维他命 in 30 Seconds
- 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) means 'vitamin'.
- It's a common loanword for essential nutrients.
- Used in health, food, and daily conversations.
- Pronounced similar to the English word.
The word 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) is a direct transliteration of the English word 'vitamin'. It refers to a group of organic compounds that are essential for life and are required in small quantities for the proper functioning of the body. These are typically obtained from food and are crucial for growth, metabolism, and overall health. You'll commonly hear this word in discussions about nutrition, health, food, and medicine.
- Common Contexts
- Health and wellness discussions, food labels, medical advice, dietary supplements.
- Usage Nuances
- It's a neutral term, widely understood and used by people of all ages. It's not typically used in highly formal or academic settings unless discussing specific scientific compounds, where more technical Chinese terms might be preferred.
Many fruits and vegetables contain essential 维他命.
In everyday conversation, people might talk about needing more of a certain vitamin, taking vitamin supplements, or the benefits of vitamins for health. It's a practical and commonly used term in modern Chinese.
- Example Sentences in Context
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- “我每天都吃很多水果，因为我想摄取足够的维他命。” (I eat a lot of fruit every day because I want to get enough vitamins.)
- “医生建议我补充一些维他命D。” (The doctor advised me to take some Vitamin D supplements.)
- “这个包装上写着富含多种维他命。” (This packaging says it is rich in various vitamins.)
The word is a loanword, making its meaning straightforward for English speakers. It's a staple in conversations about diet and health, and you'll encounter it frequently in various media related to well-being.
Understanding this word opens up many avenues of conversation related to personal health and diet in Chinese-speaking environments. It's a practical vocabulary item for daily life.
Using 维他命 in sentences is quite straightforward, as it functions as a noun. You can place it after verbs like 'eat' (吃 chī), 'take' (补充 bǔchōng, 服用 fúyòng), or 'lack' (缺乏 quēfá). It can also be the object of prepositions or appear in phrases describing nutritional content.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- Subject + Verb + 维他命(s) + (Object/Adverbial)
For instance, to say 'I need vitamins,' you can say '我需要维他命' (Wǒ xūyào wéi tā mìng). If you want to specify a particular vitamin, you can add its name before '维他命', like '维他命C' (wéi tā mìng C) for Vitamin C.
This orange juice is rich in 维他命C.
- Using in Phrases
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- 补充维他命 (bǔchōng wéi tā mìng): To supplement vitamins. Example: “老年人需要补充维他命。” (Elderly people need to supplement vitamins.)
- 缺乏维他命 (quēfá wéi tā mìng): To lack vitamins. Example: “长期缺乏维他命会导致健康问题。” (Long-term lack of vitamins can lead to health problems.)
- 多种维他命 (duō zhǒng wéi tā mìng): Multiple vitamins. Example: “我每天早上都吃一种多种维他命。” (I take a multivitamin every morning.)
- 维他命片 (wéi tā mìng piàn): Vitamin tablets. Example: “请把这些维他命片放在床头柜上。” (Please put these vitamin tablets on the bedside table.)
When talking about specific vitamins, it's common to use the English letter following '维他命', such as 维他命A (Vitamin A), 维他命B (Vitamin B), 维他命C (Vitamin C), 维他命D (Vitamin D), and 维他命E (Vitamin E).
Practice constructing sentences by describing your diet, asking about the nutritional content of food, or discussing health recommendations. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
- More Examples
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- “我感觉有点累，也许是身体缺乏维他命了。” (I feel a bit tired, maybe my body is lacking vitamins.)
- “这个牌子的牛奶声称添加了维他命D。” (This brand of milk claims to have added Vitamin D.)
- “均衡的饮食是获取所有必需维他命的最佳方式。” (A balanced diet is the best way to get all the essential vitamins.)
You'll encounter 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) in a variety of everyday situations, reflecting its importance in health and nutrition. It's a common term in both spoken and written Chinese.
- Supermarkets and Food Packaging
- Look at the labels of food products, especially cereals, juices, and health bars. You'll frequently see phrases like '富含维他命' (rich in vitamins) or specific vitamin content listed.
This cereal is fortified with essential 维他命.
- Doctor's Offices and Pharmacies
- When discussing your health with a doctor or pharmacist, they might recommend taking vitamin supplements. You'll hear them say things like '你需要补充维他命D' (You need to supplement Vitamin D) or '这里有一些维他命片' (Here are some vitamin tablets).
- Health and Lifestyle Programs
- On television, in magazines, or online articles about health and wellness, the term 维他命 is ubiquitous. Discussions about healthy eating, boosting immunity, or preventing deficiencies will invariably use this word.
You might also hear it in casual conversations among friends or family when discussing diet, fatigue, or general well-being. For example, someone might say, '我最近有点累，想吃点维他命' (I'm a bit tired lately, I want to take some vitamins).
Even in children's health advice, you might see or hear about the importance of getting enough 维他命 for growth and development. It's a fundamental concept in nutritional science that has been integrated into everyday Chinese vocabulary.
- Examples of Spoken Usage
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- “你今天吃了多少维他命？” (How many vitamins did you get today?) - This might be said playfully to a child about eating fruits.
- “我感觉皮肤干燥，是不是缺维他命E？” (My skin feels dry, am I lacking Vitamin E?)
- “这个感冒药里含有维他命C，可以帮助恢复。” (This cold medicine contains Vitamin C, which can help recovery.)
While 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) is a straightforward loanword, learners might make a few common mistakes, mostly related to overthinking or misapplying grammatical concepts from their native languages.
- Mistake 1: Treating it as a countable noun needing pluralization.
- Incorrect: 我需要很多维他命们 (Wǒ xūyào hěn duō wéi tā mìng men). The '-们' suffix is generally used for pluralizing people, not abstract concepts or substances like vitamins.Correct: 我需要很多维他命 (Wǒ xūyào hěn duō wéi tā mìng). Or, if referring to different types, '多种维他命' (multiple vitamins).Explanation: In Chinese, nouns like '维他命' do not typically take plural markers. The quantity is indicated by quantifiers (like '很多 hěn duō' - many) or by context.
Don't add '们' to 维他命.
- Mistake 2: Overusing specific Chinese terms when the loanword is more common.
- While there might be more technical or scientific Chinese terms for specific vitamins or the concept of vitamins in a highly academic context, for everyday use, 维他命 is the most recognized and widely used term. Attempting to use a less common scientific term might sound unnatural or be misunderstood.Example: In casual conversation about diet, saying '我需要维生素' (wǒ xūyào wéi shēng sù) is also correct, but '维他命' is often preferred due to its phonetic similarity to the English word and its widespread adoption.Explanation: Loanwords often become the default in everyday speech for concepts that are internationally recognized, like 'vitamin'.
- Mistake 3: Mispronunciation.
- The pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but learners might struggle with the tones or the 'ei' sound. Pay attention to the pinyin 'wéi' (second tone) and 'tā' (first tone) and 'mìng' (fourth tone).Correct Pronunciation: wéi tā mìngExplanation: Consistent practice with native speakers or pronunciation guides is key.
Focus on using 维他命 as a simple, uninflected noun. When in doubt, use it as is, and you'll likely be understood perfectly.
While 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) is the most common and direct transliteration for 'vitamin', there are related terms and alternatives in Chinese, each with slightly different nuances.
- 1. 维生素 (wéi shēng sù)
- Definition: This is the more formal, scientific Chinese term for 'vitamin'. It literally translates to 'life element' or 'essential element for life'.Usage: You'll find 维生素 used more in scientific texts, academic papers, and official health guidelines. It's also perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, though 维他命 might be slightly more colloquial due to its phonetic similarity to the English word.Comparison: Think of 维他命 as the 'everyday' version, and 维生素 as the 'official' or 'scientific' version. Both are correct and widely understood.Example: “研究表明，维生素A对视力很重要。” (Research shows that Vitamin A is important for eyesight.) vs “多吃水果可以补充维他命。” (Eating more fruit can supplement vitamins.)
Both 维他命 and 维生素 mean vitamin.
- 2. Specific Vitamin Names (e.g., 维他命C, 维生素C)
- Definition: These refer to specific types of vitamins, like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, etc.Usage: You can use either 维他命C or 维生素C interchangeably. Both are common. Sometimes, especially in more technical contexts, people might just use the letter, assuming the context is clear (e.g., 'C' for Vitamin C).Example: “橙子富含维他命C。” (Oranges are rich in Vitamin C.) or “常晒太阳有助于身体合成维生素D。” (Sun exposure helps the body synthesize Vitamin D.)
- 3. 营养素 (yíngyǎng sù)
- Definition: This is a broader term meaning 'nutrient'. It encompasses vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.Usage: You would use 营养素 when talking about the general nutritional components of food, not specifically vitamins.Comparison: Vitamins (维他命/维生素) are a type of nutrient (营养素).Example: “我们需要均衡的营养素摄入。” (We need a balanced intake of nutrients.)
In summary, while 维他命 is a direct and common loanword, 维生素 is its more traditional Chinese counterpart. Both are widely used and understood. 营养素 is a more general term for nutrients.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
While Casimir Funk coined 'vitamin', he later realized not all vitamins are amines. However, the name stuck. The Chinese transliteration followed the pronunciation of the English word.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tones: Mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning or make the word sound unnatural.
- The 'ei' diphthong in 'wéi': Ensure it's pronounced as a distinct sound, not just 'wei'.
- The 'a' in 'tā': Should be an open 'ah' sound.
- The 'ing' sound in 'mìng': Ensure the nasal ending is clear.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is a loanword and easily recognizable. Understanding its meaning in context is straightforward for A2 learners. Texts discussing health and nutrition will be accessible.
Using 维他命 in simple sentences is easy. Learners should focus on correct sentence structure and common collocations.
Pronunciation is key. Once pronunciation is mastered, using it in simple conversational contexts about health and diet is straightforward.
The word is frequently used in spoken Chinese related to health, making it easy to pick out once recognized.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun Pluralization in Chinese
Chinese nouns generally do not change form for plural. For 维他命, we use quantifiers like '很多' (many) or '一些' (some) instead of adding a plural marker. E.g., '很多维他命' (many vitamins).
Using '有' (yǒu) to indicate possession or existence
水果有维他命。(Fruit has vitamins.) This structure is common for stating that something contains or possesses something else.
Using '对...好' (duì...hǎo) to express benefit
维他命对身体好。(Vitamins are good for the body.) This pattern indicates that something is beneficial for someone or something.
Using '因为' (yīnwèi) for cause and '所以' (suǒyǐ) for effect
因为缺乏维他命，所以我感觉很累。(Because I lack vitamins, I feel very tired.)
Using '为了' (wèile) to express purpose
为了健康，我需要补充维他命。(For health, I need to supplement vitamins.)
Examples by Level
我吃水果。
I eat fruit.
Simple subject-verb-object sentence.
水果有维他命。
Fruit has vitamins.
Noun followed by '有' (have/has) and another noun.
我需要维他命。
I need vitamins.
Subject + need + noun.
这个是维他命C。
This is Vitamin C.
Demonstrative pronoun + is + noun.
你吃维他命吗？
Do you take vitamins?
Sentence ending with '吗' for a yes/no question.
妈妈给我维他命。
Mom gives me vitamins.
Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object.
我喜欢吃维他命糖。
I like to eat vitamin candies.
Subject + like + verb + object.
维他命对身体好。
Vitamins are good for the body.
Noun + '对' (for) + noun + '好' (good).
我每天都吃一个苹果，补充维他命。
I eat an apple every day to supplement vitamins.
Using '都' (all/every) and '补充' (to supplement).
医生说我需要多补充维他命D。
The doctor said I need to supplement more Vitamin D.
Reporting speech ('说') and using '多' (more) with '补充'.
这种橙汁里有很多维他命C。
This orange juice has a lot of Vitamin C in it.
Using '这种' (this kind of) and '里' (inside) to indicate location.
为了健康，我们应该保证摄入足够的维他命。
For health, we should ensure adequate vitamin intake.
Using '为了' (in order to) and '保证' (to ensure).
他因为缺乏维他命而感到疲劳。
He felt tired because he lacked vitamins.
Using '因为' (because) to state the reason.
这些维他命片是无糖的。
These vitamin tablets are sugar-free.
Using '这些' (these) and describing the pills with an adjective.
孩子不爱吃蔬菜，很难摄取到足够的维他命。
Children don't like eating vegetables, so it's hard to get enough vitamins.
Using '不爱' (don't like) and '很难' (very difficult).
我买了一些多种维他命来增强免疫力。
I bought some multivitamins to boost my immunity.
Using '一些' (some) and '来' (to/in order to) for purpose.
均衡的饮食是获取所有必需维他命的最佳途径。
A balanced diet is the best way to obtain all essential vitamins.
Using '均衡的' (balanced), '必需' (essential), and '最佳途径' (best way).
长期缺乏某些维他命可能导致严重的健康问题。
Long-term deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to serious health problems.
Using '长期' (long-term), '缺乏' (deficiency), '某些' (certain), and '可能导致' (may lead to).
市面上有各种各样的维他命补充剂，选择时需谨慎。
There are various types of vitamin supplements on the market; one must be cautious when choosing.
Using '市面上有' (on the market there are), '各种各样' (various kinds), and '需谨慎' (need to be cautious).
为了提高身体的抵抗力，许多人会选择服用维他命C。
To enhance the body's resistance, many people choose to take Vitamin C.
Using '提高' (to enhance/raise), '抵抗力' (resistance/immunity), and '服用' (to take/consume medicine).
这个牌子的维他命以其高生物利用度而闻名。
This brand of vitamins is known for its high bioavailability.
Using '牌子' (brand), '以其...而闻名' (is famous for...), and '生物利用度' (bioavailability).
怀孕期间，孕妇需要特别注意补充叶酸等维他命。
During pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay special attention to supplementing vitamins like folic acid.
Using '怀孕期间' (during pregnancy), '孕妇' (pregnant women), '特别注意' (pay special attention), and '等' (etc./and so on).
尽管我们努力从食物中获取，但有时仍需额外补充维他命。
Although we try to get them from food, sometimes we still need to supplement vitamins additionally.
Using '尽管' (although), '努力' (strive), '额外' (additional/extra).
儿童的生长发育离不开充足的维他命摄入。
Children's growth and development are inseparable from adequate vitamin intake.
Using '生长发育' (growth and development), '离不开' (inseparable from), and '充足的' (adequate/sufficient).
维生素的缺乏可能引发一系列生理功能紊乱，影响整体健康。
Vitamin deficiency can trigger a series of physiological functional disorders, affecting overall health.
Using '引发' (trigger), '一系列' (a series of), '生理功能紊乱' (physiological functional disorders), and '影响' (affect).
食物的加工过程可能导致其中某些维他命的流失。
Food processing may lead to the loss of certain vitamins within it.
Using '加工过程' (processing), '导致' (lead to), and '流失' (loss/leakage).
摄入过量的维他命，尤其是脂溶性维生素，可能会对身体造成毒性。
Ingesting excessive amounts of vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins, can potentially cause toxicity to the body.
Using '摄入过量' (ingest excessive amount), '脂溶性' (fat-soluble), and '造成毒性' (cause toxicity).
某些疾病会影响人体对维他命的吸收和利用效率。
Certain diseases can affect the human body's efficiency in absorbing and utilizing vitamins.
Using '影响...的吸收和利用效率' (affect the efficiency of absorption and utilization).
膳食补充剂中的维他命成分含量应符合国家标准。
The vitamin content in dietary supplements should comply with national standards.
Using '膳食补充剂' (dietary supplements), '成分含量' (content of ingredients), and '符合国家标准' (comply with national standards).
为了优化运动表现，运动员会根据自身情况调整维他命摄入。
To optimize athletic performance, athletes adjust their vitamin intake according to their individual circumstances.
Using '优化运动表现' (optimize athletic performance), '根据自身情况' (according to individual circumstances), and '调整' (adjust).
研究人员正在探索天然食物中维他命的潜在抗氧化作用。
Researchers are exploring the potential antioxidant effects of vitamins in natural foods.
Using '探索' (explore), '潜在' (potential), and '抗氧化作用' (antioxidant effect).
缺乏维他命D可能与骨质疏松症的发生风险增加有关。
Vitamin D deficiency may be related to an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
Using '与...有关' (be related to), '骨质疏松症' (osteoporosis), and '发生风险增加' (increased risk of occurrence).
维生素的生物合成途径极为复杂，涉及多步酶促反应。
The biosynthetic pathways of vitamins are extremely complex, involving multi-step enzymatic reactions.
Using '生物合成途径' (biosynthetic pathway), '极为复杂' (extremely complex), '涉及' (involve), and '酶促反应' (enzymatic reaction).
当前对维生素与肠道微生物群相互作用的研究日益深入，揭示了其在人体健康中的重要性。
Current research on the interaction between vitamins and the gut microbiota is deepening, revealing their importance in human health.
Using '当前...研究日益深入' (current research is deepening), '肠道微生物群' (gut microbiota), '相互作用' (interaction), and '揭示' (reveal).
尽管维生素对维持生命至关重要，但其在体内的浓度必须精确调控，以防毒副作用。
Although vitamins are crucial for sustaining life, their concentrations in the body must be precisely regulated to prevent toxic side effects.
Using '尽管...但' (although...but), '至关重要' (crucial), '精确调控' (precisely regulated), and '以防' (to prevent).
维生素的推荐摄入量是基于人群平均需求制定的，个体差异需另行评估。
Recommended vitamin intake levels are established based on average population needs; individual variations require separate assessment.
Using '推荐摄入量' (recommended intake), '基于' (based on), '人群平均需求' (average population needs), and '个体差异' (individual variations).
维生素的生物学功能远不止于作为辅酶，还涉及信号传导和基因表达调控。
The biological functions of vitamins extend far beyond acting as coenzymes, also involving signal transduction and gene expression regulation.
Using '远不止于' (far beyond), '辅酶' (coenzyme), '信号传导' (signal transduction), and '基因表达调控' (gene expression regulation).
鉴于维生素在免疫系统稳态中的关键作用，其缺乏与多种免疫相关疾病的易感性增加有关。
Given the critical role of vitamins in maintaining immune system homeostasis, their deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to various immune-related diseases.
Using '鉴于' (given), '免疫系统稳态' (immune system homeostasis), '关键作用' (critical role), and '易感性' (susceptibility).
新型维生素衍生物的开发旨在提高稳定性和靶向递送效率，以期更好地发挥治疗潜力。
The development of novel vitamin derivatives aims to improve stability and targeted delivery efficiency, in order to better exert therapeutic potential.
Using '新型...衍生物' (novel...derivatives), '旨在' (aims to), '靶向递送' (targeted delivery), and '以期' (in order to).
对维生素代谢失调的研究有助于理解多种遗传性疾病的发病机制。
The study of vitamin metabolic disorders helps in understanding the pathogenesis of various genetic diseases.
Using '代谢失调' (metabolic disorder), '有助于' (helps in), '遗传性疾病' (genetic diseases), and '发病机制' (pathogenesis).
维生素作为一类重要的内源性生物活性分子，其在细胞信号传导、基因调控及能量代谢等核心生命过程中扮演着不可或缺的角色。
Vitamins, as a class of important endogenous bioactive molecules, play an indispensable role in core life processes such as cellular signal transduction, gene regulation, and energy metabolism.
Using '内源性生物活性分子' (endogenous bioactive molecules), '核心生命过程' (core life processes), and '扮演着不可或缺的角色' (play an indispensable role).
维生素的稳态维持不仅依赖于摄入，更与体内复杂的转运、代谢及排泄机制息息相关，任何环节的失衡都可能导致病理状态。
The homeostasis of vitamins is maintained not only by intake but also is closely related to complex in vivo transport, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms; any imbalance in these links can lead to pathological states.
Using '稳态维持' (homeostasis maintenance), '不仅...更与...息息相关' (not only...but also closely related to...), '转运' (transport), '排泄机制' (excretion mechanisms), and '病理状态' (pathological state).
维生素缺乏症的诊断往往需要综合考量临床症状、生化指标及膳食评估，尤其是在非典型表现的病例中，其鉴别诊断更具挑战性。
The diagnosis of vitamin deficiency diseases often requires comprehensive consideration of clinical symptoms, biochemical indicators, and dietary assessment, especially in cases with atypical presentations, making differential diagnosis more challenging.
Using '缺乏症' (deficiency disease), '综合考量' (comprehensive consideration), '生化指标' (biochemical indicators), '膳食评估' (dietary assessment), '非典型表现' (atypical presentations), and '鉴别诊断' (differential diagnosis).
维生素的药理学应用日益广泛，不仅局限于营养补充，还包括在癌症预防、神经保护及抗衰老等领域的探索性治疗。
The pharmacological applications of vitamins are increasingly widespread, extending beyond nutritional supplementation to include exploratory therapies in fields such as cancer prevention, neuroprotection, and anti-aging.
Using '药理学应用' (pharmacological application), '日益广泛' (increasingly widespread), '局限于' (limited to), and '探索性治疗' (exploratory therapy).
维生素在生物体内并非孤立发挥作用，而是通过复杂的网络与其他营养素、激素及信号分子协同作用，共同维持机体稳态。
Vitamins do not function in isolation within the body but rather act synergistically with other nutrients, hormones, and signaling molecules through complex networks, collectively maintaining organismal homeostasis.
Using '并非孤立发挥作用' (do not function in isolation), '协同作用' (synergistic action), '共同维持' (collectively maintain), and '机体稳态' (organismal homeostasis).
维生素的代谢产物及其在细胞内的转化过程是理解其生理功能和病理意义的关键环节。
The metabolites of vitamins and their transformation processes within cells are key links to understanding their physiological functions and pathological significance.
Using '代谢产物' (metabolites), '转化过程' (transformation process), and '病理意义' (pathological significance).
尽管维生素的益处已被广泛认可，但其过量摄入的潜在风险不容忽视，需要精准的剂量学指导。
Despite the widely recognized benefits of vitamins, the potential risks of their excessive intake cannot be ignored and require precise dosimetric guidance.
Using '尽管...但' (although...but), '益处' (benefits), '潜在风险' (potential risks), '不容忽视' (cannot be ignored), and '剂量学指导' (dosimetric guidance).
维生素与氧化应激、炎症反应以及细胞凋亡等过程的相互调节机制是当前生命科学研究的热点领域。
The regulatory mechanisms of interaction between vitamins and processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis are hot areas of current life science research.
Using '氧化应激' (oxidative stress), '炎症反应' (inflammatory response), '细胞凋亡' (apoptosis), '相互调节机制' (regulatory mechanisms of interaction), and '热点领域' (hot area).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To supplement vitamins. This phrase is used when someone is taking extra vitamins, often in pill or liquid form, to ensure they get enough.
天气转凉了，我开始补充维他命来增强抵抗力。
— To lack vitamins. This describes a state where the body is not getting enough of certain essential vitamins, which can lead to health issues.
如果长期缺乏维他命D，可能会导致骨骼问题。
— Multivitamin. This refers to a supplement containing a combination of various vitamins.
我每天早上都会吃一粒多种维他命。
— Rich in vitamins. This phrase is used to describe foods or products that contain a high amount of vitamins.
绿叶蔬菜富含多种维他命和矿物质。
— Vitamin tablets. This refers to the physical form of vitamin supplements, usually in pill form.
我把维他命片放在我的药盒里。
— Vitamin D. Another specific and frequently mentioned vitamin, often linked to sunlight.
医生建议我补充维生素D，因为我很少晒太阳。
— Take vitamins every day. This is a common piece of health advice.
为了保持健康，我每天都要吃维他命。
— Allergic to vitamins. While rare, some individuals might have sensitivities or allergies to certain vitamins or supplements.
他好像对某些维他命过敏，吃了会不舒服。
— Natural vitamins. This refers to vitamins obtained from food sources, as opposed to synthetic ones.
我更倾向于从食物中获取天然维他命。
Often Confused With
This is a more formal and scientific term for vitamin, while 维他命 is a transliteration and more common in everyday speech. Both are correct and understood.
This is a broader term meaning 'nutrient' and includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. 维他命 is a specific type of 营养素.
This means 'medicine' or 'drug'. While vitamin supplements can be medicine-like, 维他命 specifically refers to vitamins, not general pharmaceuticals.
Idioms & Expressions
— A good harvest; abundant crops. While not directly about vitamins, it implies a time of plenty where people have access to nutritious food, implicitly including vitamins.
希望今年风调雨顺，五谷丰登，大家都能吃饱吃好，摄取足够的维他命。
— Food should not be too coarse, nor meat too finely minced. This idiom emphasizes refined eating habits, implying a focus on quality and nutrients, which would include vitamins.
古人讲究食不厌精，脍不厌细，可见他们对食物的营养（包括维他命）也颇为重视。
— Illness enters through the mouth. This proverb highlights the importance of what we eat for our health. A diet rich in vitamins helps prevent illness.
常言道病从口入，所以我们要吃干净卫生的食物，并摄取足够的维他命来增强免疫力。
— Health is the capital for revolution/work. This emphasizes the importance of good health as a foundation for any endeavor. Maintaining health involves adequate vitamin intake.
一定要好好照顾身体，身体是革命的本钱，多补充维他命，少熬夜。
— The people regard food as their heavenly mandate; food is of paramount importance to the people. This highlights the fundamental role of food and nutrition, including vitamins, for a society.
民以食为天，而食物的营养价值，特别是维他命的含量，直接关系到人民的健康水平。
— Food tonics are better than medicinal tonics. This suggests that obtaining nutrients, including vitamins, from natural food sources is preferable to relying solely on supplements.
虽然维他命片很方便，但大家都说药补不如食补，还是多吃蔬菜水果好。
— Balanced diet. While not an idiom, it's a core concept related to obtaining all necessary nutrients, including vitamins.
要做到均衡饮食，才能摄取到身体所需的各种维他命。
— To strengthen the physique/constitution. Adequate vitamin intake is a key component of strengthening one's health.
坚持运动，加上充足的维他命摄入，能够有效地增强体质。
— To prevent and treat diseases. Vitamins play a crucial role in both prevention (boosting immunity) and sometimes in treatment support.
保持良好的生活习惯，摄取足够的维他命，有助于防病治病。
— To prolong life and increase longevity. A healthy lifestyle, including adequate vitamin intake, contributes to a longer and healthier life.
科学饮食和适量运动，摄取全面的维他命，是延年益寿的秘诀之一。
Easily Confused
Both 维他命 and 维生素 refer to vitamins and are often used interchangeably in everyday contexts. 维他命 is a phonetic transliteration, while 维生素 is a more traditional Chinese term.
维他命 is more colloquial and directly mimics the English pronunciation, making it easy for learners. 维生素 is the more standard, scientific term often found in textbooks and formal writing, though also common in speech. For learners, using 维他命 is usually safe and natural in most casual settings.
我每天吃维他命C来增强免疫力。 / 我每天吃维生素C来增强免疫力。
营养 means 'nutrition' or 'nourishment' in general. Vitamins are a component of nutrition, so the terms are related but not identical.
营养 is a broader concept encompassing all essential elements for growth and health, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 维他命 specifically refers to the organic compounds known as vitamins. You get 营养 from consuming 维他命 and other nutrients.
均衡的营养对身体很重要。 / 蔬菜富含维他命，能提供身体所需的营养。
Both vitamins (维他命) and minerals (矿物质) are essential micronutrients required by the body, often discussed together in the context of diet and health.
Vitamins are organic compounds, while minerals are inorganic elements. They have different chemical structures and functions but are both crucial for health. They are often grouped under the umbrella term 'nutrients' (营养素).
这个补充剂含有多种维他命和矿物质。
维他命 often comes in the form of supplements (补充剂), so the words are frequently associated.
补充剂 is a general term for any substance taken to supplement the diet, which can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc. 维他命 refers specifically to the vitamin compounds themselves, which can be obtained from food or supplements.
我正在服用一种复合维他命补充剂。
Vitamins play a role in energy metabolism, so there's a conceptual link between vitamins and energy.
能量 refers to energy, typically derived from calories in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Vitamins are not a direct source of energy but are essential catalysts and cofactors in the metabolic processes that release energy from food.
多吃维他命可以帮助身体更好地利用食物中的能量。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 有 (yǒu) + 维他命
水果有维他命。
Subject + 需要 (xūyào) + 维他命
我需要维他命。
Subject + 补充 (bǔchōng) + 维他命
我每天补充维他命。
富含 (fùhán) + 维他命
这个果汁富含维他命。
缺乏 (quēfá) + 维他命
他缺乏维他命。
为了 (wèile) + Purpose, + Subject + Verb + 维他命
为了健康，我需要补充维他命。
Subject + 认为 (rènwéi) + 维他命 + 对...好 (duì...hǎo)
我認為維他命對身體好。
Subject + 担心 (dānxīn) + 缺乏 (quēfá) + 维他命
她担心自己缺乏维他命。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Adding a plural marker like '们' (men) to 维他命.
→
维他命
Chinese nouns generally do not have plural forms. Use quantifiers like '很多' (many) or '一些' (some) to indicate plurality. For example, '很多维他命' (many vitamins), not '维他命们'.
-
Mispronouncing the tones, especially the 2nd tone in 'wéi' or the 4th tone in 'mìng'.
→
wéi (2nd tone) tā (1st tone) mìng (4th tone)
Incorrect tones can significantly alter the meaning or make the word sound unnatural. Practice the tones carefully with audio resources.
-
Confusing 维他命 with 营养 (yíngyǎng - nutrition) or 能量 (néngliàng - energy).
→
维他命 (vitamin) is a specific nutrient, while 营养 is the broader concept of nourishment, and 能量 is energy.
While related, they are not interchangeable. Vitamins contribute to nutrition and energy metabolism but are not nutrition or energy themselves.
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Using 维他命 in highly technical scientific contexts where 维生素 might be more appropriate.
→
In everyday conversation, 维他命 is fine. For formal scientific papers, 维生素 is often preferred.
维他命 is a transliteration, while 维生素 is the established scientific term. While both are understood, context matters for formality.
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Assuming 维他命 is always taken as a supplement.
→
Vitamins can be obtained from food (e.g., fruits, vegetables) or supplements.
While 维他命 is often associated with supplements, it's important to remember that natural food sources are also primary ways to get vitamins. The phrase '从食物中摄取维他命' (get vitamins from food) is common.
Tips
Sound Association
The pronunciation of 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) sounds very similar to the English word 'vitamin'. Associate the sound with the meaning directly. You can even think of it as 'way to Ming' (a person's name) who is very healthy because they take their vitamins!
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: wéi (2nd tone), tā (1st tone), mìng (4th tone). Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Mandarin. Practice saying it aloud multiple times.
Learn Specific Vitamins
Once you're comfortable with 维他命, learn how to say specific vitamins by adding the letter, like 维他命C (Vitamin C) or 维他命D (Vitamin D). This will greatly expand your ability to discuss nutrition.
维他命 vs. 维生素
Understand that 维生素 (wéi shēng sù) is the more formal Chinese term for vitamin. While both are correct, 维他命 is often preferred in everyday conversation. Knowing both will enhance your understanding.
Check Food Labels
When you're shopping, look at food labels in Chinese. You'll often see '富含维他命' (rich in vitamins) or lists of specific vitamins. This is great practice for recognizing the word in real-world contexts.
Nouns Don't Pluralize
Remember that 维他命, like most Chinese nouns, does not change form for plural. Use quantifiers like '很多' (many) or '一些' (some) to indicate quantity, e.g., '很多维他命'.
Health is Valued
In Chinese culture, health is highly valued. Discussing vitamins and nutrition is a common way to show care for oneself and others. Incorporating this word into your conversations will make you sound more natural.
Use it in Sentences
Try to create your own sentences using 维他命. For example: '我每天早上吃水果来补充维他命。' (I eat fruit every morning to supplement vitamins.)
Listen Actively
When watching Chinese TV shows, movies, or listening to podcasts related to health, actively listen for the word 维他命. Try to understand its usage in different contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Way to Ming'. Imagine you're telling your friend Ming a way to stay healthy: 'Hey Ming, you need to take vitamins!' The sounds 'wéi tā mìng' are very close to 'way to Ming'.
Visual Association
Picture a person named 'Ming' who is extremely healthy and energetic, always eating fruits and vegetables. This person is the embodiment of good health thanks to 'vitamins' (维他命).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain in Chinese, using 维他命, why eating fruits is good for you. Focus on using the word at least three times in your explanation.
Word Origin
The word 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) is a direct phonetic transliteration of the English word 'vitamin'. This type of word formation is common in modern Chinese for international concepts, especially in science and technology.
Original meaning: The English word 'vitamin' was coined by Casimir Funk in 1912. He derived it from Latin 'vita' (life) and 'amine', as he initially believed all these vital substances were amines.
Indo-European (English) -> Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)Cultural Context
The term '维他命' itself is neutral and not sensitive. However, discussions around health and diet can sometimes touch upon personal beliefs or practices related to traditional medicine versus modern medicine, or specific dietary restrictions.
The word 维他命 is a direct transliteration of 'vitamin', making it very easy for English speakers to recognize and remember. Its usage is similar to how 'vitamin' is used in English-speaking countries, particularly in contexts of health, diet, and supplements.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing diet and nutrition
- 多吃蔬菜水果，补充维他命。
- 均衡饮食很重要。
- 这个食物富含维他命。
Talking about health and well-being
- 我感觉有点累，可能是缺乏维他命。
- 维他命对身体好。
- 每天都要吃维他命。
At a pharmacy or health store
- 请问有多种维他命吗？
- 我想买一些维他命D。
- 这些维他命片是什么牌子的？
Reading food labels or advertisements
- 本产品富含维他命C。
- 添加了多种维他命。
- 天然维他命来源。
Doctor's consultation
- 医生，我需要补充维他命吗？
- 您的身体可能缺乏某种维他命。
- 建议您服用维他命补充剂。
Conversation Starters
"你今天吃水果了吗？里面有很多维他命哦！"
"我最近感觉有点没精神，是不是该吃点维他命了？"
"你看这个食品包装上写着富含维他命，你觉得是真的吗？"
"你通常会吃维他命补充剂吗？"
"你知道哪些食物富含维他命D吗？"
Journal Prompts
今天我吃了哪些富含维他命的食物？
我感觉身体哪里需要补充维他命？
我是否应该考虑购买维他命补充剂？为什么？
我了解到关于维他命的哪些新知识？
如何将摄取维他命融入我日常的饮食计划中？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, while 维他命 is a very common transliteration and widely used, the more formal and scientific term is 维生素 (wéi shēng sù). Both are correct and understood, but 维他命 is often preferred in casual conversation due to its phonetic similarity to the English word. For learners, using 维他命 is perfectly acceptable.
It's pronounced 'wéi tā mìng'. The tones are: wéi (second tone, rising), tā (first tone, high and flat), mìng (fourth tone, falling). It sounds quite similar to the English word 'vitamin'.
Yes, you can. You would say 维他命C (wéi tā mìng C) for Vitamin C, or 维他命D (wéi tā mìng D) for Vitamin D, and so on. The formal term 维生素 is also used similarly, e.g., 维生素C.
维他命 functions as a noun. In Chinese, nouns generally don't change for plural. So, you don't add a plural marker. You use quantifiers like '很多' (many) or '一些' (some) to indicate quantity. For example, '我需要很多维他命' (I need many vitamins).
Common phrases include '补充维他命' (supplement vitamins), '缺乏维他命' (lack vitamins), '多种维他命' (multivitamin), and '富含维他命' (rich in vitamins). These are useful for discussing health and diet.
维他命 is very versatile and used in both informal and neutral settings. In highly scientific or academic contexts, 维生素 might be preferred, but 维他命 is widely understood and accepted even in general formal contexts.
维他命 refers specifically to vitamins. 营养素 is a broader term meaning 'nutrient', which includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. So, vitamins are a type of nutrient.
Yes, you can. The phrase is '缺乏维他命' (quēfá wéi tā mìng). For example, '我感觉有点累，可能是缺乏维他命了' (I feel a bit tired, maybe I'm lacking vitamins).
You'll see it frequently on food packaging, in health product advertisements, in magazines or websites discussing health and diet, and hear it in everyday conversations about well-being, especially when talking about fruits, vegetables, or supplements.
No, 维他命 is generally considered an easy word for English speakers to learn because it is a direct phonetic transliteration of 'vitamin'. The pronunciation is similar, and the meaning is the same.
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Summary
维他命 (wéi tā mìng) is the direct and widely understood Chinese word for 'vitamin', essential for health and frequently discussed in everyday contexts.
- 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) means 'vitamin'.
- It's a common loanword for essential nutrients.
- Used in health, food, and daily conversations.
- Pronounced similar to the English word.
Sound Association
The pronunciation of 维他命 (wéi tā mìng) sounds very similar to the English word 'vitamin'. Associate the sound with the meaning directly. You can even think of it as 'way to Ming' (a person's name) who is very healthy because they take their vitamins!
Context is Key
Use 维他命 in contexts related to health, food, and diet. Common verbs to use with it are '吃' (eat), '补充' (supplement), '缺乏' (lack), and '需要' (need). For example: '我需要补充维他命。'
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: wéi (2nd tone), tā (1st tone), mìng (4th tone). Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Mandarin. Practice saying it aloud multiple times.
Learn Specific Vitamins
Once you're comfortable with 维他命, learn how to say specific vitamins by adding the letter, like 维他命C (Vitamin C) or 维他命D (Vitamin D). This will greatly expand your ability to discuss nutrition.
Related Content
More health words
一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
