水 (shuǐ) - water & liquid
水 · shuǐ
water;
liquid;
fluid;
river;
a body of water;
one of the five elements in Chinese philosophy.
waterliquidfluid
Usage highlights
drinking watermineral waterwater resourceswater conservationwater qualityhot water
Usage & contexts
Examples
- Please give me a glass of water (一杯水).
- The water in the river is very clear (河水).
- We need to save water (节约用水).
- This is mineral water (矿泉水).
Collocations
- drinking water(饮用水)
- mineral water(矿泉水)
- water resources(水资源)
- water conservation(节水)
- water quality(水质)
- hot water(热水)
Idioms
- As incompatible as fire and water(水火不相容)
- Castles in the air(水中捞月)
- In deep water(水深火热)
- Add fuel to the fire(火上浇油)
- Go with the flow(顺水推舟)
Cultural background
FAQ- One of the Wu Xing (Five Elements) representing fluidity, adaptability, and the north direction.
- Associated with wisdom, intelligence, and flexibility in Chinese philosophy.
- Considered the source of life and often symbolizes purity and cleansing.