noun HSK 6
galaxy · stellar system
Meaning
星系 refers to a galaxy, a massive system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity. It's a scientific and astronomical term used to describe collections of billions of stars like our Milky Way.
Usage
This is a technical term primarily used in scientific contexts, astronomy discussions, and science education. Native speakers use it when discussing space, cosmology, or science fiction. It's not common in everyday conversation unless the topic is specifically about astronomy.
Examples
- 01银河系是我们太阳系所在的星系。.The Milky Way is the galaxy where our solar system is located.
- 02天文学家估计宇宙中有数千亿个星系。.Astronomers estimate there are hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个星系
- 座一座星系
Common collocations
- 银河系the Milky Way galaxy
- 星系团galaxy cluster
- 螺旋星系spiral galaxy
- 河外星系extragalactic galaxy
Origin
The word combines 星 (star) with 系 (system), directly translating to 'star system.' This is a modern compound created to translate the Western astronomical concept of 'galaxy.'