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March 24, 2026
预防(預防)yùfáng(yu4fang2)
预防 (yùfáng) means 'to prevent' or 'to take precautions against' something undesirable. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, safety, and security, such as preventing diseases or accidents. The nuance of this word implies an active effort to guard against potential threats before they occur.
Frequency#8000DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of prevention is deeply rooted in traditional medicine, which emphasizes proactive health measures. The phrase '预防胜于治疗' (yùfáng shèng yú zhìliáo) translates to 'prevention is better than cure,' highlighting the cultural emphasis on taking precautions.
Memory Tip
Think of 预 (yù) as 'before' and 防 (fáng) as 'to guard.' Imagine a guard standing watch before a door, preventing anyone from entering. This visual helps recall both the meaning and the pronunciation, as 'yù' sounds like 'you' in English, inviting you to take action before something happens.
Meanings of 预防
yùfáng(yu4fang2)
1to prevent
2to take precautions against
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About 预防
预防Simplified
預防Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8000Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 预防
Podcast: 预防
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AI Study Notes for 预防
Quick Contrast
防止 (fángzhǐ) - use 预防 when emphasizing proactive measures to prevent something from happening, while 防止 focuses on stopping something that is already occurring.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 预 (yù) as 'before' and 防 (fáng) as 'to guard.' Imagine a guard standing watch before a door, preventing anyone from entering. This visual helps recall both the meaning and the pronunciation, as 'yù' sounds like 'you' in English, inviting you to take action before something happens.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 预防 with similar words like 防止 (fángzhǐ), which means 'to prevent' but focuses more on stopping something that is already happening. 预防 is more about precautions taken beforehand. This word is used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to appear in discussions about public health.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should focus on understanding 预防 in relation to health and safety vocabulary. It connects with other Level 5 words related to health, such as 疾病 (jíbìng, disease) and 安全 (ānquán, safety). Practicing these words together can enhance comprehension and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of prevention is deeply rooted in traditional medicine, which emphasizes proactive health measures. The phrase '预防胜于治疗' (yùfáng shèng yú zhìliáo) translates to 'prevention is better than cure,' highlighting the cultural emphasis on taking precautions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 预防 with 预知 (yùzhī, to foresee), thinking they mean the same. For example, saying '我想要预防未来的事件' (I want to foresee future events) is incorrect; it should be '我想要预防未来的事件' meaning 'I want to prevent future events.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 预防
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Grammar Patterns of 预防
预防 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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.
Too much is spent on expensive curative medicine and too little on preventive medicine.
10
欧洲人吃瓜作为预防晕船的方法.
ōu zhōu rén chī guā zuò wéi yù fáng yùn chuán de fāng fǎ.
Europeans take melons for a preventive against seasickness.
Cultural Notes for 预防
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of prevention is deeply rooted in traditional medicine, which emphasizes proactive health measures. The phrase '预防胜于治疗' (yùfáng shèng yú zhìliáo) translates to 'prevention is better than cure,' highlighting the cultural emphasis on taking precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 预防
It is often used when discussing health measures, such as vaccinations or hygiene practices.
Yes, it can refer to preventive actions taken to avoid legal issues, such as compliance measures.
A common synonym is 防止 (fángzhǐ), which also means 'to prevent,' but with a slightly different focus.
