埝 (niàn) - A small dike or embankment, typically built along & also refers to a low ridge of earth

埝Tone 4

niàn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

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埝 · niàn

A small dike or embankment, typically built along rivers or in fields to control water flow or prevent flooding;

also refers to a low ridge of earth used for irrigation purposes.

A small dike or embankment, typically built alongalso refers to a low ridge of earth

Usage highlights

Earth dikeRiver embankmentFlood control dikeIrrigation embankmentReinforce the dikeDike construction

Synonyms

  • 堤— dike, embankment (generally larger)
  • 坝— dam, dike (larger structure)
  • 堰— weir, low dam

Antonyms

  • 沟— ditch, trench (channel for water flow)
  • 渠— canal, channel (water passage)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Farmers built a small embankment (埝) to divert water to their fields.
  • The river's flood control relies on these earth dikes (土埝).
  • During the rainy season, we need to reinforce the dike (加固堤埝).
  • Water was channeled through the irrigation embankment (灌溉埝).

Collocations

  • Earth dike(土埝)
  • River embankment(河埝)
  • Flood control dike(防洪埝)
  • Irrigation embankment(灌溉埝)
  • Reinforce the dike(加固堤埝)
  • Dike construction(筑埝)

Idioms

  • Build embankments and store water(筑埝蓄水)
  • Repair dikes and prevent floods(修埝防洪)
  • As solid as an iron dike(固若铁埝)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically important in agricultural societies for water management and flood control.
  • Reflects traditional Chinese hydraulic engineering and farming practices.
  • Common in regions with extensive irrigation systems like the Yellow River basin.

FAQ