溺 (nì) - To drown & to indulge excessively

溺Tone 4

nì ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

溺 · nì

To drown;

to indulge excessively;

to be addicted to;

to be infatuated with.

To drownto indulge excessivelyto be addicted to

Usage highlights

DrownIndulge inSpoil with excessive loveDrown and dieDrowning accidentAddicted to pleasure

Synonyms

  • 淹— to flood; to submerge
  • 沉溺— to indulge; to be addicted
  • 迷恋— to be infatuated with

Antonyms

  • 节制— to restrain; to moderate
  • 拯救— to rescue; to save
  • 清醒— sober; clear-headed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He drowned in the river (溺于河中).
  • She is addicted to online games (溺于网络游戏).
  • Parents should not spoil their children (父母不应溺爱孩子).
  • The boat capsized and someone drowned (船翻了，有人溺亡).

Collocations

  • Drown(溺死)
  • Indulge in(溺于)
  • Spoil with excessive love(溺爱)
  • Drown and die(溺亡)
  • Drowning accident(溺毙事件)
  • Addicted to pleasure(溺于享乐)

Idioms

  • Drowning in wine and women(溺于酒色)
  • Those good at swimming often drown in water(Good at swimming者常溺于水)
  • Spoil a child with excessive affection(溺爱不明)
  • Drown in desire(溺于私欲)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese thought, '溺' carries a dual meaning of physical drowning and moral/spiritual indulgence.
  • Confucian ethics warn against '溺' in desires as it leads to loss of virtue and self-control.
  • The character appears in classical texts discussing the dangers of excess and lack of moderation.

FAQ