Meaning and Usage
The character 溢 (yì) primarily means "to overflow" or "to spill over." It is often used to describe liquids exceeding their container's limits, such as water overflowing a cup or riverbanks. Beyond the literal sense, 溢 can also describe emotions or abstract qualities that are so strong they "overflow" or become very apparent, like joy or enthusiasm.
Common Collocations
- 溢出 (yìchū): to overflow or spill out, often used for liquids or crowds.
- 溢于言表 (yì yú yán biǎo): an idiom meaning feelings overflow in words, describing emotions that are clearly expressed.
- 溢满 (yìmǎn): to be full to overflowing.
Usage Notes
溢 is typically used in formal or written contexts, especially in idiomatic expressions. When describing liquids, it emphasizes the action of spilling beyond a boundary. When used metaphorically, it highlights the intensity or abundance of feelings or qualities.
Common Confusion
溢 should not be confused with 满 (mǎn), which means "full." 溢 implies surpassing fullness and spilling over, while 满 simply means filled to capacity without necessarily overflowing.