我是被领养的
wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de
The phrase "I am adopted" in Chinese is 我是被领养的 (wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de).
A person uses this phrase to state that they were legally taken into a family as a child.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into 我 (I), 是 (am), 被 (passive marker), 领养 (adopt) and a particle 的 used to emphasize a state or characteristic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The character 被 (bèi) is used here to indicate the passive voice, showing that the subject (I) underwent the action of being adopted. The verb 领养 (lǐngyǎng) specifically refers to the act of adopting a child or a person.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, adoption was often termed 过继 (guòjì). This specific practice was designed to ensure a family lineage continued and that ancestral worship was maintained.
- The passive marker 被 (bèi) used in this phrase is often associated with unpleasant or involuntary actions in Chinese. Using it to describe being adopted can sometimes carry a slightly heavy or formal tone, depending on the context.
- The character 养 (yǎng) found in 领养 is the same word used for 'nourish' or 'raise'. It refers to the long-term process of nurturing a child's growth.
Examples in context
- 我是被领养的。Wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de.I am adopted.
- 其实，我是被领养的。Qíshí, wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de.Actually, I am adopted.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are talking about their childhood families.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你知道我是被领养的吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ zhīdào wǒ shì bèi lǐngyǎng de ma?Xiaowen, do you know that I am adopted?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen真的吗？我以前不知道。Zhēn de ma? Wǒ yǐqián bù zhīdào.Really? I didn't know that before.
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，但我很感激我的父母。Shì de, dàn wǒ hěn gǎnjī wǒ de fùmǔ.Yes, but I am very grateful to my parents.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen他们一定非常爱你。Tāmen yīdìng fēicháng ài nǐ.They must love you very much.
