热身
rèshēn
The English phrase 'warm up' is translated into Mandarin as 热身 (rèshēn).
热身 is used to describe performing gentle exercises to prepare the body for more intense physical activity. It is a versatile term that can function as both a noun (a warm-up) and a verb (to warm up).
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 热 (rè), which means 'hot' and 身 (shēn), which means 'body'.
Which one should you use?
While 热身 is the standard term, 预备活动 is used in official or structured environments to refer to a warm-up. In fitness or exercise contexts, you may also see 热身操 used specifically to mean 'warm-up exercises'.
How do you pronounce it?
rèshēn
Did you know?
- The character 热 (rè) is also used to describe 'trendy' or 'popular' things, such as a 'hot' movie or a 'hot' topic, reflecting how physical heat and social popularity share the same word in Mandarin.
- The term 热身操 (rèshēn cāo) refers to specific rhythmic exercises often performed in synchronized groups, a common sight in school morning assemblies across China.
- In some contexts, 热身 can be used metaphorically, similar to the English 'warm up' to describe a person getting into the mood for a task.
Examples in context
- 你应该先热身再开始运动。You should warm up before starting the exercise.
- 参赛选手请进行预备活动。Participants, please warm up.
- 跟着我来做热身操。Follow me to do warm-up exercises.
- 你必须先热身再开始跑步You must warm up before starting to run.
- 我们需要热身一下。We need to do a little warm-up.
- 你应该先热身。Nǐ yīnggāi xiān rèshēn.You should warm up first.
- 跑步前要热身。Pǎobù qián yào rèshēn.You need to warm up before running.
- 我们开始热身吧。Wǒmen kāishǐ rèshēn ba.Let's start warming up.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are at the gym preparing to exercise.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，我们先热身吧。Jiāyí, wǒmen xiān rèshēn ba.Jiayi, let's warm up first.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好啊，我也准备好了。Hǎo a, wǒ yě zhǔnbèi hǎo le.Okay, I am ready too.
- 伟 Wei我们要不要先慢跑一下？Wǒmen yào bùyào xiān mànpǎo yīxià?Should we jog a little bit first?
- 佳怡 Jiayi可以，这样对身体好。Kěyǐ, zhèyàng duì shēntǐ hǎo.Yes, that is good for the body.
