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遗传 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
遗传yíchuánheredityHSK 6, vn, rank #4824, Medium
遗传yíchuáninheritanceHSK 6, vn, rank #4824, Medium
遗传yíchuánto transmitHSK 6, vn, rank #4824, Medium
yíchuán(yi2chuan2) T2
  1. 1heredity
  2. 2inheritance
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March 24, 2026
遗传(遺傳)yíchuán(yi2chuan2)

遗传 (yí chuán) refers to the biological process of inheritance, where traits or characteristics are passed from parents to offspring. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, particularly in genetics, as well as in discussions about family traits and behaviors. The term can also imply the transmission of cultural or social traits across generations.

Frequency#4824DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 遗传 is often linked to familial responsibilities and the importance of lineage, where traits of character and social status are traditionally valued and transmitted through generations.

Memory Tip

Imagine a family tree where each branch represents inherited traits. The first character 遗 (yí) looks like a person holding a gift (tradition) to pass down, while 传 (chuán) resembles a path leading from one generation to the next, reinforcing the idea of passing on characteristics.

Meanings of 遗传

yíchuán(yi2chuan2)
1heredity
2inheritance
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 遗传

遗传Simplified
遺傳Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#4824Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 遗传

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Podcast: 遗传

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AI Study Notes for 遗传

Quick Contrast

遗传 (inheritance) vs 传承 (transmission) — use 遗传 for biological inheritance, while 传承 emphasizes cultural or traditional transmission.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a family tree where each branch represents inherited traits. The first character 遗 (yí) looks like a person holding a gift (tradition) to pass down, while 传 (chuán) resembles a path leading from one generation to the next, reinforcing the idea of passing on characteristics.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 遗传 with similar terms like 传递 (chuán dì), which means 'to convey' rather than 'to inherit'. The term is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in scientific discussions. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 遗传 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to genetics and family. Students should focus on its application in academic discussions and how it relates to concepts of genetics, biology, and sociology.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 遗传 is often linked to familial responsibilities and the importance of lineage, where traits of character and social status are traditionally valued and transmitted through generations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 遗传 when discussing learned behaviors instead of inherited ones. For example, saying '我有遗传好习惯' (I have inherited good habits) is incorrect; it should be '我有养成好习惯' (I have developed good habits).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 遗传

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Component Characters

to lose
HSK 512 strokes
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chuánbiography
HSK 56 strokes
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Write 遗传

Practice writing 遗传 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 遗传

遗传 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 3 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

湿疹是一种常见的皮肤病,通常具____性。

Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families.

Example Sentences for 遗传 (4)

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1
湿疹是一种常见的皮肤病,通常具遗传性。

shī zhěn shì yī zhǒng cháng jiàn de pí fū bìng, , tōng cháng jù yí chuán。

Eczema is a common skin complaint which often runs in families.
2
体遗传学的创立应归功于弗朗西斯·高尔顿.

tǐ yí chuán xué de chuàng lì yīng guī gōng yú fú lǎng xī sī· · gāo ěr.

Population genetics owes its origin to Francis Galton.
3
这些染色体结构简单,许多遗传学家喜欢称它们为染色丝.

zhè xiē rǎn sè tǐ jié gòu jiǎn dān, , xǔ duō yí chuán xué jiā xǐ huān chēng tā mén wéi rǎn sè.

These chromosomes are so simple that some geneticists prefer to call them chromonemes.
4
其中包括加利福尼亚的泼拉崖维尔森林遗传研究所创造的帆布提取器.

qí zhōng bāo kuò jiā lì fú ní yà de pō lā yá wéi ěr sēn lín yí chuán yán jiū suǒ chuàng zào de fān bù tí qǔ qì.

These include the canvas extractors developed by the Institute of Forest Genetics at Placerville California.

Cultural Notes for 遗传

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 遗传 is often linked to familial responsibilities and the importance of lineage, where traits of character and social status are traditionally valued and transmitted through generations.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, while the concept of heredity is acknowledged, there's often a stronger emphasis on individualism compared to the familial focus prevalent in Chinese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about 遗传

You could say, '这个特征是遗传下来的' (This trait is inherited).