流 — meaning in English: flow

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

Guess the translation for stream

电缆

diànlǎn

温度

wēndù

电视剧

diànshìjù

流

liú

安全

ānquán

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 流 (liú) in various contexts, particularly in conversations about nature, such as discussing rivers, streams, or even the flow of air. It is also commonly used in everyday language, for example, to describe the flow of information or the flow of a conversation.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 流 (liú) is 溢 (yì), which means 'overflow' or 'spillage.' While 流 focuses on the smooth and continuous movement of a substance, 溢 implies an excess that spills over its boundaries. Use 流 when describing a steady flow, and 溢 when discussing something that is overflowing.

Culture

The character 流 (liú) has roots in ancient Chinese culture, often associated with the natural movement of water. This connection to water is significant in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism, where the flow of water symbolizes adaptability and harmony with nature. Interestingly, 流 is also used in expressions related to time, like '时间流逝' (shíjiān liúshì), meaning 'time flows away,' highlighting the transient nature of time.

FAQ

Q.What does 流 (liú) mean in English?

流 (liú) translates to 'flow' in English. It can refer to the movement of liquids, air, or even abstract concepts like information or emotions.

Q.How do you use 流 in a sentence?

You can use 流 in a sentence like '水流得很快' (shuǐ liú de hěn kuài), which means 'The water flows quickly.' This demonstrates its use for describing the movement of water.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 流?

One common mistake is using 流 when you mean to say ‘pour’ (倒, dào). 流 emphasizes the continuous movement, while 倒 refers to the action of pouring something out.

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