| Let us dive into more must-know Chinese words that will connect you more deeply with our wonderful planet Earth. This is part two of our article. Air 空气 What’s all around us, but we can’t see or hold it? It’s “air,” or 空气 (kōngqì) in Chinese. 空 (kōng) means “empty” or “sky,” and 气 (qì) means “gas” or “steam.” Interestingly, the air in Earth’s atmosphere is mostly “gas.” The Chinese word captures this concept beautifully. Having fresh air (新鲜的空气; xīnxiān de kōngqì) is essential for our health, both physically and mentally. That’s one of the reasons why spending time in nature, where the air is often fresher, is so beneficial. Breathing good quality air can help us breathe easier, improve our mood, strengthen our immune system, and enhance our sleep. It’s a simple yet vital part of our daily lives that contributes significantly to our overall well-being. Oxygen 氧气 What’s an essential part of air (空气; kōngqì) that we absolutely need to live? It’s oxygen, or 氧气 (yǎngqì) in Chinese. 氧 (yǎng) means “oxygen,” and 气 (qì) stands for “gas” or “steam.” Oxygen is an invisible but crucial gas that supports life on Earth. Think about this: we might live without water for three days, but without oxygen, we can’t survive more than three minutes. This shows how important 氧气 is for staying alive. Every breath we take is full of this vital element. Plants need oxygen too. At night, they breathe it in, and during the day, they produce it while converting sunlight into food. This cycle of taking in and releasing oxygen by plants is essential for life on Earth (地球). Plant 植物 Plants, or 植物 (zhíwù) in Chinese, are the vibrant green wonders that bring life and color to our world. In this term, 植 (zhí) means “plant,” and 物 (wù) translates to “thing” or “object.” Plants are living beings that grow in soil, drink water, and use sunlight to create their energy. Plants are vital for life on Earth. They produce oxygen (氧气; yǎngqì) and play a key role in Earth’s ecosystem, providing food and shelter and maintaining ecological balance. They also help clean the air (空气; kōngqì) we breathe. So, next time you relax in the shade of a tree or admire a blooming flower, think about the role of 植物. They are the quiet but mighty protectors of our planet, sustaining life in numerous unseen ways. Climate Change 气候变化 One of today’s most urgent global challenges is climate change, known in Chinese as 气候变化 (qìhòu biànhuà). In this term, 气候 (qìhòu) means “climate,” and 变化 (biànhuà) translates to “change.” Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in weather patterns and global temperatures. These shifts affect everything from local weather to global sea levels, and they impact not just our environment but also human health, food sources, and various habitats. Tackling 气候变化 is a crucial duty for all of us. Understanding and addressing the challenges is vital for a healthier planet. Global Warming 全球变暖 A crucial aspect of climate change is global warming, known in Chinese as全球变暖 (quánqiú biàn nuǎn). 全球 (quánqiú) means “global,” and 變暖/变暖 (biàn nuǎn) translates to “to become warm.” This term specifically refers to the ongoing rise in Earth’s average temperatures, mainly caused by an increase in greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere (大气层; dàqìcéng). Global warming is a significant concern because it leads to extreme weather events, the melting of ice caps, rising sea levels, and a loss of biodiversity. These increased temperatures also profoundly impact the growth of plants and the migration patterns of animals, affecting the delicate balance of ecosystems around the world. |
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