A seed is the biological unit of plant reproduction and a metaphor for the origin of future growth.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The plant part that grows into a new organism.
- Used literally in gardening and agriculture.
- Used metaphorically for beginnings or potential.
Overview
- 1概述：种子（Zhǒngzi）是植物学中的核心概念，是植物繁殖的关键器官。从生物学角度看，种子包含了植物胚胎和养分，是生命延续的载体。2) 使用模式：在日常生活中，种子常与“播种”、“发芽”、“生长”等动词搭配使用。作为名词，它既可以指代具体的植物种子，也可以抽象地指代某种情绪、思想或事物的开端。3) 常见语境：最常见的语境是园艺、农业和自然科学。例如：“春天是播种种子的季节。”此外，在文学或励志语境中，人们常说“希望的种子”，意指美好的未来正在萌发。4) 近义词辨析：与“果实”不同，种子是因，果实是果；与“幼苗”不同，种子是未发芽的状态。理解这些区别有助于更精准地使用该词。
Examples
农民在春天播种种子。
everydayFarmers sow seeds in the spring.
该项目为未来的合作埋下了种子。
formalThe project sowed the seeds for future cooperation.
这颗种子长得真快！
informalThis seed is growing really fast!
种子萌发受多种环境因素影响。
academicSeed germination is influenced by various environmental factors.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆
You reap what you sow.
希望的种子
seeds of hope
良种
improved varieties/good seeds
Often Confused With
A seed is the dormant stage before germination, while a seedling (幼苗) is the young plant that has already emerged.
A seed is the reproductive unit inside the fruit, whereas the fruit (果实) is the edible or protective structure surrounding it.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in tone and widely used in both daily conversation and scientific writing. When used as a noun, it functions as a standard object. Be careful not to use it as a verb; use '种' instead.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often mistakenly use '种子' as a verb. Remember that '种子' is strictly a noun. Also, avoid confusing it with '种族' (race/species) which sounds similar.
Tips
Use with action verbs
Combine '种子' with verbs like '播种' (sow) or '埋下' (bury) to create natural sentences about gardening.
Don't confuse with '种'
Remember that '种子' is a noun for the object, while '种' (zhòng) is a verb meaning to plant.
Symbolism in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, seeds represent hope, patience, and the promise of a harvest, often used in proverbs about hard work.
Word Origin
The character '种' originally referred to planting, and '子' denotes a small object or child. Together they describe the small, vital part of a plant that carries the next generation.
Cultural Context
In Chinese agriculture, the quality of seeds has historically determined the survival of a family, making 'seed' a symbol of life and prosperity. It is frequently referenced in idioms regarding preparation and foresight.
Memory Tip
Think of the word as 'Seed' (种) + 'Child' (子), as if the seed is the 'child' of the plant waiting to grow. This helps remember both the character and the meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions果实通常是包裹种子的外层部分，而种子位于果实内部。简单来说，果实是保护者，种子是生命的载体。
这通常是一种修辞手法，强调某个事物是更深层原因的源头。它指代最初的引发因素。
可以，常用于形容某人具有某种潜质。例如“他是一颗好苗子”或“希望的种子在他心中发芽”。
在中国的大部分地区，春季是播种的主要季节。此时气温回升，适合种子萌发和生长。
Test Yourself
春天到了，农民伯伯开始在田里___种子。
播种是种植种子的动作，符合语境。
“希望的种子”比喻什么？
这是一个隐喻用法，指代可能带来成功或改变的开端。
埋下 / 我 / 希望 / 的 / 种子 / 心里 / 在
符合中文主谓宾结构。
Score: /3
Summary
A seed is the biological unit of plant reproduction and a metaphor for the origin of future growth.
- The plant part that grows into a new organism.
- Used literally in gardening and agriculture.
- Used metaphorically for beginnings or potential.
Use with action verbs
Combine '种子' with verbs like '播种' (sow) or '埋下' (bury) to create natural sentences about gardening.
Don't confuse with '种'
Remember that '种子' is a noun for the object, while '种' (zhòng) is a verb meaning to plant.
Symbolism in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, seeds represent hope, patience, and the promise of a harvest, often used in proverbs about hard work.
Examples
4 of 4农民在春天播种种子。
Farmers sow seeds in the spring.
该项目为未来的合作埋下了种子。
The project sowed the seeds for future cooperation.
这颗种子长得真快！
This seed is growing really fast!
种子萌发受多种环境因素影响。
Seed germination is influenced by various environmental factors.
