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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "running water" with 流水 (liúshuǐ)

    Direction & Movement
    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    The noun 流水 (liúshuǐ) means "running water" or "flowing water" and refers to water in motion, such as a stream or current. It is a common image in classical Chinese poetry, often symbolizing the passage of time or transience. The word combines 流 (to flow) and 水 (water).

    Examples

    • 山间的流水声听着特别让人放松。

      Shānjiān de liúshuǐ shēng tīng zhe tèbié ràng rén fàngsōng.

      The sound of flowing water in the mountains is especially relaxing to listen to.

    • 门前的流水日夜不停,陪伴着这个小村庄。

      Mén qián de liúshuǐ rìyè bù tíng, péibàn zhe zhège xiǎo cūnzhuāng.

      The flowing water in front of the door never stops day or night, keeping this little village company.

    • 古人常用流水来比喻时间的流逝。

      Gǔrén cháng yòng liúshuǐ lái bǐyù shíjiān de liúshì.

      The ancients often used flowing water as a metaphor for the passage of time.

    Expressing "running water" with 流水 (liúshuǐ) | Chinese Grammar