adjective / verb HSK 5
Traditional 虛擬
virtual · fictitious · to simulate · to virtualize

Meaning

虚拟 refers to something that exists in appearance or effect but not in physical reality. It commonly describes digital simulations, computer-generated environments, or hypothetical scenarios. As a verb, it means to simulate or create a virtual version of something.

Usage

This term is extremely common in technology contexts, especially when discussing virtual reality (虚拟现实), virtual currency, online identities, or computer simulations. It can also describe hypothetical or imaginary situations in formal writing. The tone is neutral to technical rather than colloquial.

Examples

  1. 01
    他每天花很多时间在虚拟世界里玩游戏。
    měi tiān huā hěn duō shí jiān zài shì jiè wán yóu .
    He spends a lot of time every day playing games in the virtual world.
  2. 02
    这家公司开发了一个虚拟现实培训系统。
    Zhè jiā gōng kāi le xiàn shí péi xùn tǒng.
    This company developed a virtual reality training system.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 虚拟现实
    xiàn shí
    virtual reality (VR)
  • 虚拟货币
    huò
    virtual currency, cryptocurrency
  • 虚拟世界
    shì jiè
    virtual world
  • 虚拟环境
    huán jìng
    virtual environment

Antonyms

Origin

虚 originally meant empty or void, while 拟 means to imitate or simulate. Together they form the concept of creating an imitation or simulation that appears real but lacks physical substance.

Related