Meaning
大自然 refers to the natural world and all its phenomena—plants, animals, landscapes, weather, and ecosystems—as distinct from human-made environments. It emphasizes the vast, uncontrolled forces and beauty of the natural environment.
Usage
This word is commonly used in contexts discussing environmental protection, outdoor activities, or the contrast between urban life and natural settings. It often appears in phrases about respecting, protecting, or returning to nature. Native speakers use it in both formal writing and casual conversation when discussing ecology or the outdoors.
Examples
- 01我们应该保护大自然，不要破坏环境。, .We should protect nature and not destroy the environment.
- 02周末我喜欢去山里，亲近大自然。, .On weekends I like to go to the mountains to get close to nature.
Characters
Common collocations
- 保护大自然to protect nature
- 热爱大自然to love nature
- 回归大自然to return to nature
- 大自然的力量the power of nature
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 大 (great/vast) with 自然 (nature/natural), literally meaning 'great nature' or 'vast natural world.' 自然 itself comes from classical Chinese meaning 'self-so' or 'that which is of itself,' referring to things that exist without human intervention.