In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the physical act of tears flowing.
- Works for both emotional moments and physical eye irritation.
- More descriptive and slightly more formal than the basic word '哭'.
Meaning
It literally means to shed tears. It is the most common way to describe crying or having watery eyes because of emotions, pain, or even just cutting onions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a sad movie
这个电影太感人了，我流泪了。
This movie is so touching, I shed tears.
Cutting onions in the kitchen
切洋葱的时候，我总是流泪。
When cutting onions, I always shed tears.
At a wedding ceremony
新娘感动得流下了眼泪。
The bride was so moved that she shed tears.
Cultural Background
In Chinese literature and pop culture, 'shedding tears' is often associated with deep sincerity. The phrase is frequently used in lyrics to evoke a sense of 'bittersweet' beauty. There is a traditional gender expectation that 'men don't easily shed tears,' but this is rapidly changing in modern urban culture.
The 'Move' Connection
If you want to say you were 'moved to tears,' always use the pattern: 感动得流泪 (gǎndòng de liúlèi).
Don't confuse with 'Flowing Blood'
Be careful with the first character `流`. `流血` (liúxuè) means bleeding. Don't mix them up in an emergency!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the physical act of tears flowing.
- Works for both emotional moments and physical eye irritation.
- More descriptive and slightly more formal than the basic word '哭'.
What It Means
流泪 is the standard way to say someone is crying. It combines 流 (to flow) and 泪 (tears). It describes the physical act of tears falling from your eyes. It is softer than saying someone is 'wailing' or 'sobbing.' It focuses on the tears themselves. It can be used for happy tears or sad tears. Even a spicy bowl of noodles can make you 流泪!
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb-object phrase. You can say 他在流泪 (He is shedding tears). You can also add descriptions to show why. For example, 感动得流泪 means being so moved that you cry. It is very flexible. You can use it in books, movies, or daily chat. It works well when you want to be descriptive. It sounds a bit more poetic than the simple word 哭 (to cry).
When To Use It
Use it when you see physical tears. Use it when watching a sad movie with friends. Use it when describing a touching moment at a wedding. It is perfect for texting a friend about a beautiful song. You can also use it for physical irritations. If the wind is too strong, your eyes might 流泪. It is a safe, versatile term for any 'teary' situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if someone is making a lot of noise. If a baby is screaming, use 哭 instead. 流泪 is usually quiet and visual. Don't use it for 'crying out' for help. That is a different kind of crying. Also, avoid it in very cold, clinical medical reports. Doctors might use more technical terms for eye discharge. For most social situations, though, it is perfectly fine.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, showing extreme emotion was traditionally discouraged in public. 流泪 represents a more restrained, elegant way of expressing sadness. It is a common theme in Mandopop songs and romantic dramas. There is a famous saying: 'Men do not easily shed tears.' This shows how tears are seen as a significant emotional release. Today, people are much more open about it. It is seen as a sign of being 'genuine' or 'moved.'
Common Variations
You will often see 流下眼泪 (shedding tears down). Another common one is 热泪盈眶, which means eyes brimming with warm tears. In slang, people use the 'crying' emoji or say 呜呜 (wū wū) to mimic the sound. But 流泪 remains the classic, most reliable choice. It never goes out of style.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and extremely safe to use. Just remember that it focuses on the visual of tears rather than the sound of crying.
The 'Move' Connection
If you want to say you were 'moved to tears,' always use the pattern: 感动得流泪 (gǎndòng de liúlèi).
Don't confuse with 'Flowing Blood'
Be careful with the first character `流`. `流血` (liúxuè) means bleeding. Don't mix them up in an emergency!
The Silent Cry
In China, `流泪` is often seen as more sincere than loud wailing because it implies a deep, internal emotion that just overflows.
Examples
6这个电影太感人了，我流泪了。
This movie is so touching, I shed tears.
A very common way to express being moved by media.
切洋葱的时候，我总是流泪。
When cutting onions, I always shed tears.
Shows the phrase can be used for physical reactions, not just emotions.
新娘感动得流下了眼泪。
The bride was so moved that she shed tears.
Uses the 'resultative' structure to show the cause of the tears.
听这首歌我真的流泪了，太好听了。
I really shed tears listening to this song; it's so good.
Casual use in a digital conversation.
这个火锅辣得我流泪！
This hotpot is so spicy it's making me cry!
Hyperbolic use for comedic effect.
想到这件事，我不禁流泪。
Thinking of this matter, I cannot help but shed tears.
A more literary and serious tone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a touching story.
听了他的故事，大家都___了。
The context of a 'story' suggests an emotional response (tears), not sweat (流汗) or blood (流血).
Complete the sentence describing a physical reaction to wind.
外面的风很大，我的眼睛一直___。
Strong wind often makes eyes water (流泪). '流利' means fluent and '流畅' means smooth.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Say 'Cry' in Chinese
General, simple, can be loud.
小猫在哭。
Neutral, focuses on the tears.
感动流泪。
Formal, poetic, literary.
不禁落泪。
Very formal, sobbing uncontrollably.
她泣不成声。
When to use 流泪
Sad Movie
看电影流泪
Cutting Onions
切洋葱流泪
Eye Irritation
风大流泪
Deep Gratitude
感动流泪
Practice Bank
2 exercises听了他的故事，大家都___了。
The context of a 'story' suggests an emotional response (tears), not sweat (流汗) or blood (流血).
外面的风很大，我的眼睛一直___。
Strong wind often makes eyes water (流泪). '流利' means fluent and '流畅' means smooth.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions哭 is the general verb for crying and often implies making sound. 流泪 specifically refers to the tears falling and is more descriptive.
Yes! You can say 开心地流泪 (crying with joy) or 激动的流泪 (crying from excitement).
It is neutral. You can use it in a casual text message or in a formal speech without it feeling out of place.
You can simply say 我的眼睛在流泪 (My eyes are shedding tears). It works for allergies or wind.
Usually, for a baby, we use 哭 because babies are loud. 流泪 sounds a bit too 'adult' and quiet for a crying infant.
It means 'to shed tears.' Adding 下 and 眼 makes it slightly more formal and emphasizes the action of the tears falling.
In internet slang, people often use the character 呜 (wū) repeatedly or emojis like 😭 to show they are 'crying' online.
Yes, if you are describing a very moving success or a tragic event, though it is usually better to remain professional.
Absolutely. While there's an old saying about men not crying, using the word 流泪 is a normal part of the language for everyone.
Not at all. It just describes the physical tears. The emotion is usually added by other words like 感动 (moved) or 辣 (spicy).
There isn't a direct opposite, but 笑 (laughing) is the most common emotional contrast.
Yes, that is grammatically correct and sounds very natural when you want to emphasize the tears.
Related Phrases
哭泣
To weep/sob (more formal/literary)
眼泪
Tears (the noun)
感动
To be moved/touched
伤心
Sad/broken-hearted
