品种

• Pinyin: pǐn zhǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 品 = three mouths, type; 种 = 禾 (grain) + 中 (middle), seed/species

Meaning

Variety; breed; species. Different types within a category.

Used for plants (品种繁多 many varieties), animals (新品种 new breed), and products (各种品种 various types). Important in agriculture, biology, and commerce. 优良品种 (fine breed/variety) is a common expression.

Examples

1. 这个果园种了二十多个品种的苹果。 This orchard grows more than twenty varieties of apples.
2. 市场上的商品品种越来越丰富了。 The variety of products on the market is becoming richer.
3. 科学家培育出了抗病虫害的新品种。 Scientists have cultivated a new variety resistant to pests and diseases.

Usage Guide

Context: agriculture, biology, commerce

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这是什么品种的狗？(What breed of dog is this?)
• 我们引进了国外的优良品种。(We introduced excellent varieties from abroad.)

Don't Say

• 他有很多品种。(品种 refers to types of things, not possessions — be specific)

Origin & History

品 (pǐn, type/category) + 种 (zhǒng, seed/species). A type or variety within a species.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal