kēhuàn: 科幻 - Science Fiction, Sci-Fi

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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).

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.)

• 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.