风浪

fēnglàng

wind and waves; rough waters

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"风浪" literally refers to the wind and waves on water, often describing rough sea conditions. Beyond the literal meaning, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe hardships or turbulent situations in life.

Common Collocations

  • 风浪: describing strong wind and waves, often used in weather or sea conditions.
  • 经历风浪: to experience hardships or difficulties.
  • 面对风浪: facing challenges or adversity.

Usage Notes

When used literally, "风浪" emphasizes natural forces causing instability, such as on a boat. Metaphorically, it conveys life's challenges, often implying that enduring these difficulties leads to growth or strength. It is a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable in both spoken and written contexts.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse "风浪" with "波浪" (waves) alone; "风浪" specifically includes the influence of wind causing the waves, adding a sense of turbulence or disturbance.

Example Sentences

海上的风浪很大,船只摇晃得厉害。

Hǎishàng de fēnglàng hěn dà, chuánzhī yáohuàng de lìhài.

The wind and waves at sea are strong, and the boat is rocking violently.

他经历了人生的风浪,变得更加坚强。

Tā jīnglìle rénshēng de fēnglàng, biàn dé gèngjiā jiānqiáng.

He has gone through the storms of life and become stronger.

面对风浪,我们必须团结一致,共同克服困难。

Miànduì fēnglàng, wǒmen bìxū tuánjié yīzhì, gòngtóng kèfú kùnnán.

Facing the storms, we must unite and overcome difficulties together.