进化 (jìnhuà) — evolution; to evolve

进化 (jìnhuà)

进化 describes the process of evolution or progressive development to a more advanced or complex state, used in both its strict biological sense and more broadly for technology, society, or ideas.

Meanings

1. [noun/verb] evolution; to evolve (biological sense)
2. [noun/verb] progressive development; to advance to a higher form

Example Sentences

达尔文的进化论彻底改变了人类对自身起源的认识。 Dá'ěrwén de jìnhuà lùn chèdǐ gǎibiànle rénlèi duì zìshēn qǐyuán de rènshi. Darwin's theory of evolution fundamentally changed humanity's understanding of its own origins.

人类经过数百万年的进化，才发展出现今的智力水平。 Rénlèi jīngguò shù bǎiwàn nián de jìnhuà, cái fāzhǎn chū xiànjīn de zhìlì shuǐpíng. Through millions of years of evolution, humans developed their current level of intelligence.

智能手机的进化速度令人叹为观止。 Zhìnéng shǒujī de jìnhuà sùdù lìng rén tàn wéi guān zhǐ. The pace of evolution of smartphones is breathtaking.

这种细菌进化出了对抗生素的抵抗能力。 Zhè zhǒng xìjūn jìnhuà chūle duì kàngshēngsù de dǐkàng nénglì. This bacterium evolved resistance to antibiotics.

语言也在不断进化，以适应新的社会环境。 Yǔyán yě zài bùduàn jìnhuà, yǐ shìyìng xīn de shèhuì huánjìng. Language also continuously evolves to adapt to new social environments.

城市形态的进化反映了人类文明的整体进步。 Chéngshì xíngtài de jìnhuà fǎnyìngle rénlèi wénmíng de zhěngtǐ jìnbù. The evolution of urban forms reflects the overall progress of human civilisation.

Collocations

Usage Notes

进化 (jìnhuà) specifically means evolution in the direction of advancement or complexity. It contrasts with 退化 (tuìhuà), which means degeneration or devolution. In Chinese, 进化论 is the standard translation of "Darwinian evolution." In a metaphorical context, 进化 implies positive, forward progress.

Do not confuse 进化 with 演化 (yǎnhuà), which is a more neutral academic term for "change over time" used in some scientific contexts without the positive directionality implied by 进化.

Memory Hook

进 (to advance/move forward) + 化 (to transform) = to transform by advancing forward.