Basic Meaning
The character 水 (shuǐ) primarily means "water," referring to the liquid essential for life. It is used in everyday conversation when talking about drinking water, bodies of water, or anything related to water.
Other Uses
Besides its literal meaning, 水 is also a Chinese surname. When used as a name, it is pronounced the same but refers to a family name rather than the substance.
Common Collocations
- 一杯水 (yī bēi shuǐ): a glass of water, commonly used when ordering or requesting water.
- 水源 (shuǐ yuán): water source, used in environmental or geographical contexts.
- 饮用水 (yǐn yòng shuǐ): drinking water, emphasizing water safe for consumption.
Usage Notes
When using 水 in conversation, it usually refers to the liquid unless the context clearly indicates a surname. It is a very common and basic noun, often one of the first words learned in Chinese. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.