岩浆
yánjiāng
The English word 'magma' is translated into Chinese as 岩浆 (yánjiāng).
岩浆 is a term used to describe molten matter. It refers specifically to molten rock that is located beneath the Earth's surface.
Meaning: molten matter (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 岩 (rock) and 浆 (liquid, syrup or paste), literally meaning 'rock liquid'.
Which one should you use?
岩浆 (yánjiāng) refers specifically to magma beneath the Earth's surface, whereas once the molten rock reaches the surface, it is referred to as 熔岩 (róngyán) or as 流动岩浆 (liúdòng yánjiāng).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas, the term 熔浆 is preferred over 熔岩 or 火山岩.
How do you pronounce it?
yánjiāng
Did you know?
- The character 浆 in 岩浆 is the same word used for 'soy milk' 豆浆 and 'starch paste' 浆糊, linking molten rock to common household liquids.
- The term 熔岩 (lava) uses the character 熔, which is also the word used for 'melting' metals in industrial processes.
- While English 'magma' comes from Greek, the Chinese term 岩浆 describes the substance purely by its physical properties: 'rock' and 'syrup'.
Examples in context
- 地底下的岩浆非常烫。Dìdǐ xià de yánjiāng fēicháng tàng.The magma underground is very hot.
- 科学家正在研究岩浆的成分。Kēxuéjiā zhèngzài yánjiū yánjiāng de chéngfèn.Scientists are studying the composition of magma.
- 岩浆流动会导致火山喷发。Yánjiāng liúdòng huì dǎozhì huǒshān pēnfā.The movement of magma causes volcanic eruptions.
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a science textbook in a library.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这里的岩浆是什么颜色的？Zhèlǐ de yánjiāng shì shénme yánsè de?What color is the magma here?
- 伟 Wei通常是红色的。Tōngcháng shì hóngsè de.It is usually red.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你知道它有多热吗？Wěi, nǐ zhīdào tā yǒu duō rè ma?Wei, do you know how hot it is?
- 伟 Wei非常热，甚至会融化岩石。Fēicháng rè, shènzhì huì rónghuà yánshí.It's extremely hot, it can even melt rocks.
