环境

• Pinyin: huán jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 环 = 王 (jade radical) + 不 (phonetic), meaning ring/surround; 境 = 土 (earth) + 竟 (end/complete), meaning boundary or territory

Meaning

Environment; surroundings. Refers to the natural world, living conditions, or the circumstances around a person or place.

Can refer to the natural environment (环境保护 — environmental protection), living or working surroundings (工作环境 — work environment), or broader social conditions (社会环境). One of the most commonly used words in discussions about ecology, urban planning, and quality of life.

Examples

1. 保护环境是每个人的责任。 Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility.
2. 这里的学习环境很好。 The study environment here is very good.
3. 城市的环境越来越干净了。 The city's environment is becoming cleaner and cleaner.

Usage Guide

Context: ecology, living conditions, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 我们要保护环境。(We must protect the environment.)
• 这个小区的环境不错。(The environment of this residential area is quite nice.)

Don't Say

• 今天的环境很冷。(Don't use 环境 to describe the weather — use 天气. 环境 refers to surroundings or conditions, not temperature.)

Origin & History

Compound of 环 (ring, surround) and 境 (boundary, territory). Literally 'surrounding territory,' meaning everything that encircles and affects a place or person.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal