传记

• Pinyin: zhuàn jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 传 = 亻 + 专 (transmit); 记 = 讠 + 己 (record)

Meaning

Biography; biographical account. A written account of someone's life.

A literary genre documenting the life story of a person, usually notable figures. Can be authorized or unauthorized, comprehensive or focused on specific periods. Distinguished from autobiography which is self-written.

Examples

1. 她正在撰写一位科学家的传记。 She is writing a biography of a scientist.
2. 这本传记真实地记录了他的一生。 This biography faithfully records his entire life.
3. 传记文学是历史研究的重要资料。 Biographical literature is an important source for historical research.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, history, publishing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部传记揭示了总统不为人知的一面。(This biography reveals an unknown side of the president.)
• 他的传记已被翻译成十几种语言。(His biography has been translated into more than a dozen languages.)

Don't Say

• 动物传记 — typically use 传记 for humans; use 记录片 or 故事 for animals

Origin & History

传 (to transmit, pass down) + 记 (to record)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal