B1 verb, noun Neutral

生存

/ʂən⁵⁵ tsʰun³⁵/

The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.

Examples

3 of 5
1

许多物种正面临生存危机。

Many species are facing a survival crisis.

2

人类需要食物和水来维持生存。

Humans need food and water to maintain survival.

3

这家小店在激烈的竞争中生存了下来。

This small shop survived the fierce competition.

Word Family

Noun
生存者
Verb
生存
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Memory Tip

Shēng (life/birth) + cún (to exist). Existing life.

Quick Quiz

保护大熊猫,首先要保护它们的___空间。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 生存

Examples

1

许多物种正面临生存危机。

academic

Many species are facing a survival crisis.

2

人类需要食物和水来维持生存。

academic

Humans need food and water to maintain survival.

3

这家小店在激烈的竞争中生存了下来。

business

This small shop survived the fierce competition.

4

他学会了如何在野外生存。

everyday

He learned how to survive in the wild.

5

生存环境的恶化导致了动物迁徙。

academic

The deterioration of the survival environment led to animal migration.

Word Family

Noun
生存者
Verb
生存

Common Collocations

生存环境 living environment
生存竞争 struggle for existence
生存技能 survival skills
物竞天择,适者生存 survival of the fittest
基本生存 basic survival

Common Phrases

生存法则

law of survival

生存空间

living space

艰难生存

survive with difficulty

Often Confused With

生存 vs 生活

Life (生活) refers to daily lifestyle and activities; survival (生存) refers to the biological or fundamental state of staying alive.

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Usage Notes

Common in IELTS topics related to biology, environment, and business competition.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Do not use '生存' when you just mean 'to live somewhere' (use '住' or '生活').

💡

Memory Tip

Shēng (life/birth) + cún (to exist). Existing life.

📖

Word Origin

Compound of '生' (to be born/live) and '存' (to exist/save).

Grammar Patterns

在...中生存 维持/威胁 + 生存

Quick Quiz

保护大熊猫,首先要保护它们的___空间。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 生存

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