抗生素

kàngshēngsù

noun HSK 7-9 #7,983

Meanings

1 antibiotic

Characters

to resist; anti-

element; substance

Literally 'anti-life substance' — a substance that kills living microorganisms. Same logic as the Greek-origin English word 'antibiotic.'

Examples

医生给他开了抗生素。

Yīshēng gěi tā kāi le kàngshēngsù.

The doctor prescribed him antibiotics.

不要滥用抗生素。

Búyào lànyòng kàngshēngsù.

Don't overuse antibiotics.

Tips

culture

Antibiotic overuse is a major public health issue in China. For years, 抗生素 were prescribed for colds and minor ailments, and could be bought without a prescription. Recent regulations have tightened access significantly.

Stroke Order

抗 kàng

生 shēng

素 sù