Meaning
资源 refers to materials, assets, or capabilities that can be used to achieve goals or produce value. It commonly refers to natural resources like water, minerals, or energy, but also applies to human resources, financial resources, information resources, and other types of useful assets that can be drawn upon.
Usage
This is a formal to neutral term widely used in academic, business, environmental, and policy contexts. Native speakers use it when discussing economic development, environmental protection, human capital, or any situation involving the allocation or utilization of valuable assets. Often appears in compounds like 人力资源 (human resources) or 自然资源 (natural resources).
Examples
- 01中国拥有丰富的自然资源。.China possesses abundant natural resources.
- 02我们必须合理利用有限的资源。.We must make rational use of limited resources.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种资源
- 项一项资源
Common collocations
- 自然资源natural resources
- 人力资源human resources
- 利用资源to utilize resources
- 资源配置resource allocation
Origin
The compound combines 资 (wealth, capital) with 源 (source), literally meaning 'source of wealth' or 'wealth at the source.' This reflects the concept of resources as the fundamental sources from which value and prosperity derive.