体积

• Pinyin: tǐ jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 体 = 亻(person) + 本 (root), body; 积 = 禾 (grain) + 只, to accumulate

Meaning

Volume; cubic capacity; the amount of space an object occupies.

A mathematical and physical term referring to the three-dimensional space occupied by an object. Used in science, engineering, shipping, and everyday descriptions of object size. Different from 面积 (area, which is two-dimensional). Measured in cubic units.

Examples

1. 这个箱子的体积太大了，放不进车里。 This box is too big in volume to fit in the car.
2. 气体受热后体积会膨胀。 When heated, gas expands in volume.
3. 快递公司不仅按重量收费，还要考虑包裹的体积。 Shipping companies charge not only by weight but also consider the package's volume.

Usage Guide

Context: science, math, logistics, everyday

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 计算球体的体积。(Calculate the volume of a sphere.)
• 体积太大不方便携带。(The volume is too big to carry conveniently.)

Don't Say

• 你的体积 when describing body size — use 体型 for body type/build; 体积 sounds like measuring an object

Origin & History

Compound of 体 (body/substance) + 积 (accumulate/area), together meaning the accumulated space of a body.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal