化学
huà xué
The English word 'chemistry' is translated into Chinese as 化学 (huà xué).
化学 refers to the branch of natural science. You can also create a word for a person who specializes in this field, such as a chemist, by adding the suffix 家 (jiā) to the end of the word to form 化学家.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: 化 (huà), which means to change or transform and 学 (xué), which means study or science.
How do you pronounce it?
huà xué
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'chemistry' in the sense of 'interpersonal chemistry' or a 'spark' between people, Chinese speakers usually use the word 化学反应 (huà xué fǎn yìng), which literally means 'chemical reaction'.
- In older Chinese texts, the concepts of 'chemistry' were often blended with 炼丹术 (alchemy), the ancient art of seeking immortality through minerals.
- The character 化 (huà) can also be used to describe 'cosmetics' in the term 化妆 (huà zhuāng), sharing the same root of 'changing' or 'transforming' one's appearance.
Examples in context
- 这里是普通中学的化学实验室。This is a chemistry laboratory in an ordinary secondary school.This sentence shows how to use 化学 when referring to a laboratory in a secondary school.Tatoeba #13881292 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13881298 by Suzumeya_Meiya
- 萨米得去上他的化学课，他会用阿拉伯语和你会面。Sami has to go to his chemistry class and he will see you in Arabic.This sentence provides an example of using 化学 in the context of a school class.Tatoeba #8750745 by cxpadonis, translation #7320827 by OsoHombre
- 我讨厌化学。I hate chemistry.This sentence demonstrates expressing a dislike for 化学.Tatoeba #335051 by fucongcong, translation #1445 by CK
- 在大学里我学习化学。I study chemistry at university.
- 我对化学元素很感兴趣。I'm very interested in chemical elements.
- 这个化学反应非常有趣。This chemical reaction is very interesting.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their university course selections.
- 雨婷 Yuting你想学化学吗？Nǐ xiǎng xué huàxué ma?Do you want to study chemistry?
- 伟 Wei我不确定，我觉得化学很难。Wǒ bù quèdìng, wǒ juéde huàxué hěn nán.I'm not sure, I think chemistry is very difficult.
- 雨婷 Yuting可是化学很有趣。Kěshì huàxué hěn yǒuqù.But chemistry is very interesting.
- 伟 Wei也许吧，我会考虑一下。Yěxǔ ba, wǒ huì kǎolǜ yīxià.Maybe, I will think about it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
