At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '物种' (wùzhǒng) often. Instead, you might use the simpler word '种' (zhǒng) or '东西' (dōngxi). Think of '物种' as a very fancy way to say 'a kind of animal' or 'a kind of plant.' At this stage, just recognize that '物' means things/animals and '种' means kind. If you see it in a book about animals, it just means 'a type of living thing.' For example, if you see a picture of a panda and a tiger, they are two different '物种.'
At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between '种类' (general types) and '物种' (biological species). You might see '物种' in basic science readings or news about nature. You should know that '物种' is a noun. You can use it with numbers and the measure word '种.' For example: '世界上有很多物种' (There are many species in the world). It's a useful word when you want to talk about protecting animals (保护物种).
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '物种' accurately in discussions about the environment, biology, and geography. You should understand phrases like '濒危物种' (endangered species) and '物种多样性' (species diversity). You should also know the difference between '物种' and '品种' (breed/variety). This is the level where you move from general descriptions to more precise, scientific language when discussing nature and the world around us.
At the B2 level, '物种' should be a standard part of your academic and formal vocabulary. You should be able to discuss complex topics like '外来物种入侵' (invasive species invasion) or '物种的进化' (evolution of species). You can use it in writing essays about conservation or biology. You should also be comfortable using it in various grammatical positions—as a subject, object, or part of a compound noun—without confusing it with more general terms.
At the C1 level, your understanding of '物种' should include its metaphorical uses and its role in highly technical contexts. You might encounter it in philosophical discussions about '物种歧视' (speciesism) or in high-level scientific journals discussing '物种形成' (speciation) mechanisms. You should be able to nuance your speech by using related terms like '亚种' (subspecies) or '特有物种' (endemic species) and understand the historical context of the word in Chinese scientific literature.
At the C2 level, '物种' is a tool for precise communication in any professional or academic setting. You can discuss the nuances of taxonomic classification, the genetic definitions of a species, and the socio-political implications of species conservation laws. You are expected to use the term with native-like precision, including its use in complex idiomatic or formal structures, and be able to explain the concept in depth to others using sophisticated Mandarin.

物种 in 30 Seconds

  • 物种 (wùzhǒng) means 'species' in a biological and scientific context.
  • It is a formal noun used for animals, plants, and microorganisms.
  • It is often used in discussions about conservation, evolution, and biodiversity.
  • Commonly paired with '濒危' (endangered) or '保护' (protect).

The term 物种 (wùzhǒng) is the precise Mandarin equivalent of the English word 'species.' It is a fundamental concept in biology, ecology, and environmental science. While in casual English we might use 'kind' or 'type' interchangeably with species, in Chinese, 物种 carries a specific scientific weight, referring to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It is composed of two characters: 物 (wù) meaning 'matter' or 'thing' (often used for living things in this context), and 种 (zhǒng) meaning 'seed,' 'kind,' or 'category.' Together, they form the 'category of living things.'

Scientific Precision
Unlike the general term 种类 (zhǒnglèi), which can refer to types of cars or books, 物种 is almost exclusively reserved for biological classification. If you are discussing the extinction of the dodo or the discovery of a new deep-sea fish, this is the word you must use.

科学家们在这个偏远的岛屿上发现了三个全新的物种。 (Scientists discovered three completely new species on this remote island.)

In modern discourse, you will encounter 物种 frequently in discussions regarding climate change and conservation. Terms like 濒危物种 (bīnwēi wùzhǒng) for 'endangered species' are common in news headlines. It is also used metaphorically in business or technology to describe a 'new breed' of company or product, though this usage is less frequent than its biological application.

Biodiversity Context
It is the central component of the phrase 物种多样性 (wùzhǒng duōyàngxìng), meaning species diversity, which is a key metric for ecosystem health.

Understanding the nuance between 物种 and similar words like 品种 (pǐnzhǒng) is crucial. While 物种 refers to the biological species (e.g., Canis lupus), 品种 refers to breeds or varieties within a species (e.g., a Golden Retriever). Using 物种 correctly signals a higher level of education and scientific literacy in your Chinese communication.

Using 物种 (wùzhǒng) requires an understanding of its role as a formal noun. It often acts as the subject or object in sentences describing biological facts, environmental changes, or evolutionary history. Because it is a formal term, it pairs well with academic verbs like 灭绝 (mièjué - to go extinct), 进化 (jìnhuà - to evolve), and 保护 (bǎohù - to protect).

As a Subject
When 物种 is the subject, it often describes the status of a group. For example: 这个物种正在迅速消失 (This species is rapidly disappearing).

每个物种在生态系统中都扮演着重要的角色。 (Every species plays an important role in the ecosystem.)

In grammatical structures, 物种 is frequently modified by adjectives or noun phrases to specify which species are being discussed. You will often see it paired with geographic locations (e.g., 本地物种 - native species) or status indicators (e.g., 外来物种 - invasive/alien species). Note that in Chinese, we do not usually pluralize nouns, so 物种 can mean 'species' (singular) or 'species' (plural) depending on the context and the numbers used before it.

Common Modifiers
Use 濒危 (endangered), 原始 (primitive), 优势 (dominant), or 稀有 (rare) to provide more detail about the nature of the species in question.

Furthermore, 物种 is a key part of compound nouns. For instance, 物种起源 (Wùzhǒng Qǐyuán) is the Chinese title of Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species.' In formal writing, using the full word 物种 is preferred over just to avoid ambiguity, especially when the text is not purely scientific but intended for a general educated audience.

You are most likely to encounter 物种 (wùzhǒng) in educational settings, media reports on the environment, and nature documentaries. If you watch the Chinese-dubbed versions of BBC's 'Planet Earth' or National Geographic specials, the narrators will use this word constantly. It provides the necessary gravitas for discussing the natural world's complexity.

News and Journalism
Chinese news outlets like CCTV or Xinhua frequently report on '物种保护' (species protection) efforts, especially regarding iconic animals like the Giant Panda or the Yangtze Finless Porpoise.

由于栖息地的丧失,许多物种正面临灭绝的威胁。 (Due to habitat loss, many species are facing the threat of extinction.)

In academic contexts, from middle school biology textbooks to university research papers, 物种 is the standard term. You will hear professors discuss 物种形成 (speciation) or 物种分布 (species distribution). It is not a word used in a casual conversation at a grocery store, but it is essential for anyone interested in science, nature, or global issues.

Museums and Zoos
When visiting a natural history museum in China, the plaques describing fossils or taxidermy will invariably use 物种 to classify the displays. For example, '这是一个生活在白垩纪的物种' (This is a species that lived in the Cretaceous period).

The most frequent mistake learners make with 物种 (wùzhǒng) is confusing it with 种类 (zhǒnglèi) or 品种 (pǐnzhǒng). While they all translate roughly to 'kind' or 'type' in English, their usage domains are strictly separated in Chinese. Using the wrong one can make a sentence sound biologically impossible or grammatically awkward.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 种类 (zhǒnglèi)
种类 is a general word for 'types' of anything—cars, music, food. You can say '各种各样的音乐种类' (all kinds of music), but you cannot say '各种各样的音乐物种.' 物种 is strictly for biological organisms.

Incorrect: 商店里有很多物种的衣服。
Correct: 商店里有很多种类的衣服。

Another common error is using 物种 when you mean 品种 (pǐnzhǒng). 品种 is used for breeds of pets or varieties of crops. For example, a Poodle and a Husky are different 品种, but they belong to the same 物种 (dogs). If you say 'My dog is a rare 物种,' you are claiming your dog is a separate biological species from all other dogs, which is scientifically incorrect.

Mistake 2: Measure Word Usage
Sometimes learners forget to use the measure word 种 (zhǒng) before the word 物种. While it feels redundant in English ('a species of species'), in Chinese, '一种物种' is the standard way to say 'a species.'

To truly master 物种 (wùzhǒng), you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of classification. Depending on how technical or general you want to be, you might choose a different word.

物种 vs. 生物 (shēngwù)
生物 means 'living thing' or 'organism.' It is more general. You might say 'ocean organisms' (海洋生物), but if you are counting how many distinct types there are, you talk about 'species' (物种).
物种 vs. 品种 (pǐnzhǒng)
As mentioned before, 品种 is for breeds (dogs, cats) or cultivars (rice, apples). It implies human intervention or specific selection within a single species.

虽然它们是同一个物种,但属于不同的品种。 (Although they are the same species, they belong to different breeds.)

Other alternatives include 类别 (lèibié), which is a general term for 'category' or 'class,' and 族群 (zúqún), which means 'population' or 'ethnic group.' In biology, 族群 refers to a specific group of individuals of the same species living in a certain area. Choosing between 物种 and 族群 depends on whether you are talking about the whole global category or just the local group.

Academic Hierarchy
In the hierarchy of 界 (Kingdom), 门 (Phylum), 纲 (Class), 目 (Order), 科 (Family), 属 (Genus), 种 (Species), 物种 is the final, most specific level.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Chinese translation for Darwin's 'Origin of Species' used '物种' to introduce the modern biological concept to China in the late 19th century. Before this, terms like '种类' were used more vaguely.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈspiː.ʃiːz/
US /ˈspiː.siːz/
Second character 'zhǒng' usually carries the semantic weight but both are stressed equally.
Rhymes With
重 (zhòng) 众 (zhòng) 弄 (nòng) 洞 (dòng) 送 (sòng) 用 (yòng) 懂 (dǒng) 等 (děng)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing '物' as 'wú' (2nd tone) instead of 'wù' (4th tone).
  • Pronouncing '种' as 'zhòng' (4th tone - to plant) instead of 'zhǒng' (3rd tone - kind/seed).
  • Confusing the 'zh' sound with 'z'.
  • Failing to fully execute the 3rd tone dip in 'zhǒng'.
  • Mixing up the word with '品种' (pǐnzhǒng).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Recognizable in science contexts, though characters are common.

Writing 4/5

Characters '物' and '种' are foundational but writing '物种' in academic contexts requires precision.

Speaking 3/5

Tones (4-3) are distinct but need practice to flow naturally.

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with '品种' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

东西 (thing) 动物 (animal) 植物 (plant) 种 (kind) 世界 (world)

Learn Next

多样性 (diversity) 灭绝 (extinction) 进化 (evolution) 生态 (ecology) 基因 (gene)

Advanced

分类学 (taxonomy) 栖息地 (habitat) 遗传漂变 (genetic drift) 生态位 (niche)

Grammar to Know

Measure Word '种'

三种物种 (Three species)

Noun Modification with '的'

珍稀的物种 (Rare species)

Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)

人类保护物种 (Humans protect species)

Existential '有'

这里有很多物种 (There are many species here)

Prepositional '对...的影响'

污染对物种的影响 (The impact of pollution on species)

Examples by Level

1

这是一种非常特别的物种。

This is a very special species.

Uses '一种' as a measure word phrase.

2

猫和狗是不同的物种。

Cats and dogs are different species.

Simple A and B comparison.

3

这个物种很大。

This species is very big.

Subject + Adjective structure.

4

我不认识这个物种。

I don't know this species.

Negative verb '不认识'.

5

那里有很多物种。

There are many species there.

Existential sentence with '有'.

6

这个物种很漂亮。

This species is very beautiful.

Simple description.

7

它是哪种物种?

Which species is it?

Question form using '哪种'.

8

我喜欢研究不同的物种。

I like to study different species.

Verb '喜欢' + infinitive-like structure.

1

我们必须保护濒危物种。

We must protect endangered species.

Modal verb '必须' (must).

2

科学家发现了一个新物种。

Scientists discovered a new species.

Past action with '了'.

3

这个海岛有很多特有物种。

This island has many endemic species.

Adjective '特有' (unique/endemic).

4

每个物种都很重要。

Every species is important.

Use of '每个' (every).

5

这种物种只生活在非洲。

This species only lives in Africa.

Adverb '只' (only).

6

恐龙是灭绝的物种。

Dinosaurs are an extinct species.

Noun modification with '的'.

7

外来物种可能会破坏环境。

Invasive species might damage the environment.

Modal '可能' (might).

8

这个森林里有数千个物种。

There are thousands of species in this forest.

Number '数千' (thousands).

1

物种多样性对生态系统至关重要。

Species diversity is crucial to the ecosystem.

Formal phrase '至关重要' (crucial).

2

气候变化威胁着许多物种的生存。

Climate change threatens the survival of many species.

Continuous aspect '着'.

3

由于人类活动,物种灭绝的速度加快了。

Due to human activity, the rate of species extinction has accelerated.

Structure '由于...速度加快了'.

4

我们要区分物种和品种这两个概念。

We need to distinguish between the two concepts of species and breed.

Verb '区分' (distinguish).

5

这个物种已经适应了寒冷的环境。

This species has already adapted to the cold environment.

Present perfect with '已经...了'.

6

在这个区域,该物种是优势物种。

In this area, this species is the dominant species.

Term '优势物种' (dominant species).

7

科学家正在研究该物种的遗传特征。

Scientists are studying the genetic characteristics of the species.

Progressive aspect '正在'.

8

这个物种的起源可以追溯到数百万年前。

The origin of this species can be traced back millions of years.

Structure '可以追溯到' (can be traced back to).

1

物种的跨国界迁徙增加了保护工作的难度。

The trans-boundary migration of species increases the difficulty of conservation efforts.

Complex subject phrase.

2

引进外来物种必须经过严格的科学评估。

The introduction of alien species must undergo rigorous scientific assessment.

Verb '经过' (undergo/pass through).

3

该自然保护区旨在保护当地特有的珍稀物种。

The nature reserve aims to protect rare species endemic to the area.

Formal verb '旨在' (aims to).

4

物种之间的竞争是自然选择的核心。

Competition between species is at the core of natural selection.

Phrase '...之间的' (between...).

5

基因工程可能会创造出前所未有的新物种。

Genetic engineering might create unprecedented new species.

Idiom '前所未有' (unprecedented).

6

我们需要建立更完善的物种监测系统。

We need to establish a more complete species monitoring system.

Comparative '更' + adjective.

7

某些物种对环境变化的反应非常敏感。

Certain species are very sensitive to environmental changes.

Structure '对...反应敏感'.

8

这一发现填补了该物种进化史上的空白。

This discovery filled a gap in the evolutionary history of the species.

Metaphorical phrase '填补...空白'.

1

物种形成的机制一直是生物学研究的热点。

The mechanism of speciation has always been a hotspot in biological research.

Technical term '物种形成' (speciation).

2

生态位的重叠往往导致物种间的激烈竞争。

Niche overlap often leads to intense competition between species.

Technical term '生态位' (niche).

3

我们不应带有物种偏见地去看待自然界。

We should not view the natural world with species bias.

Adverbial phrase with '地'.

4

由于地理隔离,这两个群体逐渐演变成不同的物种。

Due to geographic isolation, these two groups gradually evolved into different species.

Cause and effect with '由于...逐渐'.

5

保护物种不仅是保护自然,更是保护人类的未来。

Protecting species is not only protecting nature, but also protecting the future of humanity.

Correlative conjunction '不仅...更是...'.

6

该论文深入探讨了物种多样性与生态系统稳定性之间的关系。

The paper explores in depth the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem stability.

Formal verb '探讨' (explore/discuss).

7

法律应当严厉打击非法贸易濒危物种的行为。

The law should severely crack down on the illegal trade of endangered species.

Formal structure '严厉打击...的行为'.

8

物种的灭绝是一个不可逆转的生物学过程。

The extinction of a species is an irreversible biological process.

Adjective '不可逆转' (irreversible).

1

在人类世背景下,物种灭绝的速率已远超自然演替的水平。

In the context of the Anthropocene, the rate of species extinction has far exceeded the level of natural succession.

Academic context '人类世' (Anthropocene).

2

物种定义的界定在生物学界仍存在广泛的学术争论。

The definition of a species still remains a subject of extensive academic debate in the biological community.

Complex nominalization.

3

遗传漂变和自然选择共同驱动了物种的微观进化。

Genetic drift and natural selection together drive the microevolution of species.

Technical terminology '遗传漂变' (genetic drift).

4

该政策的实施旨在缓解物种栖息地碎片化带来的负面影响。

The implementation of the policy aims to mitigate the negative impacts brought by habitat fragmentation of species.

Highly formal '旨在缓解...带来的负面影响'.

5

物种的脆弱性往往与其繁殖策略和环境适应性密切相关。

A species' vulnerability is often closely related to its reproductive strategy and environmental adaptability.

Structure '与...密切相关'.

6

在这一复杂的生态网络中,关键物种的消失可能引发级联反应。

In this complex ecological network, the disappearance of a keystone species may trigger a cascade reaction.

Metaphorical/Technical '级联反应' (cascade reaction).

7

我们必须重新审视物种权利在伦理学体系中的地位。

We must re-examine the position of species rights within the ethical system.

Formal verb '审视' (examine/scrutinize).

8

物种多样性的丧失将从根本上削弱地球生命支持系统的功能。

The loss of species diversity will fundamentally weaken the functions of Earth's life support systems.

Adverbial '从根本上' (fundamentally).

Synonyms

品种 种类 生物种类

Antonyms

Common Collocations

濒危物种
物种多样性
外来物种
特有物种
物种灭绝
物种起源
保护物种
优势物种
物种形成
原始物种

Common Phrases

一种物种

— A species. Standard way to count species.

这是一种非常罕见的物种。

多种物种

— Multiple species. Used to describe diversity.

森林里栖息着多种物种。

跨物种

— Cross-species. Often used in medical or genetic contexts.

跨物种传播的病毒。

同类物种

— Species of the same kind or related species.

它比同类物种体型更大。

关键物种

— Keystone species. A species on which others in an ecosystem largely depend.

海獭是近岸生态系统的关键物种。

目标物种

— Target species. Species aimed at in research or conservation.

本次调查的目标物种是金丝猴。

模式物种

— Model species. Used in research to represent a larger group.

果蝇是常用的模式物种。

旗舰物种

— Flagship species. Used to represent a conservation cause.

雪豹是高山生态系统的旗舰物种。

入侵物种

— Invasive species. Non-native species that cause harm.

水葫芦在中国被视为入侵物种。

受威胁物种

— Threatened species. Species likely to become endangered.

该名录列出了数百个受威胁物种。

Often Confused With

物种 vs 种类

Generic 'types' (cars, food). '物种' is only biological.

物种 vs 品种

Breeds or varieties (dogs, rice). '物种' is the whole species.

物种 vs 族群

A specific population in one place. '物种' is the global category.

Idioms & Expressions

"物以稀为贵"

— Things are valued when they are rare. Often applied to rare species.

正因为这个物种极其罕见,所以才物以稀为贵。

Common
"优胜劣汰"

— Survival of the fittest. The core principle of species evolution.

在大自然中,物种遵循优胜劣汰的法则。

Formal
"弱肉强食"

— The weak are prey to the strong. Describes interaction between species.

自然界充满了弱肉强食的残酷。

Common
"生生不息"

— Endless reproduction and growth. Used for the continuity of species.

生命在地球上生生不息。

Literary
"千奇百怪"

— All kinds of strange things. Describes the variety of species.

海底的物种千奇百怪。

Common
"适者生存"

— Survival of the fittest. Similar to Darwinian theory.

适者生存是物种进化的基本动力。

Formal
"灭绝人性"

— Inhuman/Cruel. Though usually for people, it's a play on 'extinction'.

杀害受保护物种是灭绝人性的行为。

Figurative
"芸芸众生"

— All living things/The masses. Refers to all species collectively.

在自然面前,芸芸众生皆平等。

Literary/Religious
"沧海一粟"

— A drop in the ocean. Describes a single species in the grand scale of time.

人类这个物种在地球历史上不过是沧海一粟。

Literary
"万物之灵"

— Spirit of all things. Traditionally refers to humans as a species.

人类自诩为万物之灵,却常破坏自然。

Literary

Easily Confused

物种 vs 品种

Both translate to 'type' or 'kind' in English.

品种 is for sub-categories like dog breeds; 物种 is the biological species level.

金毛是狗的一个品种,而狗是一个物种。

物种 vs 种类

General vs specific classification.

种类 is for any category; 物种 is strictly for biology.

衣服的种类很多,但生物的物种更多。

物种 vs 生物

Both refer to living things.

生物 is 'organism' (the thing itself); 物种 is 'species' (the category).

这种生物属于一个罕见的物种。

物种 vs 类别

Both mean category.

类别 is abstract and general; 物种 is scientific and biological.

把这些物种按类别分好。

物种 vs

One is a character, one is a word.

种 is the measure word or the single-character rank; 物种 is the full noun.

这种 (this kind) vs 这个物种 (this species).

Sentence Patterns

A2

[Place]有[Number]种物种。

这个森林有五百种物种。

B1

我们必须保护[Adjective]物种。

我们必须保护濒危物种。

B1

[Factor]威胁着物种的生存。

污染威胁着物种的生存。

B2

物种多样性对[System]至关重要。

物种多样性对生态系统至关重要。

B2

该物种主要分布在[Location]。

该物种主要分布在亚洲。

C1

由于[Reason],物种面临灭绝风险。

由于栖息地丧失,物种面临灭绝风险。

C1

这一发现对于理解物种进化具有重要意义。

这一发现对于理解物种进化具有重要意义。

C2

物种形成的机制涉及复杂的遗传过程。

物种形成的机制涉及复杂的遗传过程。

Word Family

Nouns

物种 (Species)
物种形成 (Speciation)
物种多样性 (Species diversity)
亚种 (Subspecies)

Verbs

物化 (to materialize)
种植 (to plant)
繁种 (to breed)

Adjectives

物种的 (Species-related)
多种的 (Diverse kinds)

Related

生物 (Organism)
动物 (Animal)
植物 (Plant)
微生物 (Microorganism)
生态 (Ecology)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in educational and news contexts; rare in daily household talk.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 物种 for music genres. 音乐种类

    Music is not a biological entity.

  • Calling a Poodle a '物种'. 品种

    A Poodle is a breed, not a separate species.

  • Saying '一个物种' without '种'. 一种物种

    The measure word '种' is required for classification.

  • Confusing '物种' with '物体'. 物种

    '物体' means physical object, '物种' means biological species.

  • Using '物种' in very casual daily talk. 种类/样子

    It sounds overly scientific for choosing clothes or food.

Tips

Measure Word usage

Always use '种' as the measure word when counting species. Example: '三种不同的物种'.

Precision

Use '物种' to sound more academic and precise when talking about nature.

Compound Nouns

Learn '物种多样性' as a single block; it's a very common phrase in environmental writing.

Panda Context

Whenever you see news about Pandas, look for the word '物种' in the description.

Tone Accuracy

Practice the 4th tone of '物' to avoid sounding like you're saying 'no' (无 - 2nd tone).

Taxonomy Rank

Remember that '物种' is the lowest major rank in biological classification.

Book Titles

Recognize '物种起源' as the title of Darwin's famous book.

Formal Situations

Use this word during presentations or formal discussions about ecology.

Documentary Keyword

This is a 'power word' in nature documentaries. Mark it whenever you hear it.

Visual Link

Link '物' (matter) and '种' (seed) to remember 'species'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'WU' (物) as 'World' and 'ZHONG' (种) as 'Zone'. A '物种' is a specific 'Zone' of the 'World's' living things.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'seed' (种) growing into a specific 'thing' (物). Each unique seed creates a unique species.

Word Web

物种 (Species) 进化 (Evolution) 灭绝 (Extinction) 保护 (Protection) 多样性 (Diversity) 遗传 (Genetics) 栖息地 (Habitat) 生态系统 (Ecosystem)

Challenge

Try to list five '濒危物种' (endangered species) in Chinese without looking at a dictionary.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '物' (wù) originally referred to 'ox' or 'colored cattle' in ancient scripts, later broadening to mean all 'things' or 'beings.' '种' (zhǒng) originally meant 'seed' or 'to sow grain.'

Original meaning: The categorizing of living 'things' based on their 'seeds' or lineage.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '物种' metaphorically for humans; it can sound dehumanizing or overly clinical (e.g., calling a group of people a 'new species').

English speakers use 'species' both scientifically and casually. In Chinese, '物种' is strictly more scientific than the English 'kind' or 'type'.

《物种起源》 (On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin) CCTV-9 Nature Documentaries The Red List of Chinese Species

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Class

  • 物种分类
  • 物种进化
  • 实验物种
  • 物种特征

News/Politics

  • 濒危物种法
  • 物种保护区
  • 非法贸易物种
  • 物种普查

Nature Documentary

  • 罕见物种
  • 物种的生存
  • 物种的迁徙
  • 这种奇特的物种

Environmental Activism

  • 拯救物种
  • 物种多样性丧失
  • 物种的权利
  • 尊重每一个物种

Museum Visit

  • 灭绝物种标本
  • 史前物种
  • 本地物种展示
  • 物种演化图

Conversation Starters

"你最喜欢的濒危物种是什么? (What is your favorite endangered species?)"

"你认为我们应该如何保护物种多样性? (How do you think we should protect species diversity?)"

"你听说过最近发现的新物种吗? (Have you heard about the recently discovered new species?)"

"外来物种对你家乡的环境有影响吗? (Do invasive species have an impact on the environment in your hometown?)"

"你读过达尔文的《物种起源》吗? (Have you read Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一个你认为非常奇特的物种,并解释为什么。 (Describe a species you find very strange and explain why.)

写一写为什么保护濒危物种对人类很重要。 (Write about why protecting endangered species is important for humans.)

想象你发现了一个新物种,你会给它起什么名字?它长什么样? (Imagine you discovered a new species. What would you name it? What does it look like?)

讨论气候变化对全球物种的影响。 (Discuss the impact of climate change on global species.)

如果你可以复活一个灭绝的物种,你会选择哪一个?为什么? (If you could bring back an extinct species, which one would you choose? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For cars or non-living items, use 种类 (zhǒnglèi) or 型号 (xínghào).

Only in a biological sense. In other cases, use 种类.

The most common measure word is 种 (zhǒng). For example, 一种物种.

It is 濒危物种 (bīnwēi wùzhǒng).

It can be both, depending on the context and the numbers used before it.

Yes, in a scientific context, you can say '人类这个物种' (the species of humans).

物种 is species (e.g., cat); 品种 is breed (e.g., Siamese cat).

It is common in schools, news, and documentaries, but not in daily shopping or chores.

It is 外来入侵物种 (wàilái rùqīn wùzhǒng) or just 外来物种.

It is a modern compound used to translate Western biological concepts into Chinese.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'We must protect endangered species.'

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writing

Write a sentence using '物种多样性'.

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writing

Translate: 'Scientists discovered a new species in the forest.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 物种 and 品种 in one sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Many species are facing extinction.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph about your favorite animal species.

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writing

Translate: 'Invasive species can harm native plants.'

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writing

Use '物种起源' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'There are many species of birds on this island.'

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writing

Write a sentence about climate change and species.

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writing

Translate: 'This is a rare species of fish.'

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writing

Translate: 'Every species has its own characteristics.'

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writing

Translate: 'Humans are a unique species.'

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writing

Translate: 'The extinction of a species is irreversible.'

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writing

Translate: 'We need to study the origin of species.'

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writing

Translate: 'The zoo has over 200 species.'

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writing

Translate: 'Is this species dangerous?'

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writing

Translate: 'The evolution of species takes a long time.'

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writing

Translate: 'Protecting biodiversity is our responsibility.'

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writing

Translate: 'A new species was found in the deep sea.'

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speaking

Read '物种' aloud with correct tones.

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speaking

Say 'endangered species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Describe a panda as a species in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'species diversity' in Chinese.

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speaking

Ask 'What species is this?' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'Origin of Species' in Chinese.

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speaking

State 'We must protect species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'invasive species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'extinct species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Talk for 30 seconds about why species diversity is important.

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speaking

Say 'A new species was discovered.' in Chinese.

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speaking

Pronounce 'wù zhǒng qǐ yuán'.

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speaking

Say 'endemic species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'dominant species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'marine species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Explain 'speciation' briefly in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'rare species' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'Every species is unique.' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'climate change affects species.' in Chinese.

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speaking

Say 'genetic diversity' in Chinese.

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listening

Listen and identify the word: '这个物种非常罕见。' What is the key noun?

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listening

Listen: '大熊猫是濒危物种。' Is the panda safe or in danger?

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listening

Listen: '我们要保护物种多样性。' What are we protecting?

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listening

Listen: '达尔文写了《物种起源》。' Who wrote the book?

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listening

Listen: '外来物种入侵是一个问题。' What is the problem?

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listening

Listen: '这个森林有五百种物种。' How many species?

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listening

Listen: '该物种已经灭绝了。' Is the species still alive?

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listening

Listen: '这是本地特有物种。' Is it found elsewhere?

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listening

Listen: '物种形成需要很长时间。' Does it happen fast?

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listening

Listen: '科学家正在寻找新物种。' Who is searching?

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listening

Listen: '跨物种传播。' What kind of transmission?

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listening

Listen: '优势物种。' Which rank of species?

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listening

Listen: '物种的起源。' What is being discussed?

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listening

Listen: '保护这些物种。' What is the verb?

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listening

Listen: '物种权利。' What concept is this?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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