锻炼身体
To exercise/work out
Littéralement: Forge/Temper Body
Use this phrase to describe any routine activity you do to stay healthy and fit.
En 15 secondes
- 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.
Signification
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.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking 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.
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.
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.
Contexte culturel
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 secondes
- 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.
Notes d'usage
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.
Exemples
6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.
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.
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.
走！去锻炼身体！
Let's go! Time to work out!
Short and motivational for a text message.
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.
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.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about health.
为了健康，你应该每天 ___ 。
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 ___ 。
A 'jianshenfang' is a gym, which is the primary place to 'duanlian shenti'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Duanlian Shenti'
Used with friends or family.
去锻炼吗？
The standard way to say it.
我喜欢锻炼身体。
Used in health speeches or posters.
积极锻炼身体，增强体质。
Where to use 'Duanlian Shenti'
At the park
Doing Tai Chi
At the gym
Lifting weights
At home
Doing yoga
At the office
Taking the stairs
Questions fréquentes
10 questions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 在 and 呢 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.
Expressions liées
健身
Fitness / Gym workout
运动
Sports / Physical activity
跑步
Running / Jogging
减肥
To lose weight
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