积累
jīlěi
To accumulate in Chinese is expressed as 积累 (jīlěi).
积累 is used to describe the process of growing in number. It is frequently used in the context of accumulating abstract qualities like experience (经验) or knowledge (知识).
Meaning: to grow in number (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: 积 (jī), which means to accumulate or collect and 累 (lěi), which means to pile up or accumulate.
Which one should you use?
While 积累 is often used for abstract things like experience or wealth, 堆积 is more commonly used for physical objects piling up, such as snow or trash.
How do you pronounce it?
jīlěi
Did you know?
- The word 积 is the root for the Chinese term for 'integral' in calculus 积分. This reflects the mathematical idea of accumulation as the area under a curve.
- The concept of 'accumulation' in Chinese culture is deeply tied to the idea of 'accumulating virtue' (积德), which is believed to bring good fortune or luck to future generations.
- The character 累 in 积累 originally depicted a silk thread being twisted or piled up. In other contexts, this same character can mean 'tired' or 'exhausted' as if someone is burdened by a heavy pile of work.
Examples in context
- 在工作中累积经验非常重要。Accumulating experience is crucial in the workplace.
- 这个项目的累计销售额已经达到一个新高。The cumulative sales volume of this project has reached a new high.
- 为了实现旅行的梦想，我一直在积攒钱。I've been saving money all along to fulfill my dream of traveling.
- 房间里堆积了太多的杂物，需要整理一下。The room is cluttered with too many things and needs to be tidied up.
- 我们需要积累经验。Wǒmen xūyào jīlěi jīngyàn.We need to accumulate experience.
- 他积累了大量的财富。Tā jīlěi le dàliàng de cáifù.He accumulated a large amount of wealth.
- 日常的学习可以积累知识。Rìcháng de xuéxí kěyǐ jīlěi zhīshì.Daily studying can help accumulate knowledge.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their career goals.
- 浩然 Haoran你想在这个公司工作多久？Nǐ xiǎng zài zhège gōngsī gōngzuò duōjiǔ?How long do you want to work at this company?
- 雨婷 Yuting我想在这里积累一些工作经验。Wǒ xiǎng zài zhèlǐ jīlěi yīxiē gōngzuò jīngyàn.I want to accumulate some work experience here.
- 浩然 Haoran这是一个很好的主意，雨婷。Zhè shì yīgè hěn hǎo de zhǔyì, Yǔtíng.That is a very good idea, Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，浩然。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán.Thank you, Haoran.
