A lake is a naturally occurring, large body of water surrounded by land.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A large body of water surrounded by land.
- Commonly used in formal, geographical, or scientific contexts.
- Often interchangeable with the simpler character '湖'.
Overview
- 1概览：湖泊（húbó）是一个地理学名词，指地表凹陷处积水形成的较大水域。它与河流不同，通常具有相对封闭的形态。湖泊在调节气候、提供水源以及维持生态平衡方面发挥着至关重要的作用。2) 用法模式：在中文表达中，“湖泊”多用于地理描述、科学考察或正式书面语中。在日常口语中，人们更倾向于直接称呼具体的湖泊名称，例如“西湖”、“青海湖”，或者简单地用“湖”来指代。3) 常见语境：它常出现在地理教科书、旅游介绍、生态保护新闻以及文学作品中。例如，在描述一个地区的景观时，会提到“该地区星罗棋布着许多湖泊”。4) 近义词辨析：“湖泊”与“湖”在意义上几乎完全等同，但“湖泊”显得更加严谨和书面化。相比之下，“水库”虽然也是大水体，但它是人工建造的，而“湖泊”通常指自然形成的水域。
Examples
这个地区有很多美丽的湖泊。
everydayThere are many beautiful lakes in this region.
该湖泊的生态系统正在逐步恢复。
formalThe ecosystem of the lake is gradually recovering.
我们去湖边散步吧。
informalLet's go for a walk by the lake.
湖泊对区域气候具有显著的调节作用。
academicLakes have a significant regulating effect on regional climate.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
湖光山色
Landscape of lakes and mountains
星罗棋布
Scattered like stars (often used for many lakes)
内陆湖
Inland lake
Often Confused With
A reservoir is man-made for water storage, whereas a lake is a natural geological feature.
A river is a flowing body of water, while a lake is a relatively stationary body of water.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '湖泊' in formal writing or geography. Use '湖' for casual conversation or when naming a specific lake. Avoid using '湖泊' if you are just referring to a small pond or a man-made water feature.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '湖泊' when they should use '湖'. Some learners confuse '湖泊' with '河流' (rivers). Remember that '湖泊' implies a still body of water, not a flowing one.
Tips
Use '湖' for daily conversation
In daily life, simply using '湖' is more natural than the formal '湖泊'. Reserve '湖泊' for essays or geographical reports.
Don't confuse with artificial reservoirs
Always distinguish between natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. Using the wrong term may sound unprofessional in a technical context.
Cultural significance of lakes in China
Lakes in China, like West Lake, are often central to poetry and art. They are seen as symbols of tranquility and beauty.
Word Origin
The character '湖' consists of the water radical and '胡', which originally meant a large expanse. '泊' means to stop or anchor, reflecting the still nature of a lake.
Cultural Context
Lakes have been central to Chinese civilization, providing irrigation for agriculture. They are also frequent subjects in traditional Chinese landscape painting.
Memory Tip
Think of '湖' as a container for water. '泊' suggests a place where water stops or stays still.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思相同，但“湖”在口语中更常用，而“湖泊”在正式书面语或地理描述中更常见。
通常不建议这样称呼。水库是人工修建的，而湖泊一般指自然形成的，两者在定义上有本质区别。
可以使用形容词如“辽阔的”、“巨大的”或“狭小的”来修饰，也可以用“面积广阔”来形容。
湖泊可以调节周边地区的气候，提供灌溉用水，并为多种动植物提供栖息地。
Test Yourself
青海湖是中国最大的内陆咸水___。
青海湖是自然形成的湖泊。
湖泊通常是：
湖泊的定义核心是自然形成的水域。
（请根据语境选择）
在描述地理分布时，“湖泊”使用最为恰当。
Score: /3
Summary
A lake is a naturally occurring, large body of water surrounded by land.
- A large body of water surrounded by land.
- Commonly used in formal, geographical, or scientific contexts.
- Often interchangeable with the simpler character '湖'.
Use '湖' for daily conversation
In daily life, simply using '湖' is more natural than the formal '湖泊'. Reserve '湖泊' for essays or geographical reports.
Don't confuse with artificial reservoirs
Always distinguish between natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. Using the wrong term may sound unprofessional in a technical context.
Cultural significance of lakes in China
Lakes in China, like West Lake, are often central to poetry and art. They are seen as symbols of tranquility and beauty.
Examples
4 of 4这个地区有很多美丽的湖泊。
There are many beautiful lakes in this region.
该湖泊的生态系统正在逐步恢复。
The ecosystem of the lake is gradually recovering.
我们去湖边散步吧。
Let's go for a walk by the lake.
湖泊对区域气候具有显著的调节作用。
Lakes have a significant regulating effect on regional climate.
