Rock is a fundamental natural substance that forms the structure of the Earth's surface.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A solid natural mineral aggregate forming the Earth's crust.
- Used in both scientific and everyday contexts for stone.
- Often paired with the measure word '块'.
1) 概览：岩石（yánshí）是地球地壳的主要组成部分，由一种或多种矿物组成。从地质学角度看，它包含了火成岩、沉积岩和变质岩三大类。对于初学者来说，岩石是认识自然界的基础名词。
2) 使用模式：在汉语中，‘岩石’通常作为名词使用，可以作为句子的主语或宾语。例如：‘岩石很坚硬’（主语）或‘我在海边捡到一块岩石’（宾语）。它常与量词‘块’搭配。
3) 常见语境：在地理课、户外探险、建筑工程或地质科普中经常出现。在文学作品中，岩石常被用来象征坚毅、永恒或沉稳的性格。
4) 近义词辨析：‘石头’（shítou）是口语中最常用的词，指代范围更广，包括零散的小石块；‘岩石’则显得更加正式、科学，通常指地壳中大块的、原生的地质结构。在书面语中，使用‘岩石’会显得更严谨。
Examples
这块岩石非常坚硬。
everydayThis rock is very hard.
地质学家正在研究这些岩石的成分。
formalGeologists are studying the composition of these rocks.
他在海边捡到了一块漂亮的岩石。
informalHe picked up a beautiful rock by the sea.
岩石的抗压强度很高。
academicThe compressive strength of the rock is high.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
岩石圈
Lithosphere
岩石地貌
Rocky landform
坚如岩石
As firm as a rock
Often Confused With
Stone is the colloquial term for small rocks. Rock is the technical term for the geological material.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '岩石' in scientific or formal contexts. Use '石头' for everyday, informal speech. They are not always interchangeable in professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '岩石' when they actually mean a small pebble or a stone in the garden. Remember that '岩石' implies a larger, more geological scale.
Tips
Use '块' as the measure word
Always remember to use '块' (kuài) when counting rocks. It is the most natural measure word for solid, irregular objects.
Avoid using in casual conversation
While '岩石' is correct, native speakers often prefer '石头' in casual daily chat. Use '岩石' for formal or academic contexts.
Symbolism in Chinese culture
Rocks are often associated with 'longevity' and 'steadfastness' in traditional Chinese culture, frequently appearing in landscape paintings.
Word Origin
The character '岩' combines the radical for mountain and stone, depicting a rocky mountain cliff. It has been used for thousands of years to describe geological formations.
Cultural Context
Rocks are central to Chinese 'Penjing' (bonsai) and garden design. They represent the 'bone' of the earth and symbolize endurance.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '岩' (mountain + stone). A rock is like a small piece of a mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“石头”是口语词，指任何大小的石块；“岩石”是科学名词，指地质学上的矿物集合体，通常更正式。
岩石的常用量词是“块”。例如：一块岩石。
可以，形容人像岩石一样，通常指性格坚毅、稳重或顽固。
它通常作为主语或宾语，位于动词之前或之后。
Test Yourself
山顶上有很多巨大的___。
山顶通常由岩石构成，其他选项不符合语境。
Score: /1
Summary
Rock is a fundamental natural substance that forms the structure of the Earth's surface.
- A solid natural mineral aggregate forming the Earth's crust.
- Used in both scientific and everyday contexts for stone.
- Often paired with the measure word '块'.
Use '块' as the measure word
Always remember to use '块' (kuài) when counting rocks. It is the most natural measure word for solid, irregular objects.
Avoid using in casual conversation
While '岩石' is correct, native speakers often prefer '石头' in casual daily chat. Use '岩石' for formal or academic contexts.
Symbolism in Chinese culture
Rocks are often associated with 'longevity' and 'steadfastness' in traditional Chinese culture, frequently appearing in landscape paintings.
Examples
4 of 4这块岩石非常坚硬。
This rock is very hard.
地质学家正在研究这些岩石的成分。
Geologists are studying the composition of these rocks.
他在海边捡到了一块漂亮的岩石。
He picked up a beautiful rock by the sea.
岩石的抗压强度很高。
The compressive strength of the rock is high.
