水 — meaning in English: water

shuǐ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for water

水

shuǐ

商家

shāngjiā

研究

yánjiū

锡

xī

现金

xiànjīn

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 水 (shuǐ) in everyday conversations, such as when ordering drinks at a restaurant or discussing the weather. For example, one might say, 'Can I have a glass of 水?' to ask for water during a meal.

Synonyms & nuances

While 水 (shuǐ) specifically means 'water,' another word, 清水 (qīng shuǐ), refers to 'clear water.' You would use 水 (shuǐ) for general references, but if emphasizing purity or clarity, 清水 (qīng shuǐ) would be more appropriate.

Culture

The character for 水 (shuǐ) is visually representative of flowing water and has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries. Water symbolizes life, purity, and tranquility in various Chinese philosophies, including Taoism and Confucianism, making it a fundamental element in traditional Chinese art and literature.

FAQ

Q.What does the Mandarin word 水 mean?

水 (shuǐ) means 'water' in Mandarin Chinese. It's a basic yet essential word used in many contexts, from drinking to nature.

Q.How do you use 水 in a sentence?

You can say, '我想要水' (Wǒ xiǎng yào shuǐ), which translates to 'I want water.' It's a simple and practical phrase for travelers or anyone in a dining setting.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with this word?

A common mistake is mispronouncing 水 (shuǐ) with the wrong tone. Remember, it's pronounced with a rising tone, similar to how you would ask a question in English.

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