Meaning and Usage
"运动员" refers specifically to a person who participates in sports or athletic competitions. It is a compound word combining "运动" (sports, exercise) and "员" (member, person involved).
Common Contexts
You will often hear "运动员" in contexts related to sports events, training, and competitions. It is a neutral and formal term used in news, sports commentary, and everyday conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 运动员表现 (athlete's performance): used to describe how well an athlete does.
- 运动员训练 (athlete training): refers to the practice and preparation athletes undergo.
- 奥运会运动员 (Olympic athletes): athletes participating in the Olympic Games.
Usage Tips
"运动员" is always used to refer to people actively engaged in sports, not coaches or fans. Avoid confusing it with "教练" (coach) or "观众" (spectator). It is a straightforward noun and does not change form.
Common Confusion
Sometimes learners confuse "运动员" with "运动" alone, which means "exercise" or "sports" in general. Remember, "运动员" specifically means "athlete" or "sports player."