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noun HSK 5
xíng xīng
planet

Meaning

行星 refers to a celestial body that orbits a star, particularly the eight major planets in our solar system. The term literally means 'moving star,' reflecting ancient observations that planets appeared to wander against the backdrop of fixed stars.

Usage

Commonly used in astronomy, science education, and general discussions about space. The term appears in both formal scientific contexts and everyday conversation about the solar system. Often paired with specific planet names or used when discussing planetary systems and space exploration.

Examples

  1. 01
    太阳系有八颗行星，地球是其中之一。
    Tài yáng xì yǒu bā kē xíng xīng, dì qiú shì qí zhōng zhī yī.
    The solar system has eight planets, and Earth is one of them.
  2. 02
    科学家们发现了一颗新的系外行星。
    Kē xué jiā men fā xiàn le yī kē xīn de xì wài xíng xīng.
    Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet.

Characters

Measure words

  • 颗kē八颗行星

Common collocations

  • 太阳系行星
    tài yáng xì xíng xīng
    planets of the solar system
  • 类地行星
    lèi dì xíng xīng
    terrestrial planet
  • 气态行星
    qì tài xíng xīng
    gas giant planet
  • 矮行星
    ǎi xíng xīng
    dwarf planet

Antonyms

Origin

The term 行星 dates to ancient Chinese astronomy, where observers noted that certain 'stars' moved relative to the fixed constellations, hence 'moving stars' or 'wandering stars.'

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