训练

• Pinyin: xùn liàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 训 = 讠 (speech) + 川 (river, phonetic), meaning to instruct; 练 = 纟 (silk) + 东 (east, phonetic), meaning to practise or refine

Meaning

To train; training; drill. Systematic practice to develop a skill or physical fitness.

Functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb: 训练身体 (train the body), 训练队员 (train team members). As a noun: 军事训练 (military training), 体能训练 (physical training). Implies structured, repetitive practice. Related: 训练营 (training camp), 训练计划 (training plan).

Examples

1. 运动员每天都要训练好几个小时。 Athletes have to train for several hours every day.
2. 公司为新员工安排了专门的训练。 The company arranged specialised training for new employees.
3. 经过长时间的训练，他的水平提高了很多。 After a long period of training, his level improved greatly.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, work

Tone: disciplined

Do Say

• 他正在训练跑步。(He is training for running.)
• 这次训练的效果很好。(This training session was very effective.)

Don't Say

• 我训练了英语。(Don't use 训练 for language study — use 练习 or 学习. 训练 implies physical or professional drilling.)

Origin & History

训 means 'to instruct' or 'to teach' and 练 means 'to practise' or 'to drill'. Together they describe the process of instruction combined with repeated practice.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal