现象 xiànxiàng phenomenon
phenomenon; appearance
How to remember 现象: 现 the present + 象 elephant = phenomenon.
Characters
How it is used
- A phenomenon - an observable situation or trend - 社会现象 (shèhuì xiànxiàng) a social phenomenon; 普遍现象 a widespread phenomenon.
- Often contrasted with 本质 (běnzhì, essence): 透过现象看本质 look past the surface to the essence.
- Measure word 个 or 种; neutral, used in analysis and news.
Example sentences
- 酸雨不是自然现象。 Suānyǔ búshì zìrán xiànxiàng.Acid rain isn't a natural phenomenon.
- 数据表明年轻人抽烟的现象没有减少。 Shùjù biǎomíng niánqīngrén chōuyān de xiànxiàng méiyǒu jiǎnshǎo.As is evident from the data, smoking is not decreasing among the young.