动物

• Pinyin: dòng wù
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 (dòng) — to move; 物 (wù) — thing, creature

Meaning

Animal. A general term for all living creatures in the animal kingdom.

Encompasses all animals from pets to wildlife. Commonly used in everyday speech, education, and environmental discussions. Often paired with 植物 (plants) when talking about living things in general.

Examples

1. 我最喜欢的动物是熊猫。 My favourite animal is the panda.
2. 很多动物住在森林里。 Many animals live in the forest.
3. 小朋友们都喜欢看动物。 Children all love watching animals.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, education, pets, environment

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 你最喜欢什么动物？(What's your favourite animal?)
• 我们要保护野生动物。(We should protect wild animals.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'动物'来骂人 — while calling someone an 'animal' is a mild insult in English, 你是动物 in Chinese is a much stronger and more offensive insult.

Origin & History

Compound of 动 (to move) and 物 (thing, creature). Literally 'moving thing' — distinguishing animals from plants by their ability to move.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal