Meaning and Usage
"肺" (はい) refers specifically to the lungs, the vital organs responsible for respiration. It is a common medical and biological term used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing health or anatomy.
Common Contexts
You will often see "肺" used in medical contexts such as diseases (肺炎 - pneumonia), health advice (e.g., effects of smoking), and anatomy lessons. It is a formal term but widely understood.
Collocations and Patterns
- 肺炎 (はいえん): pneumonia, a common lung infection.
- 肺活量 (はいかつりょう): lung capacity, often used in health or sports contexts.
- 肺がん (はいがん): lung cancer, a serious illness.
Usage Notes
When using "肺," it is typically in a scientific or health-related context rather than casual conversation. Learners sometimes confuse "肺" with "肺臓" which is a less common term for lungs. Stick with "肺" for clarity and naturalness.
Summary
Understanding "肺" helps in discussing health, especially respiratory issues. It appears frequently in news, medical reports, and health advice, making it a useful word for intermediate learners.