再生

• Pinyin: zài shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 再 = 一 + 冂 + 土, meaning again; 生 = pictograph of a plant growing, meaning life/produce

Meaning

To regenerate; to recycle; to be reborn. The process of renewing, reproducing, or recovering.

Used in biology, industry, and metaphorically. Common phrases: 再生能源 (renewable energy), 再生资源 (recyclable resources), 再生纸 (recycled paper), 再生能力 (regeneration ability), 起死回生 (bring back from the dead). Implies renewal after use or decline.

Examples

1. 这种蜥蜴的尾巴断了还能再生。 This type of lizard can regenerate its tail after it breaks off.
2. 发展再生能源是解决能源危机的重要途径。 Developing renewable energy is an important way to solve the energy crisis.
3. 废旧物品经过处理可以变成再生资源。 Waste materials can be processed into recyclable resources.

Usage Guide

Context: science, environment, industry

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这是再生纸做的。(This is made from recycled paper.)
• 再生能源越来越重要。(Renewable energy is becoming more and more important.)

Don't Say

• 我再生了 — 人不能'再生'（除非转世），通常用于资源、组织等

Origin & History

Compound of 再 (again) + 生 (to live, produce). Together meaning to live/grow again, to regenerate.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal