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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
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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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).
While primarily biological, 遗传 can also refer to cultural or social inheritance.
Common phrases include 遗传特征 (inherited traits) and 遗传学 (genetics).
