====== kēhuàn: 科幻 - Science Fiction, Sci-Fi ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** kēhuàn, 科幻, Chinese science fiction, Chinese sci-fi, science fiction in Chinese, The Three-Body Problem, Cixin Liu, Wandering Earth, what is kehuan, sci-fi meaning in Chinese.
  * **Summary:** **科幻 (kēhuàn)** is the Chinese term for "science fiction" or "sci-fi." This genre has exploded in global popularity, largely thanks to award-winning authors like Cixin Liu and blockbuster films like //The Wandering Earth//. More than just space ships and aliens, Chinese **科幻** often explores unique cultural themes, such as the tension between collectivism and individualism, the dizzying pace of technological change in China, and humanity's place in a vast and often unforgiving universe. This page will break down the meaning of **科幻**, its cultural significance, and how to use it in everyday conversation.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** kē huàn
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Adjective
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 5
  * **Concise Definition:** A genre of fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as futuristic science and technology, space exploration, time travel, and extraterrestrial life.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **科幻 (kēhuàn)** is the direct and standard word for science fiction. It's a modern compound word that combines "science" and "fantasy" to perfectly describe the genre. It's used to label books, movies, games, and even real-world designs that look futuristic. In modern China, it's a very popular and "cool" genre, representing imagination, progress, and the future.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **科 (kē):** This character is taken from the word **科学 (kēxué)**, which means "science". On its own, **科** often refers to a branch, department, or field of study. It implies a system of knowledge and logic.
  * **幻 (huàn):** This character means "fantasy," "illusion," or "imaginary." It's found in words like **幻想 (huànxiǎng)**, "to fantasize" or "illusion." It represents the imaginative and unreal element.
When combined, **科幻 (kēhuàn)** literally translates to "Science-Fantasy," a remarkably accurate and descriptive name for the genre. It captures the core idea of stories that are rooted in scientific principles but explore them through imaginative and fantastical scenarios.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
For decades, science fiction in China was a niche genre, sometimes even viewed with suspicion by the government. However, in the 21st century, it has undergone a massive resurgence to become a significant cultural force, both domestically and internationally.
The turning point was the global success of **刘慈欣 (Liú Cíxīn)**'s novel, **《三体》(Sān Tǐ) - //The Three-Body Problem//**, which won the prestigious Hugo Award in 2015. This event catapulted Chinese **科幻** onto the world stage and ignited immense pride and interest within China.
A key difference between contemporary Chinese **科幻** and mainstream Western sci-fi lies in its thematic focus. While American sci-fi often champions the heroic individual or explores libertarian ideals (like in //Star Wars// or //The Martian//), Chinese sci-fi frequently grapples with larger, collective questions. Works like //The Three-Body Problem// and its film adaptation //The Wandering Earth// (**《流浪地球》**) subordinate individual desires to the survival of the entire human species. This reflects a more collectivist cultural value system, where the group's welfare is paramount. Chinese **科幻** often serves as a national allegory, exploring China's rapid technological development, its place in the world, and anxieties about the future, all on a cosmic scale.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**科幻** is a common and versatile word used in many contexts.
  * **As a Noun (Genre):** This is its most common usage. It is used to categorize media.
    * **科幻小说 (kēhuàn xiǎoshuō):** Sci-fi novel
    * **科幻电影 (kēhuàn diànyǐng):** Sci-fi movie
    * **科幻游戏 (kēhuàn yóuxì):** Sci-fi game
  * **As an Adjective (Futuristic):** It can be used colloquially to describe something that looks futuristic, advanced, or out of this world.
    * When you see a new skyscraper with a unique design, you might say, "这个建筑太**科幻**了！" (This building is so sci-fi!).
The term carries a positive and modern connotation. It is associated with creativity, intelligence, and forward-thinking. Discussing **科幻** is a popular topic among young people, tech enthusiasts, and moviegoers in China.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 我最喜欢的电影类型是**科幻**片。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ zuì xǐhuān de diànyǐng lèixíng shì **kēhuàn** piān.
    * English: My favorite movie genre is sci-fi.
    * Analysis: A simple and direct sentence for stating a preference. Note that 片 (piān) is often added after a genre to mean "film" or "movie".
  * **Example 2:**
    * 《三体》是一部非常深刻的**科幻**小说。
    * Pinyin: "Sān Tǐ" shì yī bù fēicháng shēnkè de **kēhuàn** xiǎoshuō.
    * English: //The Three-Body Problem// is a very profound science fiction novel.
    * Analysis: Here, **科幻** acts as an adjective modifying 小说 (xiǎoshuō - novel). This is a standard structure: [Genre] + [Noun].
  * **Example 3:**
    * 这家公司的新总部设计得很有**科幻**感。
    * Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de xīn zǒngbù shèjì de hěn yǒu **kēhuàn** gǎn.
    * English: The new headquarters of this company is designed with a very sci-fi feel.
    * Analysis: The suffix 感 (gǎn) means "sense" or "feeling." Adding it to **科幻** creates the phrase "sci-fi feel" or "futuristic vibe."
  * **Example 4:**
    * 很多**科幻**故事都探讨了人工智能的未来。
    * Pinyin: Hěnduō **kēhuàn** gùshì dōu tàntǎo le réngōng zhìnéng de wèilái.
    * English: Many science fiction stories explore the future of artificial intelligence.
    * Analysis: This example shows how **科幻** is used to discuss the common themes within the genre itself.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 他是中国最著名的**科幻**作家之一。
    * Pinyin: Tā shì Zhōngguó zuì zhùmíng de **kēhuàn** zuòjiā zhī yī.
    * English: He is one of China's most famous sci-fi writers.
    * Analysis: A useful pattern for talking about creators in the genre. **科幻作家 (kēhuàn zuòjiā)** means "sci-fi writer."
  * **Example 6:**
    * 你相信外星人吗？这个**科幻**问题很有趣。
    * Pinyin: Nǐ xiāngxìn wàixīngrén ma? Zhège **kēhuàn** wèntí hěn yǒuqù.
    * English: Do you believe in aliens? This sci-fi question is very interesting.
    * Analysis: **科幻** can be used to describe not just media, but also topics and questions related to the genre.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 《流浪地球》的特效让中国**科幻**电影达到了一个新的水平。
    * Pinyin: "Liúlàng Dìqiú" de tèxiào ràng Zhōngguó **kēhuàn** diànyǐng dádào le yī gè xīn de shuǐpíng.
    * English: The special effects in //The Wandering Earth// brought Chinese sci-fi movies to a new level.
    * Analysis: This sentence highlights the cultural impact of a specific work on the entire genre in China.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 我小时候的梦想是成为一名**科幻**插画家。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu de mèngxiǎng shì chéngwéi yī míng **kēhuàn** chāhuàjiā.
    * English: My childhood dream was to become a sci-fi illustrator.
    * Analysis: Shows how **科幻** can be combined with professions. **插画家 (chāhuàjiā)** is an illustrator.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 虽然故事背景很**科幻**，但它讨论的人性问题却很真实。
    * Pinyin: Suīrán gùshì bèijǐng hěn **kēhuàn**, dàn tā tǎolùn de rénxìng wèntí què hěn zhēnshí.
    * English: Although the story's setting is very sci-fi, the questions of humanity it discusses are very real.
    * Analysis: A more complex sentence structure (虽然...但... - "although...but...") that contrasts the fantastical setting with realistic themes.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 这个电子游戏的设定太棒了，充满了赛博朋克和**科幻**元素。
    * Pinyin: Zhège diànzǐ yóuxì de shèdìng tài bàng le, chōngmǎn le sàibópéngkè hé **kēhuàn** yuánsù.
    * English: The setting of this video game is awesome, full of cyberpunk and sci-fi elements.
    * Analysis: This shows **科幻** being used alongside a sub-genre, **赛博朋克 (sàibópéngkè - cyberpunk)**, and with the word **元素 (yuánsù - elements)**.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing **科幻** from fantasy.
  * **科幻 (kēhuàn) vs. 奇幻 (qíhuàn - Fantasy):**
    * **科幻 (kēhuàn)** is based on science and technology, even if it's speculative. It involves spaceships, robots, aliens, and future societies. Think //Star Trek//, //Blade Runner//, or //The Martian//.
    * **奇幻 (qíhuàn)** is based on magic, mythology, and supernatural forces. It involves dragons, elves, wizards, and enchanted swords. Think //The Lord of the Rings//, //Harry Potter//, or //Game of Thrones//.
  * **Common Mistake:** Describing a fantasy story as **科幻**.
    * **Incorrect:** 《哈利·波特》是我最喜欢的**科幻**小说。(Hālì Bōtè shì wǒ zuì xǐhuān de **kēhuàn** xiǎoshuō.) - "//Harry Potter// is my favorite sci-fi novel."
    * **Why it's wrong:** Harry Potter uses magic (魔法 - mófǎ), not science.
    * **Correct:** 《哈利·波特》是我最喜欢的**奇幻**小说。(Hālì Bōtè shì wǒ zuì xǐhuān de **qíhuàn** xiǎoshuō.)
  * **科幻 vs. 科学 (kēxué - Science):**
    * Do not confuse the genre with the academic field.
    * **Incorrect:** 我在大学学习**科幻**。(Wǒ zài dàxué xuéxí **kēhuàn**.)
    * **Why it's wrong:** This means "I study science fiction at university." While possible as a literature major, it's likely the speaker means they are studying actual science.
    * **Correct:** 我在大学学习**科学**。(Wǒ zài dàxué xuéxí **kēxué**.)
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[奇幻]] (qíhuàn) - Fantasy; the counterpart to sci-fi, based on magic and mythology.
  * [[三体]] (sāntǐ) - //The Three-Body Problem//; the most famous and influential work of modern Chinese sci-fi.
  * [[刘慈欣]] (liú cíxīn) - The author of //The Three-Body Problem// and the most celebrated Chinese sci-fi writer.
  * [[流浪地球]] (liúlàng dìqiú) - //The Wandering Earth//; another famous Cixin Liu story and a hugely successful blockbuster film.
  * [[未来]] (wèilái) - Future; a core concept and setting for most sci-fi stories.
  * [[外星人]] (wàixīngrén) - Alien / Extraterrestrial; a common character or element in the genre.
  * [[技术]] (jìshù) - Technology; the scientific element that drives most sci-fi plots.
  * [[想象力]] (xiǎngxiànglì) - Imagination; the creative faculty essential for both writing and enjoying sci-fi.
  * [[赛博朋克]] (sàibópéngkè) - Cyberpunk; a popular sub-genre of sci-fi, this is a direct phonetic loanword.
  * [[宇宙]] (yǔzhòu) - Universe / Cosmos; the ultimate setting for many epic sci-fi stories.