与沉降，以及长时期的河流地貌演化。
The formation mechanism of this plain is complex, involving multiple periods of tectonic uplift and subsidence, as well as long-term fluvial geomorphic evolution.
形成机制 (xíng chéng jī zhì) - formation mechanism; 复杂 (fù zá) - complex; 涉及 (shè jí) - to involve; 多期 (duō qī) - multiple periods; 构造抬升 (gòu zào tái shēng) - tectonic uplift; 沉降 (chén jiàng) - subsidence; 长时期 (cháng shí qī) - long period; 地貌演化 (dì mào yǎn huà) - geomorphic evolution.
对平原生态系统的干扰，尤其是大规模的土地开发，可能导致不可逆转的生物多样性丧失。
Interference with the plain ecosystem, especially large-scale land development, can lead to irreversible loss of biodiversity.
干扰 (gān rǎo) - interference; 大规模 (dà guī mó) - large-scale; 土地开发 (tǔ dì kāi fā) - land development; 不可逆转 (bù kě nì zhuǎn) - irreversible; 生物多样性丧失 (shēng wù duō yàng xìng sàng shī) - biodiversity loss.
该平原的农业承载能力与其水文地质条件及土壤肥力密切相关，任何破坏性开发都可能引发系统性风险。
The agricultural carrying capacity of this plain is closely related to its hydrogeological conditions and soil fertility; any destructive development could trigger systemic risks.
农业承载能力 (nóng yè chéng zài néng lì) - agricultural carrying capacity; 水文地质条件 (shuǐ wén dì zhì tiáo jiàn) - hydrogeological conditions; 土壤肥力 (tǔ rǎng féi lì) - soil fertility; 密切相关 (mì qiè xiāng guān) - closely related; 破坏性开发 (pò huài xìng kāi fā) - destructive development; 引发 (yǐn fā) - to trigger; 系统性风险 (xì tǒng xìng fēng xiǎn) - systemic risk.
历史上，平原地区因其易于耕作和交通，常成为文明冲突与融合的交汇点。
Historically, plain regions, due to their ease of cultivation and transportation, often became focal points for the clash and fusion of civilizations.
易于耕作 (yì yú gēng zuò) - easy to cultivate; 冲突 (chōng tū) - conflict; 融合 (róng hé) - fusion; 交汇点 (jiāo huì diǎn) - focal point or intersection.
气候模型预测，未来平原地区将面临更频繁的极端干旱和强降水事件，这对农业生产构成严峻挑战。
Climate models predict that plain regions will face more frequent extreme droughts and heavy precipitation events in the future, posing severe challenges to agricultural production.
气候模型 (qì hòu mó xíng) - climate model; 预测 (yù cè) - to predict; 频繁 (pín fán) - frequent; 强降水 (qiáng jiàng shuǐ) - heavy precipitation; 构成 (gòu chéng) - to constitute or pose; 严峻挑战 (yán jùn tiǎo zhàn) - severe challenge.
对平原湿地生态系统的保护，不仅关乎区域水土保持，更对维护全球生物圈的稳定具有重要意义。
The protection of plain wetland ecosystems is not only related to regional water and soil conservation but also holds significant importance for maintaining the stability of the global biosphere.
湿地生态系统 (shī dì shēng tài xì tǒng) - wetland ecosystem; 保护 (bǎo hù) - protection; 区域 (qū yù) - regional; 水土保持 (shuǐ tǔ bǎo chí) - water and soil conservation; 维护 (wéi hù) - to maintain; 全球生物圈 (quán qiú shēng wù quān) - global biosphere; 稳定 (wěn dìng) - stability; 具有重要意义 (jù yǒu zhòng yào yì yì) - holds significant importance.
城市化进程中，平原地带的土地利用方式转变，从传统的农业用地转向工业和居住用地，其环境影响不容小觑。
During the urbanization process, the land use patterns in plain areas have shifted from traditional agricultural land to industrial and residential land, and their environmental impact should not be underestimated.
城市化进程 (chéng shì huà jìn chéng) - urbanization process; 土地利用方式转变 (tǔ dì lì yòng fāng shì zhuǎn biàn) - shift in land use patterns; 传统 (chuán tǒng) - traditional; 转向 (zhuǎn xiàng) - to turn towards; 居住用地 (jū zhù yòng dì) - residential land; 环境影响 (huán jìng yǐng xiǎng) - environmental impact; 不容小觑 (bù róng xiǎo qù) - should not be underestimated.
该平原的微地貌特征，如河漫滩、阶地和冲积扇，揭示了其复杂的地质演化历史。
The micro-geomorphic features of this plain, such as floodplains, terraces, and alluvial fans, reveal its complex geological evolutionary history.
微地貌特征 (wēi dì mào tè zhēng) - micro-geomorphic features; 河漫滩 (hé màn tān) - floodplain; 阶地 (jiē dì) - terrace; 冲积扇 (chōng jī shàn) - alluvial fan; 揭示 (jiē shì) - to reveal; 地质演化历史 (dì zhì yǎn huà lì shǐ) - geological evolutionary history.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— An expanse of plain; a plain area.
放眼望去，是一片平原。(Fàng yǎn wàng qù, shì yī piàn píng yuán.) - As far as the eye can see, it's a plain.
— Plain region; area characterized by plains.
这个平原地区的居民以农业为主。(Zhè gè píng yuán dì qū de jū mín yǐ nóng yè wéi zhǔ.) - The residents of this plain region are mainly engaged in agriculture.
— Plains and mountainous areas.
中国的地形复杂，既有平原又有山地。(Zhōng guó de dì xíng fù zá, jì yǒu píng yuán yòu yǒu shān dì.) - China's terrain is complex, with both plains and mountainous areas.
— Vast plain; expansive flatland.
我们穿越了一片广阔的平原。(Wǒ men chuān yuè le yī piàn guǎng kuò de píng yuán.) - We traveled across a vast plain.
— Flat terrain; level ground.
这片平原地势平坦，适合建设。(Zhè piàn píng yuán dì shì píng tǎn, shì hé jiàn shè.) - This plain has flat terrain, suitable for construction.
— Thousands of miles of fertile land (often referring to plains).
这片沃野千里，是重要的粮仓。(Zhè piàn wò yě qiān lǐ, shì zhòng yào de liáng cāng.) - These thousands of miles of fertile land are an important granary.
— A vast, flat, open expanse where one can ride a horse freely; a plain.
眼前是一马平川的景象。(Yán qián shì yī mǎ píng chuān de jǐng xiàng.) - Before us is a scene of a vast, unobstructed plain.
— The wind blows and the grass lowers, revealing cattle and sheep (describing a vast grassland/plain).
这是风吹草低见牛羊的平原景色。(Zhè shì fēng chuī cǎo dī jiàn niú yáng de píng yuán jǐng sè.) - This is the scenery of a plain where the wind blows and the grass lowers, revealing cattle and sheep.
— Vast territory and abundant resources (often applicable to large plains).
中国地大物博，有许多平原。(Zhōng guó dì dà wù bó, yǒu xǔ duō píng yuán.) - China has a vast territory and abundant resources, with many plains.
— Beautiful mountains and clear waters (often contrasted with plains).
有人喜欢山清水秀，有人则偏爱平原的开阔。(Yǒu rén xǐ huān shān qīng shuǐ xiù, yǒu rén zé piān ài píng yuán de kāi kuò.) - Some people like beautiful mountains and clear waters, while others prefer the openness of the plains.
Often Confused With
平原 refers to flat land at low elevation, while 高原 refers to flat land at high elevation. The key difference is altitude.
平原 describes the topography (flatness), whereas 草原 describes the vegetation (grass). A plain can be a grassland, but not all plains are grasslands, and vice versa.
平原 refers to a large geographical area, while 平地 can refer to any flat ground, including smaller areas like a field or even a tabletop. 平原 is a more specific and larger-scale term.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'one horse flat plain'. It describes a vast, flat, open expanse of land where one can ride a horse freely without obstruction. It is used to describe a plain or any unobstructed flat area, emphasizing its openness and flatness.
火车一马平川地驶向远方。(Huǒ chē yī mǎ píng chuān dì shǐ xiàng yuǎn fāng.) - The train sped towards the distance as if on a vast, flat plain.
Idiomatic/Descriptive— Vast territory and abundant resources. This idiom is often associated with large countries that have extensive landmasses, which frequently include vast plains that are rich in resources like fertile soil or mineral deposits.
中国地大物博，拥有众多平原和丰富的自然资源。(Zhōng guó dì dà wù bó, yōng yǒu zhòng duō píng yuán hé fēng fù de zì rán zī yuán.) - China has a vast territory and abundant resources, possessing numerous plains and rich natural resources.
Idiomatic/General— When the wind blows, the grass bends low, revealing cattle and sheep. This idiom vividly describes the scenery of vast grasslands or plains where the landscape is open and the vegetation is low enough to see animals grazing.
站在山顶望去，风吹草低见牛羊的平原美景尽收眼底。(Zhàn zài shān dǐng wàng qù, fēng chuī cǎo dī jiàn niú yáng de píng yuán měi jǐng jìn shōu yǎn dǐ.) - Standing on the mountaintop and looking out, the beautiful scenery of the plain, where the wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep, unfolds before one's eyes.
Idiomatic/Descriptive— Thousands of miles of fertile land. This idiom specifically refers to vast plains that are highly fertile and productive, often implying significant agricultural potential and abundance.
这片沃野千里的平原是中国重要的粮食产区。(Zhè piàn wò yě qiān lǐ de píng yuán shì Zhōng guó zhòng yào de liáng shí chǎn qū.) - This plain of thousands of miles of fertile land is an important grain-producing area in China.
Idiomatic/Literary— To sit in a well and look at the sky; to have a very limited outlook or perspective. While not directly related to plains, the concept of limited perspective can be contrasted with the vastness of a plain.
只看书本上的知识，而不去实践，就像坐井观天，视野太狭窄了。(Zhǐ kàn shū běn shàng de zhī shi, ér bù qù shí jiàn, jiù xiàng zuò jǐng guān tiān, shì yě tài xiá zhǎi le.) - Only reading knowledge from books without practical experience is like sitting in a well and looking at the sky; the perspective is too narrow.
Idiomatic/Figurative— The sky is high and the land is vast. This idiom describes a wide-open space, often used for plains or vast natural landscapes, emphasizing the sense of freedom and expanse.
站在平原上，感受着天高地阔，心情格外舒畅。(Zhàn zài píng yuán shàng, gǎn shòu zhe tiān gāo dì kuò, xīn qíng gé wài shū chàng.) - Standing on the plain, feeling the vastness of the sky and land, one feels exceptionally relaxed.
Idiomatic/Descriptive— Boundless; as far as the eye can see. This is often used to describe vast plains, oceans, or deserts, highlighting their immense scale and lack of boundaries.
从山顶望去，平原呈现出一望无垠的景象。(Cóng shān dǐng wàng qù, píng yuán chéng xiàn chū yī wàng wú yín de jǐng xiàng.) - Looking from the mountaintop, the plain presents a boundless sight.
Idiomatic/Descriptive— Abundant resources and prosperous people. This idiom is often associated with fertile plains that support large populations and economic prosperity through agriculture.
这片平原物产丰富，人民生活物阜民丰。(Zhè piàn píng yuán wù chǎn fēng fù, rén mín shēng huó wù fù mín fēng.) - This plain is rich in products, and the people's lives are prosperous with abundant resources.
Idiomatic/Descriptive— Trivial matters; trifles. This idiom is used to describe unimportant things and is often contrasted with larger, more significant issues or landscapes like plains.
别为鸡毛蒜皮的小事争吵，看看外面平原的风景吧。(Bié wèi jī máo suàn pí de xiǎo shì zhēng chǎo, kàn kàn wài miàn píng yuán de fēng jǐng ba.) - Don't argue over trivial matters; look at the scenery of the plain outside.
Idiomatic/Figurative— Mountains and rivers twist and turn; complex and difficult situation. This idiom describes challenging or intricate terrain, often contrasted with the simplicity and openness of a plain.
与山重水复的山路不同，这里的平原道路十分好走。(Yǔ shān chóng shuǐ fù de shān lù bù tóng, zhè lǐ de píng yuán dào lù shí fēn hǎo zǒu.) - Unlike the winding mountain paths, the roads on this plain are very easy to travel.
Idiomatic/DescriptiveEasily Confused
Both words end in 'yuán' (原) and refer to large land areas.
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) means plain, referring to flat land at low elevation. <mark>高原</mark> (gāo yuán) means plateau, referring to flat land at high elevation. The character '高' (gāo) means high, distinguishing it from '平' (píng) meaning flat/level.
我们住在<mark>平原</mark>上，而那边的<mark>高原</mark>很高。(Wǒ men zhù zài píng yuán shàng, ér nà biān de gāo yuán hěn gāo.) - We live on the plain, while the plateau over there is very high.
Both are large geographical areas often associated with open landscapes.
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) describes the topography: flat land. <mark>草原</mark> (cǎo yuán) describes the vegetation: grassland. A plain can be a grassland, but it can also be agricultural land, desert, etc. A grassland is characterized by grass.
这片<mark>平原</mark>上长满了草，形成了一片美丽的<mark>草原</mark>。(Zhè piàn píng yuán shàng zhǎng mǎn le cǎo, xíng chéng le yī piàn měi lì de cǎo yuán.) - This plain is covered with grass, forming a beautiful grassland.
Both words contain the character '平' (píng) meaning flat.
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) refers specifically to a large geographical plain. <mark>平地</mark> (píng dì) is a more general term for any flat ground or area, which could be a small field, a yard, or even a flat surface like a table.
这<mark>平地</mark>可以用来建房，但那片<mark>平原</mark>是国家公园。(Zhè píng dì kě yǐ yòng lái jiàn fáng, dàn nà piàn píng yuán shì guó jiā gōng yuán.) - This flat ground can be used to build houses, but that plain is a national park.
Both refer to landmasses.
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) is a specific type of landform (a plain). <mark>陆地</mark> (lù dì) is a general term for 'land' or 'dry land' as opposed to the sea or water. A plain is a part of the land.
飞机降落在了<mark>陆地</mark>上，这片<mark>陆地</mark>看起来像一片<mark>平原</mark>。(Fēi jī jiàng luò zài le lù dì shàng, zhè piàn lù dì kàn qǐ lái xiàng yī piàn píng yuán.) - The plane landed on land, and this land looked like a plain.
Both refer to the earth or land.
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) is a specific geographical feature (a plain). <mark>大地</mark> (dà dì) is a more general, often poetic term for the Earth or the vast land, encompassing all types of terrain.
我们脚下的<mark>大地</mark>孕育了生命，而这片<mark>平原</mark>是重要的粮仓。(Wǒ men jiǎo xià de dà dì yùn yù le shēng mìng, ér zhè piàn píng yuán shì zhòng yào de liáng cāng.) - The Earth beneath our feet nurtures life, and this plain is an important granary.
Sentence Patterns
这是<mark>平原</mark>。
这是<mark>平原</mark>。
这片<mark>平原</mark> + Adjective
这片<mark>平原</mark>很开阔。
在<mark>平原</mark>上 + Verb Phrase
在<mark>平原</mark>上放牧。
Noun + <mark>平原</mark> + 是 + Description
华北<mark>平原</mark>是中国重要的农业区。
<mark>平原</mark> + 的 + Noun + Adjective
<mark>平原</mark>的土地很肥沃。
<mark>平原</mark> + 地区 + Adjective
<mark>平原</mark>地区交通便利。
为了 + Verb Phrase + <mark>平原</mark> + 面临 + Challenge
为了发展农业，<mark>平原</mark>面临水源限制。
<mark>平原</mark> + 的 + Noun + 是 + Result/Factor
<mark>平原</mark>的形成是地质运动的结果。
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High (as a common geographical term)
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Confusing <mark>平原</mark> with <mark>高原</mark>.
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<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) refers to a plain (flat, low elevation). <mark>高原</mark> (gāo yuán) refers to a plateau (flat, high elevation).
Learners often mix these up because both end in 'yuán' and describe flat areas. Remember '高' (gāo) means high, so <mark>高原</mark> is high and flat.
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Using <mark>平原</mark> for small flat areas.
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<mark>平原</mark> refers to large, expansive areas of flat land. For smaller flat areas, use <mark>平地</mark> (píng dì) or describe it as <span class='font-mono'>平坦</span> (píng tǎn - flat).
'<mark>平原</mark>' implies a significant geographical feature, not just any flat spot. Think of the scale difference between a field and a whole region.
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Incorrect tone pronunciation.
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Pronounce <mark>平原</mark> with the correct tones: píng (2nd tone) yuán (2nd tone).
Mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion with other words or make the word sound unnatural. Practice listening and repeating.
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Using the wrong measure word.
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The most common measure word for <mark>平原</mark> is '片' (piàn). Use '一片<mark>平原</mark>'.
While other measure words might be technically possible in very specific contexts, '片' is the standard and most natural choice for referring to an expanse of plain.
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Using <mark>平原</mark> to describe a hilly area.
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<mark>平原</mark> specifically means flat or gently rolling land. For hilly areas, use '<mark>丘陵</mark>' (qiū líng).
The core meaning of <mark>平原</mark> is flatness. If the land has significant hills, it's not a plain.
Tips
Master the Tones
The tones for 平原 (píng yuán) are crucial. Practice the second tone (rising) for both characters. Listen to native speakers and mimic their intonation to avoid confusion with other words.
Connect with 'Flat'
Remember that the character 平 (píng) means 'flat' or 'level'. This is the core meaning of 平原, so associate the word with images of wide, flat expanses of land.
Use Measure Words Correctly
The measure word '片' (piàn) is very commonly used with 平原 to refer to an area or expanse. Saying '一片平原' is more natural than just saying '平原' when referring to a specific area.
Think Geographically
Understand that 平原 is a geographical term. When you hear it, picture a large, flat landscape, distinct from mountains or hills. This context will help you use and understand the word more effectively.
Visual Association
Imagine a vast, flat green field stretching to the horizon. Picture yourself playing ping pong ('píng') on this enormous, level area ('yuán'). This visual link can help you remember the word and its meaning.
Distinguish from Similar Terms
Be aware of related terms like 高原 (gāo yuán - plateau) and 草原 (cǎo yuán - grassland). Remember 平原 emphasizes flatness and low elevation, 高原 emphasizes flatness and high elevation, and 草原 emphasizes grass cover.
Use in Sentences
Try creating your own sentences using 平原. Describe a place you've been or imagine a fictional landscape. For example: '我喜欢平原的开阔感。' (I like the sense of openness of the plain.)
Understand the Characters
The character 平 (píng) means flat, and 原 (yuán) means plain or original land. Understanding these components reinforces the meaning of 平原 as 'flat original land'.
Connect to Chinese Geography
Learn about famous Chinese plains like the North China Plain (华北平原). Knowing specific examples makes the word more concrete and memorable.
Engage with Exercises
Complete the practice exercises provided. Fill-in-the-blanks, sentence ordering, and comprehension tasks are excellent ways to solidify your understanding and usage of 平原.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'ping pong' on a flat 'yuan' (like a round table). Imagine playing ping pong on a vast, flat plain. The word 平原 (píng yuán) sounds a bit like 'ping yuan'. Picture a vast, flat expanse where you can play ping pong easily because it's so level.
Visual Association
Visualize a vast, green, flat field stretching as far as the eye can see. Imagine a single ping pong table placed in the middle of this enormous, level area. The flatness of the plain reminds you of 'píng' (flat), and the large open space evokes 'yuán' (plain/original land).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a landscape you know well using the word 平原. If you live in a mountainous area, imagine what it would be like if it were a 平原. If you live near a plain, describe its characteristics using 平原 and related adjectives.
Word Origin
The word 平原 (píng yuán) is composed of two characters: 平 (píng) and 原 (yuán). Both characters have ancient origins in the Chinese language, and their combination logically forms the meaning of 'plain'.
Original meaning: The character 平 (píng) originally depicted a level surface, symbolizing flatness and equality. The character 原 (yuán) originally referred to a high, flat area of land, a plateau or tableland, but its meaning evolved to encompass plains as well, often implying an original or natural state of the land.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When discussing plains, it's important to acknowledge their significance for agriculture and settlement, as well as their potential vulnerability to environmental changes like floods or droughts. Avoid romanticizing them solely as empty spaces; they are often highly utilized and ecologically important areas.
In English-speaking countries, terms like 'prairie', 'savanna', 'flatlands', or simply 'plains' are used. The North American prairies, for example, are vast plains that were historically home to nomadic peoples and later became major agricultural regions. The concept of the 'frontier' in American history was often associated with expanding into these open plains.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing geographical features and landscapes.
- 广阔的<mark>平原</mark>
- <mark>平原</mark>地区
- 连绵的<mark>平原</mark>
Discussing agriculture and land use.
- 肥沃的<mark>平原</mark>
- <mark>平原</mark>适合耕种
- 开发<mark>平原</mark>
Talking about travel and geography.
- 穿越<mark>平原</mark>
- 从飞机上俯瞰<mark>平原</mark>
- 中国的<mark>平原</mark>
Historical and cultural discussions.
- 古代<mark>平原</mark>
- 文明发源于<mark>平原</mark>
- 一马平川
Environmental and geological topics.
- <mark>平原</mark>的形成
- <mark>平原</mark>生态系统
- 湿地<mark>平原</mark>
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever traveled through a vast plain? What was it like?"
"If you could live anywhere, would you prefer a city, mountains, or a plain? Why?"
"What kind of activities do you think are best suited for a plain?"
"Can you think of any famous plains in the world or in China?"
"How do you imagine the weather might be different on a plain compared to a mountainous area?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a dream landscape featuring a large plain. What colors, sounds, and feelings are present?
Imagine you are a farmer living on a plain. Write about a typical day and the challenges or joys you experience.
Compare and contrast the feeling of being in a vast plain versus being in a dense forest. What emotions do each evoke?
Write a short story where a significant event happens on a plain. How does the setting influence the plot?
Reflect on the importance of flat land for human development. How might the existence of plains have shaped history?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'平原' (píng yuán) refers to a plain, which is a large area of flat or gently rolling land typically at a low elevation. '高原' (gāo yuán) refers to a plateau, which is also a large area of flat or gently rolling land, but it is at a high elevation. The key difference is altitude: 平原 is low, 高原 is high.
Yes, often. A 平原 describes the topography (flatness), while a 草原 describes the vegetation (grass). Many grasslands are located on plains because the flat terrain is suitable for grass to grow extensively. However, not all plains are grasslands (e.g., agricultural plains, desert plains), and not all grasslands are perfectly flat (e.g., rolling grasslands).
Generally, no. 平原 refers to large, expansive areas of flat land. For smaller flat areas, terms like '平地' (píng dì - flat ground) or simply describing the area as 'flat' (平坦 píng tǎn) would be more appropriate.
The most common measure word for 平原 is '片' (piàn), used to indicate an expanse or a piece of something flat and spread out. So, you would say '一片平原' (yī piàn píng yuán) meaning 'a plain' or 'an expanse of plain'.
The pronunciation is 'píng yuán'. Both characters have distinct tones: 'píng' is typically the second tone (rising), and 'yuán' is also typically the second tone (rising). Make sure to aspirate the 'p' sound and glide smoothly from 'u' to 'an' in 'yuán'.
Yes, several idioms describe plains or their characteristics. '一马平川' (yī mǎ píng chuān) means a vast, unobstructed plain. '风吹草低见牛羊' (fēng chuī cǎo dī jiàn niú yáng) vividly describes the scenery of a plain with grazing animals. '天高地阔' (tiān gāo dì kuò) describes the vastness often associated with plains.
The main characteristics are its large extent, flatness or gentle undulation, and low elevation. Plains are often fertile due to sediment deposition by rivers and are thus important for agriculture and human settlement.
While primarily a geographical term, '平原' can be used figuratively to describe a situation that is open, unobstructed, or lacking complexity, similar to how 'flat' or 'open field' might be used metaphorically in English. However, this is less common than its literal meaning.
Plains like the North China Plain and the Yangtze River Delta plain have been cradles of Chinese civilization, supporting large populations and agricultural economies for millennia. They were also crucial for transportation, trade, and military movements.
'平原' (píng yuán) is a specific type of landform (a plain). '陆地' (lù dì) is a general term for 'land' or 'dry land' as opposed to water. A plain is a part of the land.
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Summary
<mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) refers to a plain, a large expanse of flat or gently rolling land. It's a fundamental geographical term used to describe open, often fertile landscapes suitable for agriculture and settlement.
- A large, flat or gently rolling area of land, typically with few trees. It's a major geographical feature.
- <mark>平原</mark> (píng yuán) means plain or flatland, often fertile and suitable for farming.
- Used to describe wide, open landscapes, contrasting with mountains or hills.
- Key term in geography, travel, and descriptions of rural areas.
Master the Tones
The tones for 平原 (píng yuán) are crucial. Practice the second tone (rising) for both characters. Listen to native speakers and mimic their intonation to avoid confusion with other words.
Connect with 'Flat'
Remember that the character 平 (píng) means 'flat' or 'level'. This is the core meaning of 平原, so associate the word with images of wide, flat expanses of land.
Use Measure Words Correctly
The measure word '片' (piàn) is very commonly used with 平原 to refer to an area or expanse. Saying '一片平原' is more natural than just saying '平原' when referring to a specific area.
Think Geographically
Understand that 平原 is a geographical term. When you hear it, picture a large, flat landscape, distinct from mountains or hills. This context will help you use and understand the word more effectively.
