文明
The stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced. It can also refer to being polite or civilized.
Examples
3 of 5古埃及文明非常神秘。
Ancient Egyptian civilization is very mysterious.
我们要提倡文明用语。
We should promote civilized language.
这种行为是不文明的。
This behavior is uncivilized.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Wen (culture/writing) + Ming (bright/clear) = Bright culture.
Quick Quiz
在公共场合大声喧哗是不___的行为。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 文明
Examples
古埃及文明非常神秘。
academicAncient Egyptian civilization is very mysterious.
我们要提倡文明用语。
everydayWe should promote civilized language.
这种行为是不文明的。
informalThis behavior is uncivilized.
工业文明改变了人类的生活方式。
academicIndustrial civilization has changed the human way of life.
文明的进步需要全人类的努力。
formalThe progress of civilization requires the effort of all mankind.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
文明古国
ancient civilization
文明施工
civilized construction
城市文明
urban civilization
Often Confused With
Wenhua (culture) is broader; wenming (civilization) refers to a higher level of social organization.
Usage Notes
In China, often used in public signs to encourage good behavior.
Common Mistakes
Using 'wenming' only for 'ancient civilizations' and forgetting its meaning as 'civil/polite behavior'.
Memory Tip
Wen (culture/writing) + Ming (bright/clear) = Bright culture.
Word Origin
From 'Wen' (writing/culture) and 'Ming' (bright).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The 'Civilized City' (文明城市) award is a major goal for many Chinese municipalities.
Quick Quiz
在公共场合大声喧哗是不___的行为。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 文明
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to ge...
社会A large group of people who live together in an organized wa...
历史The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, or...
进步The process of improving or developing over time. It can ref...
文化The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of...
More history words
现代
B1Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.
历史
B1The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, or the whole series of past events connected with someone or something.
演变
B1The process of gradual development or evolution over time, often used for history, languages, or biological species.
变迁
B1Significant changes that occur over a long period, especially in social, historical, or environmental contexts.
跨度
B1The extent or range of space or time between two points.
最初
B1Relating to the very beginning of a sequence or process; original.
变革
B1A fundamental or major change in a system, structure, or way of doing things, often for the better.
起源
B1The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. It refers to the historical or physical root of something.
见证
B1To see something happen; to be a witness to an event or a period of time.
修复
B1To restore something that is damaged, broken, or worn out to its original or a functional condition.
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