Meaning and Usage
"跳水" primarily refers to the sport of diving, where athletes jump into water from a platform or springboard. It emphasizes physical skill, coordination, and bravery. Besides the literal sport, "跳水" is also used metaphorically in everyday language to describe a sharp drop or plunge, especially in prices or values.
Common Collocations
- 跳水比赛 (diving competition): used in sports contexts.
- 价格跳水 (price plunge): used in economic or shopping contexts to describe a sudden price drop.
Usage Notes
When used in sports contexts, "跳水" is a noun referring to the activity or event. In economic or colloquial contexts, it acts as a verb phrase describing a sudden decrease. Avoid confusing it with "跳" alone, which means "to jump" generally, or "水" meaning "water". The combination specifically points to diving or a sharp decline.
Register and Tone
"跳水" is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In sports reporting, it is common and precise. In everyday speech, the metaphorical use about prices is very frequent.