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不健康的

A2 adjective #3,000 most common 16 min read

不健康的

bù jiànkāng de Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不健康的 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不健康的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize '不健康的' as a simple combination of '不' (not) and '健康' (healthy). You will mostly use it to describe basic things like food or simple habits. Think of it as the opposite of 'good for you'. You might say '不健康的菜' (unhealthy food) or '不健康的人' (an unhealthy person). The focus here is on understanding that '不' makes the word negative and '的' connects it to a noun. It is a foundational word for talking about your body and your daily routine. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you express likes, dislikes, and simple opinions about lifestyle choices in a way that native speakers will easily understand.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '不健康的' in more complete sentences and to describe a wider range of daily activities. You can now use it to give simple advice or warnings, such as '吃太多糖是不健康的' (Eating too much sugar is unhealthy). You will also start to see it used with common nouns like '习惯' (habit), '生活' (life), and '饮食' (diet). At this level, you should be comfortable using intensifiers like '很' (very) or '非常' (extremely) with the word. You are moving beyond just naming things and starting to describe the quality of your lifestyle and the world around you. You will also learn that '不健康' can be a reason for why you feel a certain way or why you are doing something, like going to the gym to change an unhealthy habit.

At the B1 level, the use of '不健康的' expands into the realm of emotions and social interactions. You are no longer just talking about physical health; you are talking about '不健康的心理' (unhealthy psychology) or '不健康的社交' (unhealthy social life). You can use the word to discuss more complex topics like stress, work-life balance, and relationships. You will also start to use it in comparative structures, explaining why one choice is less healthy than another. At this stage, you should be able to explain *why* something is unhealthy using more advanced vocabulary. For example, you might say a habit is unhealthy because it '影响睡眠' (affects sleep) or '压力太大' (pressure is too high). This word becomes a key part of your ability to participate in discussions about well-being and modern life.

At the B2 level, '不健康的' is used to analyze systems, environments, and societal trends. You will encounter and use phrases like '不健康的经济增长' (unhealthy economic growth) or '不健康的审美观念' (unhealthy beauty standards). You are expected to use the word in formal contexts, such as writing an essay or giving a presentation on social issues. At this level, you understand the nuance between '不健康' and its synonyms like '有害' (harmful) or '病态' (morbid). You can use the word to critique complex phenomena, such as the impact of social media on teenage mental health. Your usage of '不健康的' becomes more precise, and you can use it to build persuasive arguments about what needs to change in a community or industry.

At the C1 level, you use '不健康的' with a high degree of sophistication and stylistic variety. You can use it metaphorically to describe abstract philosophical or political concepts. For instance, you might discuss an 'unhealthy reliance' on a specific ideology or an 'unhealthy power structure' within an organization. You are able to use the word in academic or professional writing, often pairing it with formal vocabulary and complex sentence structures. At this level, you also recognize the cultural and historical weight of the term '健康' in Chinese thought and can use '不健康' to highlight deviations from traditional or modern ideals of harmony and balance. You can also use the word with subtle irony or sarcasm in social critiques.

At the C2 level, '不健康的' is a tool for deep, nuanced analysis of the human condition and global systems. You can use it to deconstruct the 'unhealthy paradigms' of modern consumerism or the 'unhealthy symbiosis' between different geopolitical entities. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can use the word to express extremely subtle shades of meaning. You might use it in literary analysis to describe the 'unhealthy obsession' of a character or in a high-level policy document to warn of 'unhealthy demographic shifts'. At this level, '不健康的' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual lens through which you can evaluate and articulate the complexities of the world at the highest level of linguistic precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不健康的 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe things that are physically or mentally bad for a person.
Commonly applied to food, lifestyle habits, and environmental conditions.
Can be used metaphorically for 'unhealthy' relationships, markets, or cultures.
Important to distinguish from '生病' (shēngbìng), which means 'to be sick'.

The Chinese term 不健康的 (bù jiàn kāng de) is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe anything that deviates from a state of physical, mental, or systemic well-being. At its most literal level, it refers to biological health—describing food that lacks nutrients, habits that harm the body, or a physical state that is far from optimal. However, as learners progress from A2 to higher levels, they will discover that its application extends far beyond the doctor's office. In modern Mandarin, this phrase is frequently employed to critique lifestyles, environmental conditions, and even abstract concepts like social dynamics or economic trends. It is a critical tool for expressing concern, giving advice, or analyzing the quality of one's surroundings.

Physical Health: Used to describe bodies, organs, or physiological states. For example, 'unhealthy skin' (不健康的皮肤) or 'unhealthy lungs' (不健康的肺).
Lifestyle & Diet: Commonly applied to habits like smoking, lack of sleep, or eating junk food. 'Unhealthy diet' (不健康的饮食) is a very frequent collocation.
Psychological State: Describes mental conditions or attitudes. An 'unhealthy mindset' (不健康的心态) refers to being overly pessimistic, jealous, or stressed.

经常熬夜是一种非常不健康的生活方式。(Jīngcháng áoyè shì yì zhǒng fēicháng bù jiànkāng de shēnghuó fāngshì.) - Constantly staying up late is a very unhealthy lifestyle.

When using this word, it is important to understand the role of '的' (de). While '不健康' can function as a predicate (e.g., '他的身体不健康' - His body is not healthy), adding '的' allows it to function as a direct modifier for nouns. This is the form you will use most often when identifying specific problems. In a social context, calling something '不健康的' often carries a subtle nuance of disapproval or a warning. If a Chinese friend tells you your habits are '不健康的', they are usually expressing genuine concern for your longevity and happiness. Furthermore, in business or academic contexts, the term can describe 'unhealthy competition' (不健康的竞争), referring to practices that are cutthroat or unsustainable. This breadth makes it one of the most useful adjectives in the intermediate learner's toolkit.

这种快餐含有太多油脂，是不健康的食品。(Zhè zhǒng kuàicān hányǒu tài duō yóuzhī, shì bù jiànkāng de shípǐn.) - This kind of fast food contains too much grease; it is an unhealthy food item.

Culturally, the concept of health (健康) in China is deeply rooted in balance—specifically the balance of Yin and Yang and the flow of Qi. Therefore, something described as '不健康的' is often perceived as something that disrupts this internal or external equilibrium. For instance, eating too much 'hot' (燥热) food like fried chicken might be labeled '不健康' because it causes an internal imbalance. Understanding this cultural backdrop helps learners appreciate why the term is used so frequently in daily conversations about food, weather, and even interpersonal relationships. It is not just about germs or calories; it is about the overall harmony of one's life.

他们之间有一种不健康的依赖关系。(Tāmen zhījiān yǒu yì zhǒng bù jiànkāng de yīlài guānxì.) - There is an unhealthy dependency relationship between them.

Environmental Context: Can describe air quality or living conditions. 'Unhealthy air' (不健康的空气) is a common topic in urban planning discussions.
Economic Context: Used to describe market bubbles or unsustainable growth. 'Unhealthy economic development' (不健康的经济发展).

长期坐着不动对身体是不健康的。(Chángqī zuòzhe búdòng duì shēntǐ shì bù jiànkāng de.) - Sitting still for long periods is unhealthy for the body.

In summary, '不健康的' is a foundational adjective that helps you navigate discussions about well-being in all its forms. Whether you are warning a friend about their third cup of coffee or discussing the complexities of a toxic workplace, this phrase provides the necessary descriptive power. By mastering its use, you align yourself with the common Chinese linguistic practice of evaluating the 'health' of various systems, both biological and social.

Using 不健康的 (bù jiàn kāng de) correctly requires an understanding of Chinese adjective placement and the role of the particle '的'. As an adjective, it most frequently appears before a noun to describe a specific quality. The structure is typically [Adjective] + [的] + [Noun]. However, it can also appear at the end of a sentence following a subject and a linking verb or a prepositional phrase like '对...来说' (for...). Understanding these variations will help you sound more natural and precise in your communication.

Attributive Usage (Before the Noun): This is the most direct way to use the word. You are identifying a specific thing as unhealthy. Example: '不健康的习惯' (Unhealthy habits).
Predicative Usage (After the Subject): When you want to state that something is unhealthy as a fact. Example: '这种生活方式是不健康的' (This lifestyle is unhealthy). Note that '是...的' is often used here for emphasis.
Prepositional Phrases: Often used with '对' (to/for) to specify what the unhealthy thing is affecting. Example: '对眼睛不健康的' (Unhealthy for the eyes).

为了减肥而完全不吃饭是不健康的做法。(Wèile jiǎnféi ér wánquán bù chīfàn shì bù jiànkāng de zuòfǎ.) - Not eating at all in order to lose weight is an unhealthy practice.

One nuance to master is the degree of intensity. Since '不健康' is a gradable adjective, you can use intensifiers like '很' (very), '非常' (extremely), or '太' (too) before it. However, when '不健康' is used with '的' in an attributive sense (before a noun), the intensifier usually comes before the whole phrase or modifies the '不健康' part directly. For example, '一种很不健康的习惯' (A very unhealthy habit). If you are using it as a predicate, you might say '他的饮食习惯很不健康' (His eating habits are very unhealthy). Notice that in the predicate form, '的' is often omitted unless you are using the '是...的' construction for emphasis.

那个地区的空气质量对老人来说是不健康的。(Nàge dìqū de kōngqì zhìliàng duì lǎorén lái shuō shì bù jiànkāng de.) - The air quality in that area is unhealthy for the elderly.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter '不健康的' in complex sentences involving comparisons. For instance, '比起跑步，长时间坐着是非常不健康的' (Compared to running, sitting for a long time is very unhealthy). Here, the word serves as the point of contrast. You can also use it to describe abstract nouns related to society and psychology. Phrases like '不健康的社交圈' (unhealthy social circle) or '不健康的竞争环境' (unhealthy competitive environment) are common in professional and social commentary. These examples show how the word transitions from describing a physical state to evaluating the 'health' of a system or relationship.

这种不健康的心理状态需要及时调整。(Zhè zhǒng bù jiànkāng de xīnlǐ zhuàngtài xūyào jíshí tiáozhěng.) - This unhealthy psychological state needs to be adjusted in a timely manner.

Sentence Structure 1: [Subject] + 是 + 不健康的. (The subject is unhealthy.)
Sentence Structure 2: [Modifier] + 不健康的 + [Noun]. (An unhealthy [Noun].)

老师说，嘲笑同学是一种不健康的行为。(Lǎoshī shuō, cháoxiào tóngxué shì yì zhǒng bù jiànkāng de xíngwéi.) - The teacher said that mocking classmates is an unhealthy behavior.

Finally, remember that '不健康的' is quite formal compared to some slang terms for 'bad' or 'harmful'. It is the standard term used in news, textbooks, and polite conversation. While you might use '不好' (not good) for a small mistake, you use '不健康的' when you want to specifically highlight the negative impact on well-being or the integrity of a system. This precision is key to reaching HSK 3 and HSK 4 levels of proficiency.

The phrase 不健康的 (bù jiàn kāng de) is omnipresent in Chinese daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from intimate family discussions to national public service announcements. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the home, particularly from older family members. In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on '养生' (yǎngshēng), or life cultivation. Parents and grandparents are often very vocal about what they consider 'unhealthy' for the younger generation. Whether it is drinking cold water in winter, not wearing enough layers, or eating too much 'junk food' (垃圾食品), the label '不健康' is the go-to justification for their advice.

Health Clinics & Hospitals: Doctors use it to describe symptoms or test results that are outside the normal range. '不健康的指标' (unhealthy indicators/metrics).
News & Media: Reports on food safety scandals, pollution levels, or the 'unhealthy' work culture (like the 996 schedule) frequently use this term.
Education & Schools: Teachers use it to discuss student behavior, such as 'unhealthy competition' for grades or 'unhealthy reading habits' like reading in low light.

医生警告他，这种不健康的生活方式会导致严重疾病。(Yīshēng jǐnggào tā, zhè zhǒng bù jiànkāng de shēnghuó fāngshì huì dǎozhì yánzhòng jíbìng.) - The doctor warned him that this unhealthy lifestyle will lead to serious illness.

In the workplace, the term has taken on a modern, critical edge. With the rise of discussions around 'toxic' work environments, you might hear employees or HR professionals talk about '不健康的企业文化' (unhealthy corporate culture). This refers to environments characterized by extreme stress, lack of transparency, or unfair treatment. Similarly, in the world of finance, analysts might describe '不健康的股市波动' (unhealthy stock market fluctuations), signaling that the market's behavior is erratic or driven by speculation rather than fundamentals. In these contexts, the word functions as a sophisticated way to say 'something is wrong with the system'.

专家认为，过度的加班是不健康的社会现象。(Zhuānjiā rènwéi, guòdù de jiābān shì bù jiànkāng de shèhuì xiànxiàng.) - Experts believe that excessive overtime is an unhealthy social phenomenon.

You will also encounter this word in advertisements and product labels. Health-conscious brands often use '不健康的' as a foil to promote their own '健康的' (healthy) products. For example, a juice brand might claim their product has 'no unhealthy additives' (没有不健康的添加剂). In digital spaces, social media influencers (KOLs) frequently use the term when discussing 'unhealthy beauty standards' (不健康的审美标准), advocating for body positivity and mental well-being. This shows how the word has evolved to keep pace with contemporary social issues.

我们应该拒绝那些不健康的网络信息。(Wǒmen yīnggāi jùjué nàxiē bù jiànkāng de wǎngluò xìnxī.) - We should reject that unhealthy online information.

Social Media & Internet: Used to label toxic comments, 'unhealthy' trends (like the 'A4 waist challenge'), or addictive app designs.
Fitness & Sports: Coaches use it to warn against improper exercise forms or 'unhealthy' rapid weight loss methods.

这种不健康的竞争只会让大家都很累。(Zhè zhǒng bù jiànkāng de jìngzhēng zhǐhuì ràng dàjiā dōu hěn lèi.) - This kind of unhealthy competition will only make everyone very tired.

Whether you are reading a serious editorial or chatting with a neighbor about the weather's impact on their joints, '不健康的' is a word that bridges the gap between technical medical terminology and everyday descriptive language. It is a vital part of the linguistic landscape in any Chinese-speaking community.

Learning to use 不健康的 (bù jiàn kāng de) involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. One of the most frequent errors is confusing '不健康' with '生病' (shēngbìng). While both relate to health, they are used differently. '生病' is a verb-object construction meaning 'to fall ill' or 'to be sick' in an acute sense. If you have the flu today, you say '我生病了' (I am sick). If you say '我不健康', it implies a chronic state of poor health or that your constitution is generally weak. Beginners often say '我不健康' when they just have a cold, which sounds much more serious to a native speaker than intended.

Mistake 1: Misusing '的': Forgetting to include '的' when '不健康' modifies a noun. Incorrect: '不健康饮食'. Correct: '不健康的饮食'. While '不健康饮食' is sometimes seen in headlines, '的' is necessary for natural-sounding full sentences.
Mistake 2: Using it for 'Broken' Objects: In English, we might say a machine is in 'unhealthy' condition. In Chinese, '不健康的' is almost never used for inanimate mechanical objects. Use '坏了' (huàile - broken) or '出故障了' (chū gùzhàng le - malfunctioning) instead.
Mistake 3: Confusing with '有害' (Harmful): While something unhealthy is often harmful, '不健康' focuses on the state of the subject, whereas '有害' (yǒuhài) focuses on the damage caused. Use '有害' for chemicals or toxins (e.g., 有害物质 - harmful substances).

错误：我今天不健康，不能去上班。(Incorrect: I am unhealthy today, can't go to work.)
正确：我今天生病了，不能去上班。(Correct: I am sick today, can't go to work.)

Another subtle mistake involves the use of '不健康' to describe food. In English, we often say 'unhealthy food' to mean 'junk food'. While '不健康的食品' is perfectly correct in Chinese, native speakers are just as likely to use the specific term '垃圾食品' (lājī shípǐn - junk food) when referring to fast food or snacks. Using '不健康的' can sometimes sound a bit clinical or overly formal in a casual dining setting. Furthermore, when describing a person's appearance, calling someone '不健康的' can be quite offensive as it implies they look sickly or frail. Unless you are a close friend or a doctor, it is better to use more specific or softer terms like '脸色不太好' (liǎnsè bútài hǎo - your complexion isn't great).

错误：这个电脑的系统很不健康。(Incorrect: This computer's system is very unhealthy - if meant as 'broken'.)
注意：在技术领域，有时会说'系统健康度'，但在日常生活中，形容电脑坏了不建议用'不健康'。

A final common error is the over-reliance on '不健康的' for all negative situations. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for specific types of 'unhealthiness'. For example, if a relationship is 'unhealthy' because it is toxic, you might hear the term '毒性关系' (dúxìng guānxì - toxic relationship). If an economy is 'unhealthy' because it is stagnant, '疲软' (píruǎn - weak/limp) might be more appropriate. While '不健康的' is a safe 'umbrella' term, as you advance, try to match the specific adjective to the context to sound more like a native speaker.

这种不健康的心理暗示会影响你的自信心。(Zhè zhǒng bù jiànkāng de xīnlǐ ànshì huì yǐngxiǎng nǐ de zìxìnxīn.) - This unhealthy psychological suggestion will affect your self-confidence.

Word Choice: Health vs. Quality: Don't use '不健康' to mean 'poor quality' (质量差). Use it specifically for things that affect well-being.
Word Choice: Illness vs. Habit: '生病' = State of being ill. '不健康' = Property of a habit, food, or lifestyle.

不要总是吃那些不健康的零食。(Búyào zǒngshì chī nàxiē bù jiànkāng de língshí.) - Don't always eat those unhealthy snacks.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between '生病' and '不健康'—you will avoid the most jarring errors and communicate your thoughts on health with much greater clarity.

While 不健康的 (bù jiàn kāng de) is a broad and useful term, Chinese offers a variety of synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your descriptions. Depending on whether you are talking about physical weakness, harmful substances, or abstract negativity, choosing the right alternative can make your speech more evocative and accurate. Understanding these subtle differences is a hallmark of moving from an A2/B1 level to B2 and beyond.

有害的 (yǒuhài de): Meaning 'harmful' or 'detrimental'. While 'unhealthy' implies a lack of health, 'harmful' implies active damage. Example: '有害物质' (harmful substances) like toxins or pollution.
虚弱的 (xūruò de): Meaning 'weak' or 'feeble'. This is used specifically for physical or constitutional weakness. A person might be 'unhealthy' due to bad habits, but they are 'weak' (虚弱) after a long illness.
糟糕的 (zāogāo de): Meaning 'terrible' or 'awful'. This is a more general, informal term. You might say someone has '糟糕的饮食习惯' (terrible eating habits) instead of '不健康的'.
负面的 (fùmiàn de): Meaning 'negative'. This is often used as a synonym for 'unhealthy' when describing mindsets, emotions, or social influences. Example: '负面情绪' (negative emotions).

与其说这种关系是不健康的，不如说它是有害的。(Yǔqí shuō zhè zhǒng guānxì shì bù jiànkāng de, bùrú shuō tā shì yǒuhài de.) - Rather than saying this relationship is unhealthy, it's better to say it is harmful.

In the context of food, the most common alternative is '垃圾食品' (lājī shípǐn), which literally means 'garbage food' or junk food. While '不健康的食品' is a factual description, '垃圾食品' is the everyday term used by everyone from kids to nutritionists. If you want to describe a person who looks sickly, instead of saying they are '不健康的', you might say they are '病态的' (bìngtài de). This term is stronger and implies a pathological state or a very abnormal appearance. For example, '病态的消瘦' (pathologically thin).

他的脸色看起来很虚弱，不像只是不健康。(Tā de liǎnsè kàn qǐlái hěn xūruò, bù xiàng zhǐshì bù jiànkāng.) - His complexion looks very weak, not just unhealthy.

When discussing environments or social climates, '畸形的' (jīxíng de - deformed/distorted) is a powerful alternative. It describes a situation that is not just 'unhealthy' but has grown in a warped or unnatural way. For instance, '畸形的审美' (distorted beauty standards) is a common critique in modern Chinese social media. Another useful term is '病态' (bìngtài), which can be used for society as well, as in '病态的社会现象' (a morbid/sick social phenomenon). These words carry more weight and emotional resonance than the relatively neutral '不健康的'.

这种畸形的竞争模式对行业发展非常不利。(Zhè zhǒng jīxíng de jìngzhēng móshì duì hángyè fāzhǎn fēicháng búlì.) - This distorted competition model is very unfavorable for the industry's development.

Summary of Alternatives: - Physical state: 虚弱 (weak), 苍白 (pale).
- Habits/Food: 糟糕 (terrible), 垃圾 (junk).
- Impact: 有害 (harmful), 不利 (unfavorable).
- Abstract/Social: 畸形 (distorted), 病态 (morbid).

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your message to the specific type of 'unhealthiness' you are observing, making your Chinese sound more nuanced, professional, and empathetic.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese, '健' and '康' were used separately. Their combination into a single word for 'health' is a relatively modern linguistic development, influenced by the need to translate Western medical concepts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK bù jiàn kāng de

US bù jiàn kāng de

Primary stress falls on 'jiàn' and 'kāng'.

Rhymes With

方 (fāng) 光 (guāng) 张 (zhāng) 忙 (máng) 糖 (táng) 床 (chuáng) 羊 (yáng) 香 (xiāng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bù' as 4th tone when it should be 2nd tone (bú jiànkāng).
Mispronouncing 'kāng' as a falling tone instead of a high flat tone.
Over-emphasizing the neutral 'de'.
Treating 'jiànkāng' as one syllable instead of two.
Forgetting the nasal 'ng' at the end of 'kāng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common (A2 level).

Writing 3/5

The character '健' and '康' have several strokes and require practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but remember the tone change for 'bù'.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in conversation about lifestyle.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不 (not) 健康 (health) 的 (adjective marker) 好 (good) 身体 (body)

Learn Next

生病 (get sick) 习惯 (habit) 饮食 (diet) 锻炼 (exercise) 压力 (stress)

Advanced

亚健康 (sub-health) 病态 (morbid) 畸形 (distorted) 有害 (harmful) 可持续 (sustainable)

Grammar to Know

Adjective + 的 + Noun

不健康的习惯 (Unhealthy habit)

Tone change for '不'

bú jiànkāng (bù becomes 2nd tone before 4th tone)

Preposition '对' for impact

对身体不健康 (Unhealthy for the body)

Using '是...的' for emphasis

这确实是不健康的 (This indeed is unhealthy)

Intensifier placement

非常不健康 (Very unhealthy)

Examples by Level

这是不健康的食物。

This is unhealthy food.

Simple [Adjective] + [Noun] structure.

他不健康。

He is not healthy.

Used as a predicate to describe a person's general state.

不健康的水。

Unhealthy water.

Simple noun phrase.

我不想吃不健康的东西。

I don't want to eat unhealthy things.

Using '东西' (things) as a general noun.

那是不健康的习惯。

That is an unhealthy habit.

Demonstrative pronoun '那' (that) + '是' (is).

他不健康的身体。

His unhealthy body.

Possessive '他' + adjective '不健康的' + noun '身体'.

这里的空气不健康。

The air here is unhealthy.

Topic-comment structure: [Location's Air] + [Adjective].

这是一个不健康的人。

This is an unhealthy person.

Complete [Measure Word] + [Adjective] + [Noun] phrase.

喝太多可乐是不健康的。

Drinking too much cola is unhealthy.

Verbal phrase acting as the subject.

我们要改掉不健康的习惯。

We need to get rid of unhealthy habits.

Verb '改掉' (to change/get rid of) + object.

这种生活方式非常不健康。

This lifestyle is extremely unhealthy.

Use of intensifier '非常' (extremely).

医生说他的饮食很不健康。

The doctor said his diet is very unhealthy.

Reported speech with '说' (said).

为了健康，别吃不健康的零食。

For health's sake, don't eat unhealthy snacks.

Purpose clause '为了...' (for...).

天天熬夜对身体是不健康的。

Staying up late every day is unhealthy for the body.

Prepositional phrase '对...是' (is ... for ...).

他不健康的脸色让我担心。

His unhealthy complexion makes me worried.

Complex subject with '让' (cause/make).

这种不健康的竞争是不好的。

This kind of unhealthy competition is bad.

Abstract noun '竞争' (competition) being modified.

长期处于压力下会产生不健康的心理。

Being under pressure for a long time will produce an unhealthy psychology.

Focus on mental health vocabulary.

这种不健康的依赖关系应该结束。

This unhealthy dependency relationship should end.

Abstract usage for relationships.

如果不改变这种不健康的状态，你会生病的。

If you don't change this unhealthy state, you will get sick.

Conditional '如果...就' (if... then) structure.

网络上有很多不健康的信息。

There is a lot of unhealthy information on the internet.

Existential '有' (there is/are) sentence.

保持不健康的心态对工作没有好处。

Maintaining an unhealthy mindset is not good for work.

Topic: '保持...心态' (maintaining ... mindset).

专家指出，这种减肥方法是不健康的。

Experts point out that this weight loss method is unhealthy.

Formal verb '指出' (point out).

他意识到自己的生活方式是不健康的。

He realized that his lifestyle was unhealthy.

Verb '意识到' (to realize).

这种不健康的社交圈让他感到疲惫。

This unhealthy social circle makes him feel exhausted.

Social context usage.

不健康的经济结构会导致长期的社会问题。

An unhealthy economic structure will lead to long-term social problems.

Economic/Systemic context.

媒体不应该宣传这种不健康的审美观。

The media should not promote this unhealthy view of beauty.

Societal critique context.

这种不健康的竞争环境抑制了创新。

This unhealthy competitive environment suppressed innovation.

Business/Professional context.

我们需要警惕这种不健康的社会风气。

We need to be vigilant against this unhealthy social atmosphere.

Formal verb '警惕' (be vigilant).

过度依赖外债是一种不健康的财政行为。

Over-reliance on foreign debt is an unhealthy financial behavior.

Financial context.

这种不健康的发展模式是不可持续的。

This unhealthy development model is unsustainable.

Environmental/Sustainability context.

心理学家认为，这是一种不健康的心理防御机制。

Psychologists believe this is an unhealthy psychological defense mechanism.

Scientific/Psychological context.

政府正在努力解决不健康的房地产市场问题。

The government is working hard to solve the unhealthy real estate market problems.

Political/Market context.

该政策可能导致劳动力市场出现不健康的波动。

This policy may lead to unhealthy fluctuations in the labor market.

Predictive '可能导致' (may lead to).

学者们批判了这种不健康的消费主义文化。

Scholars criticized this unhealthy culture of consumerism.

Academic critique '批判' (criticize).

这种不健康的政治生态破坏了民主的基础。

This unhealthy political ecology undermined the foundations of democracy.

Political science terminology '政治生态'.

文章探讨了不健康的亲子关系对成年后的影响。

The article explored the impact of unhealthy parent-child relationships on adulthood.

Exploratory '探讨' (explore/discuss).

不健康的产业结构是该地区经济落后的主因。

An unhealthy industrial structure is the main cause of the region's economic backwardness.

Causal analysis '是...的主因'.

我们需要反思这种不健康的科技依赖症。

We need to reflect on this unhealthy technology addiction.

Reflective '反思' (reflect on).

这种不健康的权力分配导致了腐败的滋生。

This unhealthy distribution of power led to the breeding of corruption.

Sociopolitical analysis.

该作品揭示了人性中不健康的阴暗面。

The work reveals the unhealthy dark side of human nature.

Literary analysis '揭示' (reveal).

这种不健康的二元对立思维限制了人类的认知。

This unhealthy binary oppositional thinking limits human cognition.

Philosophical terminology '二元对立思维'.

全球化进程中出现了一些不健康的共生关系。

Some unhealthy symbiotic relationships have emerged in the process of globalization.

High-level geopolitical analysis.

该论文深入剖析了不健康的城市化进程带来的弊端。

The paper deeply analyzes the drawbacks brought by the unhealthy urbanization process.

Analytical '剖析' (analyze deeply).

这种不健康的资本扩张最终会导致市场的崩盘。

This unhealthy capital expansion will eventually lead to a market collapse.

Economic forecasting.

必须纠正这种不健康的唯利是图的价值观。

This unhealthy, profit-at-all-costs value system must be corrected.

Moral/Ethical imperative '必须纠正'.

不健康的心理暗示在潜意识中根深蒂固。

Unhealthy psychological suggestions are deeply rooted in the subconscious.

Psychological/Metaphorical usage.

该地区的生态系统正处于一种极度不健康的状态。

The region's ecosystem is in an extremely unhealthy state.

Environmental science context.

这种不健康的民族主义情绪对国际和平构成了威胁。

This unhealthy nationalist sentiment poses a threat to international peace.

Geopolitical risk analysis.

Common Collocations

不健康的饮食

不健康的习惯

不健康的心理

不健康的竞争

不健康的空气

不健康的关系

不健康的生活方式

不健康的审美

不健康的状态

不健康的发展

Common Phrases

不健康的食品

— Refers to food items that lack nutritional value or are harmful.

少吃不健康的食品。

极其不健康

— Extremely unhealthy; used for emphasis.

这种做法极其不健康。

一种不健康的现象

— An unhealthy phenomenon or trend in society.

这是一种不健康的社会现象。

对...不健康

— Unhealthy for [someone/something].

吸烟对手术后的恢复是不健康的。

长期不健康

— Chronically unhealthy or unhealthy for a long duration.

长期不健康的作息会毁掉你的身体。

看起来不健康

— To look unhealthy (appearance).

他的脸色看起来很不健康。

不健康的趋势

— An unhealthy trend or direction.

市场出现了一些不健康的趋势。

不健康的社交

— Unhealthy social interactions or networking.

我们要远离不健康的社交圈子。

不健康的心态

— An unhealthy mindset or attitude.

嫉妒是一种不健康的心态。

并不健康

— Actually not healthy (often used to correct a misconception).

这种减肥药其实并不健康。

Often Confused With

不健康的 vs 生病 (shēngbìng)

Means 'to be sick' right now. '不健康' means a general lack of health or a bad habit.

不健康的 vs 不好 (bù hǎo)

Means 'not good'. '不健康' is specific to health and well-being.

不健康的 vs 难看 (nánkàn)

Means 'ugly'. Don't use '不健康' to mean someone looks ugly, though they might look 'sickly' (脸色不好).

Idioms & Expressions

"病入膏肓"

— To be terminally ill or beyond cure. Used metaphorically for an 'unhealthy' situation that is unsalvageable.

这个公司的财务问题已经病入膏肓了。

Formal/Literary

"外强中干"

— Strong on the outside but weak on the inside. Describes an 'unhealthy' state of being empty or fragile despite appearances.

那个国家看起来很强大，其实外强中干。

Formal

"无药可救"

— Incurable or beyond help. Used for extremely unhealthy habits or behaviors.

他那不健康的赌博习惯已经无药可救了。

Informal/Strong

"奄奄一息"

— On the verge of death; breathing one's last. Describes an extremely unhealthy physical state.

那只受了伤的小猫正奄奄一息。

Literary

"弱不禁风"

— Too weak to stand a gust of wind. Describes a person who looks very unhealthy and frail.

她从小就弱不禁风。

Neutral

"面黄肌瘦"

— Sallow and emaciated. A descriptive idiom for someone looking physically unhealthy due to malnutrition.

难民们个个面黄肌瘦。

Neutral

"死气沉沉"

— Lifeless or dull. Describes an 'unhealthy' atmosphere lacking in vitality.

这个办公室死气沉沉的，很不健康。

Neutral

"本末倒置"

— To put the cart before the horse. Often describes an 'unhealthy' way of prioritizing things.

为了赚钱而牺牲健康，真是本末倒置。

Formal

"饮鸩止渴"

— To drink poison to quench thirst. Describes an 'unhealthy' short-term solution that causes long-term disaster.

用高利贷还债是饮鸩止渴。

Formal/Literary

"急功近利"

— Eager for quick success and instant benefit. Describes an 'unhealthy' and short-sighted mindset.

这种急功近利的发展是不健康的。

Formal

Easily Confused

不健康的 vs 生病

Both relate to health.

'生病' is an acute state (I have a cold). '不健康' is a chronic state or a quality of a thing (This habit is bad for me).

我生病了 (I am sick). 抽烟是不健康的 (Smoking is unhealthy).

不健康的 vs 有害

Both imply negative effects.

'有害' is stronger and implies direct damage (harmful). '不健康' is a broader lack of wellness.

这种农药有害 (This pesticide is harmful).

不健康的 vs 虚弱

Both describe a weak body.

'虚弱' specifically describes a lack of physical strength or energy, often after illness.

病人很虚弱 (The patient is very weak).

不健康的 vs 亚健康

Both mean 'not perfectly healthy'.

'亚健康' is a specific term for the 'grey area' where you aren't sick but don't feel great.

很多白领处于亚健康状态。

不健康的 vs 糟糕

Both are negative adjectives.

'糟糕' is much more informal and general (terrible/messy).

天气很糟糕 (The weather is terrible).

Sentence Patterns

这是不健康的[Noun]。

这是不健康的食物。

[Verb phrase]是不健康的。

熬夜是不健康的。

[Subject]对[Object]是不健康的。

抽烟对肺是不健康的。

这种不健康的[Abstract Noun]会导致[Problem]。

这种不健康的竞争会导致压力。

不仅不健康，反而[Negative Consequence]。

这样做不仅不健康，反而会适得其反。

深陷于这种不健康的[Metaphor]之中。

他深陷于这种不健康的权力游戏之中。

All

请改掉不健康的[Noun]。

请改掉不健康的作息习惯。

All

很不健康的

这是一种很不健康的生活。

Word Family

Nouns

健康 (jiànkāng) - health

亚健康 (yà jiànkāng) - sub-health (feeling unwell but not clinically sick)

Verbs

健 (jiàn) - to strengthen (rarely used alone)

康复 (kāngfù) - to recover/rehabilitate

Adjectives

健康的 (jiànkāng de) - healthy

健全的 (jiànquán de) - sound/robust (used for systems)

康泰 (kāngtài) - healthy and safe (formal/archaic)

身体 (shēntǐ) - body

疾病 (jíbìng) - disease

锻炼 (duànliàn) - exercise

饮食 (yǐnshí) - diet

心理 (xīnlǐ) - psychology

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in discussions about health, food, and social issues.

Common Mistakes

我今天不健康。 → 我今天生病了。
Use '生病' for being sick today. '不健康' refers to a general state or habit.
不健康饮食习惯。 → 不健康的饮食习惯。
In most sentences, the particle '的' is required to link the adjective to the noun.
这个手机不健康。 → 这个手机坏了。
Don't use '不健康' for broken inanimate objects like phones or cars.
bù jiàn kāng (pronunciation) → bú jiàn kāng
The tone of 'bù' must change to 2nd tone before another 4th tone.
有害的习惯 (when meaning unhealthy). → 不健康的习惯。
'有害' means actively harmful. '不健康' is the standard way to describe bad habits.

Tips

Use with Prepositions

Pair '不健康的' with '对...来说' to specify who or what it is unhealthy for. For example, '对孩子来说是不健康的'.

Junk Food Alternative

While '不健康的食品' is correct, '垃圾食品' (junk food) is much more common in casual settings.

The Tone Shift

Remember: bú jiànkāng. The tone of 'bù' changes to 2nd tone because 'jiàn' is 4th tone.

Holistic Health

Chinese speakers use 'unhealthy' for things like 'drinking cold water' due to cultural beliefs about balance. Don't be surprised!

Character Stroke Order

Practice '健' carefully. It has the 'person' radical on the left and a complex 'build' structure on the right.

Identify Negation

Always listen for the 'bù' at the start. Missing it completely changes the meaning to 'healthy'!

Business Usage

In business, use '不健康的竞争' to describe market practices that are unsustainable or toxic.

Mental States

Use it to describe '心态' (mindset). A 'jealous' or 'overly stressed' mind is '不健康的心态'.

Vs. Harmful

Use '有害' for things that cause immediate damage (like toxins) and '不健康' for long-term bad states.

Polite Advice

Add '我觉得' (I think) before saying something is '不健康的' to make your advice sound less like a command.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bù' as 'Boo!' (scary/negative), 'Jiàn' as a 'Gym' (where you get strong), and 'Kāng' as 'Calm'. If you are 'Boo-Gym-Calm', you are NOT healthy!

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting on a couch (不) surrounded by giant junk food (健康) with a warning sign (的).

Word Web

不健康 (Unhealthy) 垃圾食品 (Junk Food) 熬夜 (Stay up late) 压力 (Stress) 生病 (Sick) 抽烟 (Smoking) 懒惰 (Lazy) 有害 (Harmful)

Challenge

Try to list three things in your room that are '不健康的' and three things that are '健康的' in Chinese.

Word Origin

'不' (bù) is a negation particle dating back to Oracle Bone Script. '健' (jiàn) originally meant 'strong' or 'vigorous' (man + build). '康' (kāng) originally referred to a 'broad road' or 'peace', evolving to mean well-being.

Original meaning: The combination '不健康' literally means 'not vigorous and peaceful/well'.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Avoid using '不健康的' to describe a person's physical appearance directly unless you are very close, as it can be interpreted as a comment on their frailty or lack of vitality.

English speakers might use 'unhealthy' mainly for diet and exercise, whereas Chinese speakers apply it broadly to social atmospheres and family dynamics.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts often discuss the 'unhealthy' (不健康) flow of energy. Modern Chinese TV dramas frequently use the term to describe 'toxic' or 'unhealthy' love triangles. Public health campaigns in China ('Healthy China 2030') emphasize reducing 'unhealthy' behaviors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

我的饮食不健康吗？
不健康的生活方式
身体处于不健康状态
检查结果显示不健康

Parenting

别吃不健康的零食
晚睡是不健康的
养成健康的习惯
这种玩手机的方式不健康

Workplace

不健康的竞争
公司文化不健康
长期加班不健康
不健康的沟通方式

Environmental News

空气质量不健康
不健康的水源
不健康的生态平衡
不健康的环境因素

Relationships

不健康的关系
不健康的依赖
这种相处模式不健康
心理状态不健康

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的年轻人有哪些不健康的习惯？"

"你认为经常吃快餐是不健康的吗？"

"如何改变一种不健康的生活方式？"

"你觉得这种不健康的加班文化会改变吗？"

"为什么有些人明知道不健康还要去做？"

Journal Prompts

描述一个你想要改掉的不健康的习惯。

你认为现代社会中最大的不健康现象是什么？

写一封信给朋友，建议他们放弃不健康的生活方式。

反思一下，你最近是否有过不健康的心态？

讨论一下不健康的审美观对青少年的影响。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. It implies they have a weak constitution or bad habits. It's more common to describe their '身体' (body) or '生活方式' (lifestyle) as '不健康的'. Using it directly for a person can sound a bit like a medical diagnosis or a criticism.

Adding '的' turns it into a clear adjective that can modify a noun (e.g., 不健康的习惯). Without '的', it's often used as a predicate (e.g., 他的生活不健康). In most sentences, '的' is included for clarity and flow.

It is neutral and suitable for both daily conversation and formal writing. It is the standard term used in news reports and medical advice.

You can say '不健康的食品', but native speakers more commonly use '垃圾食品' (lājī shípǐn). '不健康的食品' sounds a bit more scientific or clinical.

Absolutely. Phrases like '不健康的心理' (unhealthy psychology) or '不健康的心态' (unhealthy mindset) are very common when discussing stress or negative attitudes.

Yes. In standard Mandarin, because 'jiàn' is 4th tone, 'bù' always shifts to 2nd tone ('bú'). If you say 'bù jiànkāng', people will understand, but it will sound slightly non-native.

No. For machines or objects that aren't working, use '坏了' (huàile). '不健康' is reserved for living things or systems like economies and relationships.

It is '不健康的竞争' (bù jiànkāng de jìngzhēng). It refers to competition that is cutthroat, unfair, or damaging to the participants.

You can say '非常不健康' or '很不健康'. If modifying a noun, use '一种很不健康的[Noun]'.

In headlines or short notes, people might just use '不健康', but in full sentences, '不健康的' is more natural.