Meanings of 霖
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Podcast: 霖
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AI study notes for 霖
细雨 (xìyǔ) vs 霖 (lín): 细雨 refers to light rain, while 霖 implies a prolonged and heavy downpour.
Be careful not to confuse 霖 with similar-sounding words that relate to light rain or drizzle, as they convey different intensities. This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, like literature or weather forecasts. Common collocations include '霖雨' (long-lasting rain) or '春霖' (spring rain).
Although 霖 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be beneficial for learners at advanced levels to understand climate-related vocabulary. It connects with other weather-related terms like 雨 (yǔ, rain) and 雾 (wù, fog), and students should practice using it in context to describe rainy weather.
Learners often confuse 霖 with light rain terms like 毛毛雨 (máomao yǔ), which refers to drizzle. Remember that 霖 denotes a heavier, more sustained rainfall, so use it in contexts where significant rain is expected.
Pronunciation of 霖
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Etymology of 霖
Phonosemantic compound. 雨 represents the meaning and 林 represents the sound.
rain
Origin
霖 = 雨 + 林. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 霖
Parts
Which of these is part of 霖?
How to say monsoon; a long spell of rain in Chinese
“monsoon; a long spell of rain” in Chinese is霖
霖 (lín) refers to a prolonged period of rain, often associated with monsoon weather. It implies not just any rain, but a steady and continuous downpour that can last for several days. This term is commonly used in weather reports and discussions about climate patterns.
When to use 霖
Be careful not to confuse 霖 with similar-sounding words that relate to light rain or drizzle, as they convey different intensities. This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, like literature or weather forecasts. Common collocations include '霖雨' (long-lasting rain) or '春霖' (spring rain).
霖 or something close to it
细雨 (xìyǔ) vs 霖 (lín): 细雨 refers to light rain, while 霖 implies a prolonged and heavy downpour.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 霖 with light rain terms like 毛毛雨 (máomao yǔ), which refers to drizzle. Remember that 霖 denotes a heavier, more sustained rainfall, so use it in contexts where significant rain is expected.
Write 霖
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Practice writing 霖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 霖
霖 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我看上一间又低,又小,又霉的的东房,这是在云____的隔壁一家叫大元的公寓里.
I've selected small mouldy room with a low ceiling in a hostel next to Yunlin's.
Example sentences for 霖 (5)
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Word Family of 霖
Words with 霖
What does 张作霖 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 霖
The pronunciation is 'lín,' with a rising tone, similar to the word 'lin' in English but with a higher pitch.
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