A2 Collocation Neutral 3 min de lectura

锻炼身体

To exercise/work out

Literalmente: Forge/Temper Body

Use this phrase to describe any routine activity you do to stay healthy and fit.

En 15 segundos

  • Used for any physical activity intended to improve health.
  • Combines 'tempering metal' with 'body' for a strong image.
  • Appropriate for all ages and social settings.

Significado

This phrase is your go-to way to say you are working out or keeping fit. It covers everything from hitting the gym to a light morning stroll in the park.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Talking about a daily routine

我每天早上都去公园锻炼身体。

I go to the park every morning to exercise.

😊
2

Explaining why you are busy

对不起,我现在要去锻炼身体。

Sorry, I am going to work out now.

🤝
3

In a professional health seminar

为了健康,我们应该多锻炼身体。

For our health, we should exercise more.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

The term 'duanlian' (forge) reflects a traditional Chinese view that the body is like metal that needs tempering to become strong. In modern China, 'guangchang wu' (square dancing) is the most iconic form of 'duanlian shenti' for the older generation, turning exercise into a massive social event.

💡

Shorten it!

In casual speech, you can often drop 'shenti' and just say 'duanlian'. It sounds punchier and more natural.

⚠️

Not for sports

If you are playing a specific sport like basketball, say 'da lanqiu' instead of 'duanlian'. Use this phrase for the act of exercise itself.

En 15 segundos

  • Used for any physical activity intended to improve health.
  • Combines 'tempering metal' with 'body' for a strong image.
  • Appropriate for all ages and social settings.

What It Means

锻炼身体 is the gold standard for talking about physical exercise. The first part, 锻炼, literally means to forge metal in a fire. It implies that through heat and pressure, you become stronger. The second part, 身体, just means your body. Together, it is about hardening yourself into a healthier version. It is not just about lifting heavy weights. It is a holistic term for staying active.

How To Use It

You can use it as a full verb-object phrase. Usually, you put it at the end of a sentence to describe an activity. You can also add specific times or places. For example, "I go to the park to 锻炼身体." If you want to sound more natural, you can just say 锻炼 on its own. Adding 身体 makes it sound a bit more complete and intentional. It is very flexible and fits into almost any sentence structure.

When To Use It

Use this when you want to sound like a responsible adult. It is perfect for New Year's resolutions. Use it when chatting with colleagues about your weekend. It is great for explaining why you are sweaty or tired. You will hear it often in schools and offices. It is a very positive, proactive phrase. Even a quick walk counts as 锻炼身体 in Chinese culture.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for professional sports training. If you are an Olympic athlete, you use 训练. Also, do not use it for mental exercises. You cannot 锻炼身体 your brain. It is strictly for physical movement. Avoid using it if you are just doing a one-off task. If you are lifting a heavy box once, that is not 锻炼. It implies a routine or a goal of health. Don't use it to describe a medical procedure either.

Cultural Background

In China, 锻炼身体 is a national pastime. You will see grandmas dancing in squares and grandpas doing Tai Chi. This is all considered 锻炼身体. There is a famous slogan: "Exercise for ten minutes every day." It is seen as a social duty to stay healthy. It is not just about looking good in a swimsuit. It is about longevity and being part of the community. It is a very wholesome concept.

Common Variations

You will often hear people just say 去锻炼 (go exercise). Young people might say 健身 (bodybuilding/fitness) if they are going to a gym. 健身 sounds a bit more modern and trendy. 运动 (sports/movement) is another common alternative. However, 锻炼身体 remains the most classic way to express the idea of staying fit. It works for all ages and all levels of intensity.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral-to-formal phrase that is safe for all contexts. It is the standard way to discuss health-related physical activity without being overly slangy or overly academic.

💡

Shorten it!

In casual speech, you can often drop 'shenti' and just say 'duanlian'. It sounds punchier and more natural.

⚠️

Not for sports

If you are playing a specific sport like basketball, say 'da lanqiu' instead of 'duanlian'. Use this phrase for the act of exercise itself.

💬

The 'Old Man' Vibe

While everyone uses it, 'duanlian shenti' can sometimes sound a bit traditional. Young people often prefer 'jianshen' (fitness) to sound cooler.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Talking about a daily routine
😊

我每天早上都去公园锻炼身体。

I go to the park every morning to exercise.

A very standard way to describe a healthy habit.

#2 Explaining why you are busy
🤝

对不起,我现在要去锻炼身体。

Sorry, I am going to work out now.

A polite way to end a conversation for a healthy reason.

#3 In a professional health seminar
💼

为了健康,我们应该多锻炼身体。

For our health, we should exercise more.

Used here to give formal advice or encouragement.

#4 Texting a friend about the gym
😊

走!去锻炼身体!

Let's go! Time to work out!

Short and motivational for a text message.

#5 A humorous excuse for being tired
😄

我今天锻炼身体了,现在只想睡觉。

I worked out today, now I just want to sleep.

Using exercise as an excuse for being lazy later.

#6 Encouraging a sick friend
💭

等你好了,我们一起去锻炼身体吧。

When you are better, let's go exercise together.

Shows care and a wish for the friend's recovery.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about health.

为了健康,你应该每天 ___ 。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 锻炼身体

The sentence means 'For health, you should ___ every day.' Exercise is the only logical choice.

Complete the sentence describing a location for exercise.

他在健身房 ___ 。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 锻炼身体

A 'jianshenfang' is a gym, which is the primary place to 'duanlian shenti'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Duanlian Shenti'

Casual

Used with friends or family.

去锻炼吗?

Neutral

The standard way to say it.

我喜欢锻炼身体。

Formal

Used in health speeches or posters.

积极锻炼身体,增强体质。

Where to use 'Duanlian Shenti'

锻炼身体
🌳

At the park

Doing Tai Chi

🏋️

At the gym

Lifting weights

🏠

At home

Doing yoga

🏢

At the office

Taking the stairs

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

运动 is a general term for sports or movement, while 锻炼 specifically implies exercising for health or self-improvement.

No, 锻炼身体 is strictly physical. For the mind, you would use 锻炼脑力 or 练习.

Yes, it is a very safe and neutral phrase. It shows you are a disciplined person who cares about health.

You can say 我在锻炼身体呢. Adding and indicates the action is currently happening.

Not always. 锻炼 can stand alone as a verb, but adding 身体 makes the object of the 'forging' clear.

健身 is more like 'fitness' or 'bodybuilding'. It is usually associated with going to a gym.

Yes, 我每天都锻炼 is a very common and natural sentence.

Using it to describe a specific game. Don't say 我锻炼身体篮球, say 我打篮球来锻炼身体.

It comes from ancient metalworking. It suggests that through hard work, your body becomes as strong as tempered steel.

Yes, but they also frequently use 运动 to cover both sports and general exercise.

Frases relacionadas

健身

Fitness / Gym workout

运动

Sports / Physical activity

跑步

Running / Jogging

减肥

To lose weight

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!

Empieza a aprender idiomas gratis

Empieza Gratis