Meaning and Usage
"波浪" refers primarily to waves on water surfaces, such as those in the sea, lakes, or rivers. It can describe both large, visible waves and smaller ripples caused by wind or movement. Beyond literal water waves, "波浪" is also used metaphorically to describe wavy shapes, such as hair or patterns.
Common Collocations
- 波浪汹涌 (bōlàng xiōngyǒng): turbulent waves, often used to describe rough seas.
- 波浪起伏 (bōlàng qǐfú): waves rising and falling, describing the motion of water.
- 波浪形 (bōlàng xíng): wave-shaped, used for describing patterns or shapes.
Usage Notes
"波浪" is a noun and often appears in contexts related to nature, weather, or physical descriptions. It is more formal and literary than simply "浪" (wave). When describing hair or other wavy forms, it conveys a smooth, flowing wave pattern. Avoid confusing "波浪" with "浪费" (waste) or "浪漫" (romantic), which share the character "浪" but have different meanings.
Register and Tone
The term is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in descriptive writing, news reports about weather or sea conditions, and everyday conversation when discussing waves or wavy shapes.