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March 24, 2026
物理wùlǐ(wu4li3)
物理 (wù lǐ) refers to the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy, encompassing concepts such as force, motion, and heat. It is commonly used in academic contexts, particularly in discussions related to science and engineering. The term can also imply a broader understanding of physical phenomena in everyday life.
Frequency#5036DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, physics education is highly emphasized in schools, and students often participate in rigorous science competitions, reflecting the cultural value placed on academic achievement in the sciences.
Memory Tip
Think of 物 (wù) as 'thing' or 'matter' and 理 (lǐ) as 'principle' or 'logic'. Imagine a scientist examining the 'things' of the universe to uncover their 'principles', which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 物理.
Meanings of 物理
wùlǐ(wu4li3)
1physics
2physical
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 物理
物理Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5036Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 物理
Podcast: 物理
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AI Study Notes for 物理
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 物 (wù) as 'thing' or 'matter' and 理 (lǐ) as 'principle' or 'logic'. Imagine a scientist examining the 'things' of the universe to uncover their 'principles', which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 物理.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 物理 with other scientific terms like 化学 (huàxué), which means chemistry. This term is more formal, so it's best used in academic or professional settings rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 物理学 (wùlǐxué - physics as a field of study) and 物理现象 (wùlǐ xiànxiàng - physical phenomena).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 物理 connects well with other science-related vocabulary such as 科学 (kēxué - science) and 技术 (jìshù - technology). Students should focus on understanding how it relates to scientific discussions and its usage in educational contexts.
Cultural Note
In China, physics education is highly emphasized in schools, and students often participate in rigorous science competitions, reflecting the cultural value placed on academic achievement in the sciences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 物理 incorrectly in casual contexts, saying things like '我学物理在家' (I study physics at home) when a more appropriate phrase would be '我在家自学物理' (I self-study physics at home). Additionally, some may confuse it with similar-sounding terms, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 物理
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Grammar Patterns of 物理
物理 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____学并非只是一门不能直接运用的纯科学。
Physics isn't just about pure science with no immediate applications.
Some subjects, such as mathematice, physics and English, are compulsory for the students in this department.
7
我不想像平时那样啃那些数学题和物理题.
wǒ bù xiǎng xiàng píng shí nà yàng kěn nà xiē shù xué tí hé wù lǐ tí.
I don't feel like working on those maths and physics problems at home as usual.
8
十年前他在大学教物理.
shí nián qián tā zài dà xué jiào wù lǐ.
He taught physics to the students at a college ten years ago.
9
物理学由惠勒教授教.
wù lǐ xué yóu huì lè jiào shòu jiào.
Physics is taught by Professor Wheeler.
10
她觉得她的数学课和物理课的知识还很欠缺.
tā jué dé tā de shù xué kè hé wù lǐ kè de zhī shí huán hěn qiàn quē.
She found great chasms in her mathematics and physics.
Cultural Notes for 物理
🏮Cultural insight
In China, physics education is highly emphasized in schools, and students often participate in rigorous science competitions, reflecting the cultural value placed on academic achievement in the sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions about 物理
物理 specifically refers to physics, while 科学 is a broader term that encompasses all sciences.
It is pronounced as 'wù lǐ', with the first syllable having a falling tone and the second a rising tone.
While it can be used, it is mostly reserved for academic discussions rather than casual conversation.
