自然界

• Pinyin: zì rán jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 然 = 灬 + 肰 (natural/so); 界 = 田 + 介 (boundary/world/realm)

Meaning

The natural world; nature; the physical world as distinct from human society. Refers to the totality of natural phenomena and living organisms.

Used in academic, environmental, and scientific contexts to distinguish nature from human constructs. Encompasses ecosystems, geology, weather, and all living things.

Examples

1. 自然界中许多生物通过伪装来躲避天敌的捕猎。 In the natural world, many organisms use camouflage to avoid predators.
2. 人类的活动对自然界造成的影响已不可忽视。 The impact of human activity on nature can no longer be ignored.
3. 科学家们在自然界中发现了数以万计的未知物种。 Scientists have discovered tens of thousands of previously unknown species in the natural world.

Usage Guide

Context: science, environment, biology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 保护自然界的生物多样性是全人类共同的责任。(Protecting biodiversity in the natural world is the shared responsibility of all humanity.)
• 在自然界中，弱肉强食是普遍存在的生存法则。(In the natural world, the law of the jungle is a universally prevalent survival rule.)

Don't Say

• 自然界的手机 — 自然界 refers specifically to nature, not human-made things; use 人类社会 or 科技领域 instead

Origin & History

自然 (nature/natural) + 界 (world/realm/boundary)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal