拉伸
lāshēn
To stretch is 拉伸 (lāshēn) in Chinese.
The verb 拉伸 is used to describe the physical act of extending one's limbs or body, often to improve muscle elasticity. In a fitness context, it is frequently paired with 肌肉 (jīròu, muscles) to describe the process of warming up or cooling down.
Meaning: to extend one’s limbs or body, for example in order to improve the elasticity the muscles (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 拉伸 is composed of two parts: 拉 (lā), meaning 'to pull' and 伸 (shēn), meaning 'to extend'.
Which one should you use?
拉伸 (lāshēn) is specifically used for the physical act of stretching muscles or elastic materials. In contrast, 伸展 (shēnzhǎn) is more commonly used for the general act of stretching one's limbs or the act of expanding and unfolding. Additionally, 延伸 (yánshēn) is used in formal Chinese when referring to the stretching or extension of something abstract.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
lāshēn
Did you know?
- While 拉伸 describes the physical action, the concept of stretching the body is often linked to 气功 (qìgōng) and Tai Chi, where stretching is viewed as a way to unblock the flow of energy throughout the body.
- In some regional dialects, people may use the word 拉筋 (lājīn), which literally means 'pulling the tendons', rather than 拉伸 when referring to deep flexibility training.
- The character 拉 (lā) is also the root for the word 'to drag', suggesting a much more heavy-duty or forceful movement than the English word 'stretch' might imply.
Examples in context
- 在泳池游完泳後要拉伸肌肉。You have to stretch your muscles after swimming in the pool.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 拉伸 in the context of stretching muscles after swimming.Tatoeba #13867395 by LeviHighway, translation #13297080 by frpzzd
- 为了避免运动伤害，请在开始锻炼前进行适当的拉伸。To avoid injuries during exercise, perform suitable stretching beforehand.
- 多做一些伸展运动，对身体非常有益。Doing more stretching exercises is very beneficial for your body.
- 这个问题延伸到了许多其他领域。This issue extends to many other domains.
- 这条裤子太紧了，你能不能把它撑开一点？These pants are too tight. Can you stretch them out a bit?
- 训练之前先拉筋，可以避免肌肉拉伤。Stretching before training can help avoid muscle strains.
- 运动前一定要先拉伸。Yùndòng qián yīdìng yào xiān lāshēn.You must stretch before exercising.
- 每天拉伸一下对身体很好。Měitiān lāshēn yīxià duì shēntǐ hěn hǎo.Stretching every day is good for your body.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Yuting are at the gym.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，我们开始拉伸吧。Yǔtíng, wǒmen kāishǐ lāshēn ba.Yuting, let's start stretching.
- 雨婷 Yuting好，我的腿现在很酸。Hǎo, wǒ de tuǐ xiànzài hěn suān.Okay, my legs are very sore right now.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这样拉伸可以缓解酸痛。Zhèyàng lāshēn kěyǐ huǎnjiě suāntòng.Stretching like this can relieve the soreness.
- 雨婷 Yuting你说得对，感觉舒服多了。Nǐ shuō de duì, gǎnjué shūfú duōle.You are right, I feel much more comfortable.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
