环保

• Pinyin: huán bǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 环 = 王 (jade) + 不 (phonetic), meaning ring or surroundings; 保 = 亻(person) + 呆 (phonetic), meaning to protect

Meaning

Environmental protection; eco-friendly. Short for 环境保护, used both as a noun and an adjective.

A modern abbreviation of 环境保护 (environmental protection). As a noun, it refers to the concept or practice of protecting the environment. As an adjective, it describes things that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. Increasingly common in modern Chinese daily life.

Examples

1. 现在越来越多的人关注环保问题。 More and more people are paying attention to environmental issues now.
2. 这种环保袋可以用很多次。 This kind of eco-friendly bag can be used many times.
3. 政府出台了新的环保政策。 The government has introduced new environmental protection policies.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, society, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们应该使用环保产品。(We should use eco-friendly products.)
• 环保是每个人的责任。(Environmental protection is everyone's responsibility.)

Don't Say

• 这个饭菜很环保。(Don't use 环保 to describe food quality — use 健康 or 绿色 for healthy or organic food)

Origin & History

Abbreviation of 环境保护: 环 (ring, surroundings) + 保 (to protect). A modern compound reflecting contemporary environmental awareness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal