丛林

• Pinyin: cóng lín
• Hanzi breakdown: 丛 = 从 + 一 (cluster, thicket); 林 = 木 + 木 (forest, woods)

Meaning

Jungle; forest; thicket. A dense growth of trees and vegetation, typically tropical or subtropical.

Can refer to literal jungles or be used metaphorically for competitive, survival-of-the-fittest environments (丛林法则 = law of the jungle). The phrase 城市丛林 (urban jungle) describes competitive city life.

Examples

1. 探险队在热带丛林中穿行了三天才找到失落的古城遗址。 The expedition team trekked through the tropical jungle for three days before finding the ruins of the lost ancient city.
2. 商场如丛林，不进则退，竞争异常激烈。 The business world is like a jungle — if you don't advance, you fall behind, and competition is fierce.
3. 这片丛林是珍稀野生动物的家园，受到严格保护。 This jungle is home to rare wildlife and is strictly protected.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, metaphor, description

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 热带丛林气候湿热。(The tropical jungle climate is hot and humid.)
• 职场就像丛林，弱肉强食。(The workplace is like a jungle — survival of the fittest.)

Don't Say

• 沙漠丛林 (Contradictory — 丛林 implies dense vegetation, which deserts lack)

Origin & History

Compound of 丛 (cluster, thicket) + 林 (forest, woods). Together indicating dense, clustered vegetation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal