锻
炼

About

The word 锻炼 is formed through a vivid metaphorical process rooted in ancient material practice. It combines two characters, each originally related to metalworking: 锻 (duàn), depicting the hammering and forging of metal, and 炼 (liàn), representing the smelting and refining of metal with fire. Together, they literally illustrate the complete process of strengthening raw metal into a durable tool or weapon through intense, repeated physical treatment. This concrete image was then applied abstractly to the human realm, representing the process of strengthening one's body, will, or skills through persistent and rigorous effort, much like tempering steel.

Example Sentences Hide

我每天锻炼身体。

Wǒ měi tiān duànliàn shēntǐ.

I exercise my body every day.

他经常锻炼以保持健康。

Tā jīngcháng duànliàn yǐ bǎochí jiànkāng.

He often exercises to maintain health.

我们每天早上在公园锻炼。

Wǒmen měi tiān zǎoshang zài gōngyuán duànliàn.

We exercise in the park every morning.

如果你坚持锻炼，你的身体会变得更健康。

Rúguǒ nǐ jiānchí duànliàn, nǐ de shēntǐ huì biàn dé gèng jiànkāng.

If you persist in exercising, your body will become healthier.

尽管工作很忙，他仍然抽时间锻炼身体，因为他知道锻炼的重要性。

Jǐnguǎn gōngzuò hěn máng, tā réngrán chōu shíjiān duànliàn shēntǐ, yīnwèi tā zhīdào duànliàn de zhòngyàoxìng.

Even though work is busy, he still finds time to exercise because he knows the importance of exercise.

Word Definition - 锻炼

duàn liàn to toughen; to temper; to engage in physical exercise; to work out; (fig.) to develop one's skills; to train oneself

Individual Character Details

锻 duàn
炼 liàn, liàn