duàn liàn
to engage in physical exercise
我每天都锻炼身体。
wǒ měitiān dōu duànliàn shēntǐ.
I exercise every day.
他喜欢锻炼肌肉。
tā xǐhuān duànliàn jīròu.
He likes to exercise his muscles.
我们一起锻炼吧。
wǒmen yīqǐ duànliàn ba.
Let's exercise together.
运动 (yùn dòng)
exercise
健身 (jiàn shēn)
fitness
休息 (xiūxi)
rest
放松 (fàngsōng)
relax
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The Chinese character 锻炼 (duànliàn) is composed of two parts: 鍛 (duàn) and 煉 (liàn). 鍛 originally meant "to forge metal" or "to temper steel," while 煉 originally meant "to refine" or "to purify." When combined, these two characters create the meaning of "to train" or "to exercise." This is because the process of forging metal or refining steel requires repeated heating, hammering, and cooling, which is similar to the process of physical training or exercise. Over time, the meaning of 锻炼 has expanded to include mental and intellectual training as well.
