A small, natural, and gentle flow of water in the countryside.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A small natural stream of water.
- Often found in mountainous areas.
- Used to describe peaceful nature scenes.
Overview
- 1概述：小溪（xiǎo xī）是指宽度较窄、流量较小的天然流水。在自然地理中，它往往是河流发育的初期阶段，常见于山区或森林地带。2) 用法模式：小溪常与描写自然景观的动词搭配，如“流过”、“穿过”、“汇入”。它既可以作为句子的主语（如：小溪在唱歌），也可以作为地点状语（如：我们在小溪边野餐）。3) 常见语境：在文学作品中，小溪常被赋予灵动、清纯的意象，常与“清澈”、“潺潺”、“鹅卵石”等词汇连用。在日常生活中，它常指代郊游或露营时的休闲场所。4) 近义词辨析：与“河流”相比，小溪规模更小，通常不需要桥梁即可跨越；与“沟渠”相比，小溪是天然形成的，而沟渠多为人工挖掘的排水设施。
Examples
小溪里的水清澈见底。
everydayThe water in the stream is clear to the bottom.
这条小溪是该地区的主要水源。
formalThis stream is the main water source for the region.
我们去小溪边抓螃蟹吧！
informalLet's go catch crabs by the stream!
该生态系统依赖于小溪的持续补给。
academicThe ecosystem depends on the continuous supply from the stream.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
溪水潺潺
the sound of a babbling stream
漫步溪边
strolling by the stream
Often Confused With
A river is much larger, deeper, and wider than a stream. Rivers usually require bridges to cross.
A ditch is usually man-made for drainage or irrigation purposes. It lacks the natural beauty of a stream.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '小溪' in both casual and descriptive contexts. It is a neutral-to-positive word. Do not use it to describe large bodies of water like rivers or seas.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use '小溪' to refer to any body of water. Remember it is specifically for small, narrow, flowing water. Avoid using it for stagnant water or large rivers.
Tips
Use with sensory words
Pair '小溪' with sensory adjectives like '清澈的' (clear) or '潺潺的' (babbling) to make your description more vivid.
Don't confuse with man-made ditches
Avoid using '小溪' for artificial drainage ditches; use '水沟' or '沟渠' instead.
Symbolism in Chinese literature
In Chinese poetry, small streams often symbolize the passage of time or a peaceful, secluded life.
Word Origin
The character '溪' consists of the water radical (氵) and the component '奚', which implies a narrow or small path. It visually represents water flowing through a narrow passage.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, small streams are frequently used in art and poetry to represent a serene, idyllic lifestyle. They are often associated with mountain retreats and nature's tranquility.
Memory Tip
Think of the '小' (small) and '溪' (water flowing by the side). It's a small, gentle water path that you can easily step over.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions小溪的规模通常较小，水量有限，人可以直接跨过去。河流则规模庞大，流量大且深，通常需要桥梁才能通过。
它常用于描写自然风光、郊外旅行或文学写作。在描述宁静的环境时，这是一个非常优美的词汇。
中文名词没有复数形式，但如果想表达多条小溪，可以说“几条小溪”或“众多的溪流”。
虽然小溪看起来清澈，但直接饮用可能含有细菌。在现代生活中，建议经过过滤或煮沸后再饮用。
Test Yourself
山脚下有一条清澈的___，水里还有小鱼游来游去。
根据语境，能够看到鱼且清澈的小型水流通常指小溪。
下列哪项最适合形容小溪？
小溪的特点就是规模小且处于流动状态。
小溪 / 穿过 / 森林 / 慢慢地
标准的中文语序是：主语+状语+谓语+宾语。
Score: /3
Summary
A small, natural, and gentle flow of water in the countryside.
- A small natural stream of water.
- Often found in mountainous areas.
- Used to describe peaceful nature scenes.
Use with sensory words
Pair '小溪' with sensory adjectives like '清澈的' (clear) or '潺潺的' (babbling) to make your description more vivid.
Don't confuse with man-made ditches
Avoid using '小溪' for artificial drainage ditches; use '水沟' or '沟渠' instead.
Symbolism in Chinese literature
In Chinese poetry, small streams often symbolize the passage of time or a peaceful, secluded life.
Examples
4 of 4小溪里的水清澈见底。
The water in the stream is clear to the bottom.
这条小溪是该地区的主要水源。
This stream is the main water source for the region.
我们去小溪边抓螃蟹吧！
Let's go catch crabs by the stream!
该生态系统依赖于小溪的持续补给。
The ecosystem depends on the continuous supply from the stream.
