Meanings of 潦
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 潦
Podcast: 潦
Podcast: 潦
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 潦
潦 (lǎo) vs 淹 (yān) — use 潦 for shallow water accumulation or puddles, while 淹 refers specifically to flooding or submerging.
Be careful not to confuse 潦 with similar characters like 澪 (lín), which relates to rivers. This word tends to be used more in literary contexts rather than casual conversation, so it's best suited for formal writing or poetic expressions. Remember that 潦 is pronounced with a third tone (lǎo), which can be a common mistake for learners.
Although 潦 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be beneficial for learners at HSK Level 4 and above, especially those studying literature or poetry. Focus on recognizing the character's components and its water-related meanings, as they often appear in more complex phrases.
Learners often confuse 潦 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 潦 (lǎo) when they mean another character like 了 (le), which indicates completion, can lead to confusion. Always ensure you’re using the correct context for each character.
Pronunciation of 潦
Drill the tone of 潦 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 潦
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 尞 represents the sound.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 潦
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 尞 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half尞 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 潦? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 潦?
Decomposition of 潦
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 潦?
How to say to flood; puddle; dejected, careless in Chinese
“to flood; puddle; dejected, careless” in Chinese is潦
The character 潦 (lǎo) primarily refers to a situation involving flooding or accumulation of water, such as puddles formed from heavy rain. It can also convey feelings of dejection or carelessness, often in contexts where one's mood is affected by adverse weather conditions.
When to use 潦
Be careful not to confuse 潦 with similar characters like 澪 (lín), which relates to rivers. This word tends to be used more in literary contexts rather than casual conversation, so it's best suited for formal writing or poetic expressions. Remember that 潦 is pronounced with a third tone (lǎo), which can be a common mistake for learners.
潦 or something close to it
潦 (lǎo) vs 淹 (yān) — use 潦 for shallow water accumulation or puddles, while 淹 refers specifically to flooding or submerging.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 潦 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 潦 (lǎo) when they mean another character like 了 (le), which indicates completion, can lead to confusion. Always ensure you’re using the correct context for each character.
Write 潦
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 潦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 潦
潦 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
很抱歉我写得如此____草。
I'm sorry what I wrote was such a scribble.
Example Sentences for 潦 (5)
Word Family of 潦
Compound Meaning
What does 潦倒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 潦
It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but can describe situations involving heavy rain or flooding.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 潦?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.