症状
zhèngzhuàng
The English word "symptoms" is translated into Mandarin as 症状 (zhèngzhuàng).
症状 is used to refer to physical or mental features that indicate a particular disease or medical condition. It is appropriate for both physical and mental symptoms in a medical context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of two parts: 症 (zhèng), which specifically refers to a disease, illness or a symptom and 状 (zhuàng), which refers to a state, condition or appearance.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish 症状 from 征兆 (zhēngzhào). While 症状 refers specifically to medical symptoms, 征兆 is used for general signs, omens or indications that something is about to happen.
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngzhuàng
Did you know?
- In colloquial speech, adding 症 to a behavior can create a slang term for an obsession, such as 洁癖症 for an obsessive need for cleanliness.
- The character 状 is also used to mean 'a formal written report' or 'a petition', as these documents describe the 'state' of a situation.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, 症 can refer to a 'syndrome' or a pattern of symptoms rather than a single disease, reflecting a holistic approach to health.
Examples in context
- 如果这些药突然被停了，那可能会出现一些戒断症状。If these drugs are stopped abruptly, then some withdrawal symptoms may occur.This sentence shows how to use 症状 when discussing withdrawal symptoms.Tatoeba #8743606 by slo_oth, translation #2846769 by patgfisher
- 如果服用速效救心丸后症状并未缓解，请立即服用硝酸甘油。If symptoms do not ease after taking Suxiao Jiuxin Pills, take nitroglycerin immediately.This sentence demonstrates the use of 症状 when describing the easing of medical conditions.Tatoeba #14028856 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #14028857 by jan_OkulaJu
- 你有新冠病毒的症状吗？Do you have coronavirus symptoms?This sentence shows how to ask if someone is experiencing the 症状 of a virus.Tatoeba #8904342 by iiujik, translation #8610374 by Amastan
- 我头疼得厉害。I have a severe headache.
- 我喉咙很痛。My throat is very sore.
- 我胃疼I have a stomachache.
Example conversation
Wei asks Xiaowen about her health after seeing her looking unwell.
- 伟 Wei你觉得身体有什么症状吗？Nǐ juéde shēntǐ yǒu shéme zhèngzhuàng ma?Do you feel like you have any symptoms?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我只是有点头痛和发热。Wǒ zhǐshì yǒudiǎn tóutòng hé fārè.I just have a bit of a headache and a fever.
- 伟 Wei那你最好去医院看看。Nà nǐ zuìhǎo qù yīyuàn kànkan.Then you should probably go to the hospital to see a doctor.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢你的关心，我会的。Xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn, wǒ huì de.Thanks for your concern, I will.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
