澆 (jiāo) - to water & to irrigate

澆Tone 1

jiāo ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

澆 · jiāo

to water;

to irrigate;

to pour liquid;

to cast (metal);

thin;

diluted;

frivolous

to waterto irrigateto pour liquid

Usage highlights

to water flowersto irrigate fieldsto cast metalto pour concretefrivolous customsto douse with water

Synonyms

  • 灌— to irrigate
  • 洒— to sprinkle

Antonyms

  • 厚— thick (opposite of thin/diluted)
  • 淳— pure/simple (opposite of frivolous)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Water the plants (浇花).
  • Cast iron (浇铸).
  • Pour concrete (浇混凝土).
  • Diluted solution (浇薄的溶液).

Collocations

  • to water flowers(浇花)
  • to irrigate fields(浇地)
  • to cast metal(浇铸)
  • to pour concrete(浇灌混凝土)
  • frivolous customs(浇风)
  • to douse with water(浇水)

Idioms

  • Frivolous and insincere(浇淳散朴)
  • Pouring wine to offer a libation(浇奠)
  • To douse with cold water — to discourage(浇冷水)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted watering fields, reflecting agricultural importance in ancient China.
  • The 'pouring' sense extends to metal casting, showing technological application.
  • The 'frivolous' meaning reflects Confucian values against superficiality.

FAQ