Usage of 灌 (guàn)
灌 primarily means "to water" or "to irrigate," often used in agricultural contexts when watering crops or fields. It can also mean "to pour" or "to infuse" liquids into containers or even into a person, such as medical infusions.
Common Collocations
- 灌溉 (guàngài): irrigation, watering fields
- 灌水 (guànshuǐ): to pour water, often used literally or figuratively
- 灌输 (guànshū): to instill or infuse, often used in medical or educational contexts
Notes
When using 灌, the focus is on the action of pouring or supplying liquid in a controlled or purposeful way. It is more formal and specific than just "倒" (dào, to pour). In medical or metaphorical contexts, 灌输 is common, meaning to instill ideas or nutrients.
Avoid confusing 灌 with 浇 (jiāo), which also means to water plants but is more general and casual. 灌 implies a more thorough or technical process, such as irrigation systems or medical infusions.