Meaning and Usage
The character "沟" primarily refers to a ditch, gutter, or narrow waterway used for drainage or irrigation. It often appears in contexts related to agriculture, roadsides, or natural water channels.
Common Collocations
- 小沟 (xiǎo gōu): small ditch, often for drainage
- 排水沟 (páishuǐ gōu): drainage ditch
- 路边沟 (lù biān gōu): roadside ditch
Usage Notes
"沟" is a concrete noun describing a physical feature. It is commonly used in everyday speech when talking about rural or suburban environments. When used metaphorically or in compound words, the meaning can extend to channels or grooves.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse "沟" with "沟通" (gōutōng), which means "to communicate." The standalone "沟" always refers to a physical ditch or groove.
Register and Tone
The word is neutral in tone and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese, especially in descriptive or narrative contexts involving landscapes or infrastructure.