进化

• Pinyin: jìn huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 进 = 辶 (walk) + 井 (well), meaning to advance; 化 = 人 (person) + 匕, meaning transform

Meaning

Evolve; evolution. The process of gradual development or biological evolution.

Used for biological evolution (进化论 = theory of evolution) and figuratively for development of technology, ideas, or skills. 进化史 is evolutionary history. Can describe upgrading or advancing from a basic to advanced form.

Examples

1. 达尔文的进化论改变了人们对生命起源的看法。 Darwin's theory of evolution changed people's views on the origin of life.
2. 智能手机这几年进化得非常快。 Smartphones have evolved very quickly in recent years.
3. 科学家发现这种鱼类正在进化出新的生存能力。 Scientists discovered that this species of fish is evolving new survival abilities.

Usage Guide

Context: science, technology, biology, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 人类是从猿类进化来的。(Humans evolved from apes.)
• 这款产品进化到了第三代。(This product has evolved to its third generation.)

Don't Say

• 我今天进化了 (进化 is a gradual process, not something that happens in a day — use 进步 for daily improvement)

Origin & History

Compound of 进 (advance) + 化 (change, transform), meaning to advance through change.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal