A waterfall is a vertical drop of water in a river, symbolizing nature's power and beauty.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A natural flow of water falling from a height.
- Commonly found in mountains and scenic spots.
- Often described as majestic and beautiful.
Overview
- 1概述：瀑布（pùbù）是由河流从高处跌落形成的自然水景。在汉语中，“瀑”字形象地描绘了水流如布匹般垂下的动态。2) 使用习惯：瀑布通常作为风景名胜的组成部分，常与动词“看”、“欣赏”、“壮观”等词搭配。例如，“我们去看了那座著名的瀑布”。3) 常见语境：在旅游、地理描述、文学创作中最为常见。文学作品中常以瀑布比喻激昂的情绪或宏大的气势，如“飞流直下三千尺”。4) 近义词辨析：与“喷泉”不同，喷泉是人工或地压形成的向上喷射的水流，而瀑布是天然的向下坠落水体；与“溪流”相比，瀑布更强调高度差和冲击力。
Examples
那里的瀑布非常壮观。
everydayThe waterfall there is very spectacular.
黄果树瀑布是中国最著名的瀑布之一。
formalHuangguoshu Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in China.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
飞流直下
Rushing down vertically
Often Confused With
A fountain is an artificial or pressurized water feature that sprays water upwards, unlike the gravity-fed waterfall.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '瀑布' is a standard noun used in both casual conversation and formal writing. When describing a waterfall, it is common to use measure words like '座' for large ones or '条' for smaller ones. It is almost exclusively used to refer to natural water features.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use '水池' (pool) instead of '瀑布', failing to capture the vertical movement. Another mistake is using the wrong measure word; '个' is acceptable but less descriptive than '座'.
Tips
Use descriptive adjectives for waterfalls
Combine '瀑布' with adjectives like '壮观' (spectacular) or '美丽' (beautiful) to enhance your descriptions.
Do not confuse with fountains
Remember that waterfalls are natural and fall downwards, while fountains are usually artificial and spray upwards.
Symbolism in Chinese literature
Waterfalls often represent purity, persistence, and the grandeur of nature in Chinese poetry and art.
Word Origin
The character '瀑' combines the water radical with '暴' (violent/sudden), suggesting the sudden, forceful drop of water. '布' implies the sheet-like appearance of the falling water.
Cultural Context
Waterfalls are iconic in Chinese landscape painting (Shan Shui) and poetry. They represent the dynamic energy of nature and are often associated with spiritual cleansing.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '瀑' as water (氵) falling like a cloth (布). It creates a mental image of a white, flowing waterfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions瀑布通常是因为河流流经地势高低悬殊的地区，水流在悬崖处垂直下落而形成的。这是地壳运动和河流侵蚀的共同结果。
可以，这是形容瀑布最经典的成语，出自李白的诗句，用来描绘瀑布从高处极其迅猛地垂直落下。
可以，但更地道的表达是使用“座”或“条”。例如，“一座大瀑布”或“一条美丽的瀑布”。
Test Yourself
那座瀑布非常___，吸引了许多游客。
壮观适合描述宏大的自然景观。
Score: /1
Summary
A waterfall is a vertical drop of water in a river, symbolizing nature's power and beauty.
- A natural flow of water falling from a height.
- Commonly found in mountains and scenic spots.
- Often described as majestic and beautiful.
Use descriptive adjectives for waterfalls
Combine '瀑布' with adjectives like '壮观' (spectacular) or '美丽' (beautiful) to enhance your descriptions.
Do not confuse with fountains
Remember that waterfalls are natural and fall downwards, while fountains are usually artificial and spray upwards.
Symbolism in Chinese literature
Waterfalls often represent purity, persistence, and the grandeur of nature in Chinese poetry and art.
Examples
2 of 2那里的瀑布非常壮观。
The waterfall there is very spectacular.
黄果树瀑布是中国最著名的瀑布之一。
Huangguoshu Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in China.
