维生素

• Pinyin: wéi shēng sù
• Hanzi breakdown: 维 = 糸 (silk) + 隹 (short-tailed bird), meaning to maintain; 生 = depicts growing plant, meaning life; 素 = 糸 (silk) + 垂, meaning element or plain

Meaning

Vitamin. Essential organic nutrients required for proper body function.

A transliteration of the English word 'vitamin' combined with Chinese meaning elements. Used in health, nutrition, and medical contexts. Common vitamins: 维生素A/B/C/D/E. Also called 维他命 (wéitāmìng) in Taiwan and some regions, also a transliteration.

Examples

1. 多吃水果蔬菜可以补充维生素。 Eating more fruits and vegetables can supplement your vitamins.
2. 医生建议她每天服用维生素D补充剂。 The doctor advised her to take vitamin D supplements daily.
3. 缺乏维生素C会导致免疫力下降。 A lack of vitamin C can lead to decreased immunity.

Usage Guide

Context: health, nutrition, medical

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这种水果富含维生素C。(This fruit is rich in vitamin C.)
• 你需要补充维生素吗？(Do you need vitamin supplements?)

Don't Say

• 我吃了三个维生素 — 应该说'三片维生素'或'三粒维生素'，用量词

Origin & History

A partial transliteration of 'vitamin.' 维 (wéi) approximates 'vi-,' 生素 (shēngsù) means 'life element,' capturing the meaning of 'vital amine.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal