锻炼 duànliàn to exercise
to exercise; work out; toughen; to temper
How to remember 锻炼: 锻 forge + 炼 refine = to exercise.
Characters
How it is used
- The verb for working out / exercising the body - 每天锻炼身体 (měitiān duànliàn shēntǐ) exercise every day.
- Also figurative: toughen/temper a person through hardship - 这份工作锻炼人 (zhè fèn gōngzuò duànliàn rén) this job builds character.
- Contrast 运动 (yùndòng), a broader word covering sport and movement; 锻炼 implies deliberate training to get stronger or fitter.
Example sentences
- 她为了健康锻炼身体。 Tā wèile jiànkāng duànliàn shēntǐ.She exercises for her health.
- 我需要更经常地锻炼。 Wǒ xūyào gèng jīngcháng de duànliàn.I need to exercise more often.
- 游泳锻炼肌肉。 Yóuyǒng duànliàn jīròu.Swimming develops your muscles.