现象 (xiànxiàng) — phenomenon; appearance

HSK 4 | noun | an observable fact or event, especially one requiring explanation

现象 (xiànxiàng)

现象 refers to something observable that occurs in the world, especially an event or trend that is noteworthy or in need of explanation.

Meanings

  1. [noun] Phenomenon; occurrence; appearance; observable fact.

Example Sentences

这种社会现象值得我们深思。 Zhè zhǒng shèhuì xiànxiàng zhídé wǒmen shēnsī. This social phenomenon deserves our deep reflection.

打雷闪电是一种自然现象。 Dǎléi shǎndiàn shì yī zhǒng zìrán xiànxiàng. Thunder and lightning are a natural phenomenon.

科学家研究了这种奇怪的现象。 Kēxuéjiā yánjiūle zhè zhǒng qíguài de xiànxiàng. Scientists studied this strange phenomenon.

加班文化是很多国家都存在的现象。 Jiābān wénhuà shì hěn duō guójiā dōu cúnzài de xiànxiàng. Overwork culture is a phenomenon found in many countries.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
自然现象 natural phenomenon
社会现象 social phenomenon
普遍现象 widespread phenomenon
研究现象 to study a phenomenon
这种现象 this kind of phenomenon

Usage Notes

现象 is the observable surface of something, as opposed to 本质 (běnzhì, essence) or 规律 (guīlǜ, underlying law). The phrase 这是一种...现象 (this is a type of ... phenomenon) is a highly useful sentence frame in Chinese writing and discussion.

Memory Hook

现 means "to appear/present" and 象 means "image/form" — something that presents its image to you is a phenomenon.