遗传

• Pinyin: yí chuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 遗 = 辶 (movement radical) + 贵 (precious), to leave behind; 传 = 亻 (person radical) + 专 (concentrated/specialised), to transmit or pass on

Meaning

Heredity; genetic inheritance. The passing of physical or genetic traits from parents to children through biological processes.

Used in biological, medical, and everyday contexts. 遗传病 refers to a hereditary disease. 遗传学 is genetics as a field of study. Used colloquially when someone resembles a parent in looks or ability, e.g. 她的眼睛是遗传她妈妈的 (Her eyes take after her mother's). Distinct from 继承, which covers inheritance of property.

Examples

1. 医生说这种病有可能通过遗传传给下一代。 The doctor said this condition may be passed on to the next generation through heredity.
2. 他的音乐天赋是遗传自父亲的。 His musical talent is inherited from his father.
3. 科学家正在研究哪些性格特点可以通过遗传影响孩子。 Scientists are studying which personality traits can influence children through genetic inheritance.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, science, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个病是遗传性的，需要定期检查。(This disease is hereditary and requires regular check-ups.)
• 她的高个子是遗传自她爸爸的。(Her tall stature is inherited from her father.)

Don't Say

• 说'他遗传了一栋房子'来表示继承财产 (Don't use 遗传 for inheriting property or wealth — use 继承 for legal or financial inheritance; 遗传 is specifically for passing on biological or genetic traits)

Origin & History

A compound of 遗 (to leave behind; to bequeath) and 传 (to transmit; to pass on). Together they describe the transmission of biological traits across generations.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal