淅 (xī) - Xi — describes the sound of rain, wind, & also refers to washing rice

淅Tone 1

xī ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

淅 · xī

Xi — describes the sound of rain, wind, or flowing water;

also refers to washing rice;

used in names of rivers and places.

Xi — describes the sound of rain, wind,also refers to washing riceused in names of rivers and places.

Usage highlights

Sound of rainWashing riceSound of windSound of flowing waterXi RiverXichuan County

Synonyms

  • 沥— drip; trickle (similar sound imagery)
  • 飒— rustling sound (of wind)
  • 漱— rinse; gargle (similar washing action)

Antonyms

  • 轰— boom; roar (loud sound vs. gentle rustling)
  • 旱— drought (dryness vs. water-related)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sound of rain rustling (淅淅沥沥的雨声).
  • Washing rice before cooking (淅米).
  • The wind rustled through the leaves (风声淅淅).
  • He heard the sound of flowing water (听到淅沥的水声).

Collocations

  • Sound of rain(淅沥)
  • Washing rice(淅米)
  • Sound of wind(淅飒)
  • Sound of flowing water(淅淅)
  • Xi River(淅水)
  • Xichuan County(淅川县)

Idioms

  • The sound of wind and rain(淅淅沥沥)
  • Washing rice and soaking vegetables(淅米渍蔬)
  • The sound of autumn wind(秋风淅飒)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical poetry to describe natural sounds, creating an atmospheric and tranquil mood.
  • The character appears in place names like Xichuan County in Henan province.
  • In ancient texts, it was used to describe the process of preparing food by washing grains.

FAQ