Overview
溪流 (xī liú) is a Chinese noun that refers to a small, natural flow of water, typically smaller than a river. It's often characterized by its gentle current, clear water, and the sounds it makes as it meanders over rocks and through natural landscapes. The character 溪 (xī) itself means 'brook' or 'stream,' and 流 (liú) means 'to flow' or 'current.' When combined, they beautifully describe the essence of a stream.
In Chinese culture and literature, 溪流 (xī liú) often evokes images of tranquility, nature's beauty, and the passage of time. It's a common motif in traditional Chinese painting, poetry, and classical gardens, symbolizing purity, peace, and the continuous flow of life. Many scenic spots in China are named after or feature prominent 溪流 (xī liú), such as 九寨沟 (Jiǔzhàigōu) in Sichuan, famous for its colorful streams and waterfalls.
From a geographical perspective, 溪流 (xī liú) play a vital role in ecosystems, transporting water, nutrients, and sediment, and providing habitats for various flora and fauna. They are often the headwaters of larger rivers, contributing to the overall hydrological cycle.
When using 溪流 (xī liú) in a sentence, you might describe its appearance, sound, or location. For example:
- 山间有一条清澈的溪流。(Shān jiān yǒu yī tiáo qīngchè de xīliú.) - There is a clear stream in the mountains.
- 溪流潺潺，鸟语花香。(Xīliú chánchán, niǎoyǔ huāxiāng.) - The stream babbles, and birds sing amidst fragrant flowers.
- 孩子们在溪流边玩耍。(Háizimen zài xīliú biān wánshuǎ.) - Children are playing by the stream.
The term 溪流 (xī liú) can also be used metaphorically to describe a continuous, gentle flow of something abstract, like a 'stream of consciousness' (意识流 - yìshí liú) or a 'stream of thought.' However, its primary and most common usage remains in reference to a physical body of water.
Exemples
小溪流淌过山谷。
自然风光The small stream flows through the valley.
孩子们在溪流边玩耍。
日常生活Children are playing by the stream.
那条溪流是村庄的饮用水源。
地理环境That stream is the village's drinking water source.
清澈的溪流中鱼儿游动。
自然生态Fish swim in the clear stream.
我喜欢听溪流的声音。
个人感受I like listening to the sound of the stream.
Collocations courantes
Modèles grammaticaux
Comment l'utiliser
'溪流' (xīliú) is a straightforward and widely understood term for 'stream' or 'brook' in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to a small, narrow natural body of flowing water, typically smaller than a river. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For instance, one might say '山间有一条清澈的溪流' (shān jiān yǒu yī tiáo qīngchè de xīliú), meaning 'There is a clear stream in the mountains.' It can also be used in more poetic or literary descriptions, such as '思绪如溪流般涌动' (sīxù rú xīliú bān yǒngdòng), meaning 'Thoughts surged like a stream.' While '河' (hé) also means river, '溪流' specifically denotes a smaller watercourse. It's a common word used in everyday conversation, literature, and geographical descriptions, and carries no particular formality or informality.
Confusing with similar-looking characters like 悉 (xī - know, all) or 奚 (xī - personal servant, how/what). Pay attention to the water radical.
Origine du mot
From 溪 (xī, “stream”) + 流 (liú, “flow”).
Contexte culturel
In Chinese culture, '溪流' (xīliú) often evokes images of natural beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature. It's a common element in traditional Chinese landscape paintings (山水画, shānshuǐhuà), symbolizing purity, continuity, and the gentle flow of life. Philosophically, it can represent the constant change and impermanence of existence, much like the Taoist concept of water finding its own path. In poetry, streams are frequently used to set a serene mood, or to metaphorically describe emotions, the passage of time, or the journey of life. They are often associated with secluded, idyllic settings, providing a sense of escape from urban hustle. Furthermore, '溪流' can be linked to resilience and perseverance, as water can erode rock over time, symbolizing the power of gentle persistence.
Astuce mémo
The left radical is 'water', indicating it's related to water. The right part '奚' (xī) sounds like the pinyin 'xī'. Imagine water flowing in a winding path, resembling hair (奚 originally depicted a woman with long hair).
Questions fréquentes
4 questions'溪流' (xīliú) is a Chinese word that literally translates to 'stream' or 'brook'. It refers to a small, narrow, and shallow body of flowing water, typically smaller than a river. These natural watercourses often flow through valleys, forests, or mountainous regions, eventually feeding into larger rivers, lakes, or oceans. They are characterized by their gentle currents and are often associated with serene and picturesque natural landscapes. '溪流' can also be used metaphorically to describe a continuous flow or a small, steady progression of something, much like a continuous stream of thoughts or events.
'溪流' (xīliú) is commonly used to describe natural scenery. For example, one might say '山間有一條清澈的溪流' (shān jiān yǒu yī tiáo qīngchè de xīliú), which means 'There is a clear stream in the mountains.' It can also be used in more poetic or literary contexts to evoke a sense of tranquility or the gentle passage of time. Another example could be '溪流潺潺，鳥語花香' (xīliú chánchán, niǎoyǔ huāxiāng), meaning 'The stream babbles, and birds sing amidst fragrant flowers,' painting a beautiful idyllic scene.
Some synonyms or related terms for '溪流' (xīliú) include '小溪' (xiǎoxī), which also means 'small stream' or 'brook' and is often used interchangeably, though '小溪' can sometimes imply an even smaller watercourse. Another related term is '河' (hé), which means 'river' and refers to a larger body of flowing water. '澗' (jiàn) is another term that specifically refers to a mountain stream or a stream in a gorge. Each of these terms carries slightly different connotations regarding size, location, and flow characteristics of the water body.
In Chinese culture, '溪流' (xīliú) often symbolizes purity, tranquility, and the continuous flow of life or time. It is a recurring motif in traditional Chinese painting and poetry, where it represents natural beauty and a peaceful escape from the bustling world. The sound of a babbling brook, '潺潺溪流' (chánchán xīliú), is often associated with meditation and inner peace. Furthermore, the idea of a 'stream' also reflects philosophical concepts like the constant change and interconnectedness of nature, where small streams contribute to larger bodies of water, symbolizing the unity of all things.
Teste-toi
山谷里有一条清澈的______。
孩子们在______边玩耍。
______的声音非常悦耳。
Score : /3
Exemples
5 sur 5小溪流淌过山谷。
The small stream flows through the valley.
孩子们在溪流边玩耍。
Children are playing by the stream.
那条溪流是村庄的饮用水源。
That stream is the village's drinking water source.
清澈的溪流中鱼儿游动。
Fish swim in the clear stream.
我喜欢听溪流的声音。
I like listening to the sound of the stream.
