滝 (lóng) - Waterfall & cascade

滝Tone 2

lóng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

滝 · lóng

Waterfall;

cascade;

torrent;

also used in Japanese names and place names.

Waterfallcascadetorrent

Usage highlights

WaterfallCascadeWaterfall basinWaterfall climbingFamous waterfallWaterfall view

Synonyms

  • 瀑布— waterfall (more common Chinese term)

Antonyms

  • 平野— plain, flatland (contrasting terrain)
  • 池— pond (stagnant vs. flowing water)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We hiked to see the waterfall (滝).
  • The river forms a cascade (滝) in the mountains.
  • This is a famous waterfall in Japan (日本の滝).
  • The waterfall's roar was deafening (滝の音).

Collocations

  • Waterfall(滝)
  • Cascade(滝)
  • Waterfall basin(滝壺)
  • Waterfall climbing(滝登り)
  • Famous waterfall(名滝)
  • Waterfall view(滝見)

Idioms

  • Like a dragon ascending a waterfall(登竜門 - though this uses 竜門, the waterfall imagery is similar)
  • Waterfall meditation(滝行)
  • The waterfall's path is set(滝の道は決まっている)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Japanese culture, waterfalls are sites for spiritual purification and meditation (shugyo).
  • The character is primarily used in Japanese contexts, though it appears in some Chinese place names.
  • Waterfalls symbolize power, persistence, and natural beauty in East Asian art and poetry.

FAQ