繁殖

はんしょく

breed, multiply, propagation

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Usage and Context

The word 繁殖 (fánzhí) primarily refers to the biological process of breeding or reproduction, especially in animals and plants. It is commonly used in scientific, agricultural, and ecological contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 繁殖动物 (breeding animals): refers to animals that are bred for farming or conservation.
  • 繁殖环境 (breeding environment): the conditions suitable for reproduction.
  • 繁殖速度 (breeding speed): how fast organisms reproduce.

Nuances and Register

This term is formal and often used in academic or technical discussions. It is not typically used for human reproduction in everyday conversation, where 生育 or 孩子 are more common.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 繁殖 with 生育. 繁殖 is used for animals and plants, focusing on the biological reproduction process, while 生育 is used for human childbirth.

Summary

Use 繁殖 when discussing the reproduction of animals, plants, or microorganisms, especially in scientific or farming contexts. It emphasizes the biological and ecological aspects of breeding.

Example Sentences

This kind of fish starts to breed in spring.

The farm specializes in breeding high-quality dairy cows.

Bacteria rapidly breed in suitable environments.