Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
波澜 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
波澜bōlánbillowsHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #25440, Very Hard
波澜bōlángreat waves (fig. of a story with great momentum)HSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #25440, Very Hard
bōlán(bo1lan2)bo lan T1
  1. 1billows
  2. 2great waves (fig. of a story with great momentum)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

波澜(波瀾)bōlán(bo1lan2)

波澜 (bōlán) refers to billows or great waves, often used metaphorically to describe a situation or story that has significant momentum or dramatic developments. It conveys a sense of dynamism and change, commonly found in literature or discussions about events that have a powerful impact.

Strokes23Frequency#25440DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese literature, stories often have dramatic turning points described as 波澜, highlighting the importance of conflict and resolution in narratives, reflecting traditional storytelling values.

Memory tip

Think of the character 波 (bō) as a wave rolling in, and 澜 (lán) as the sound of the waves crashing. Visualize standing on the shore, feeling the booming waves (波澜) around you, which helps you remember both the sound and meaning.

Meanings of 波澜

bōlán(bo1lan2)
1billows
2great waves (fig. of a story with great momentum)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 波澜 means.

About 波澜

波澜Simplified
波瀾Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 波澜

JasonAmy

Podcast: 波澜

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 波澜

Quick Contrast

波动 (bōdòng) refers to fluctuations or oscillations, typically implying a less dramatic change compared to 波澜 (bōlán), which suggests more significant and impactful waves.

Usage Notes

波澜 is often used in literary contexts to describe pivotal moments in stories or events. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 波 (wave) which has a more general meaning. It is more formal and typically used in written language.

HSK Study Tips

While 波澜 is not an HSK word, it can enrich your vocabulary as you learn about literary expressions. Focus on understanding how it can be used in different contexts, particularly in storytelling or discussing significant changes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 波澜 with simpler terms for 'wave' such as 波 (bō). For example, saying '这故事有很多波' (This story has many waves) is incorrect; the correct form would be '这故事有很多波澜' to convey the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 波澜

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 波澜, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 波澜 to you

Let me explain 波澜 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 波澜 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 波澜?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 波澜 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

波BōPoland
HSK 78 strokes氵
View full entry
澜lánoverflowing; ripples, waves
15 strokes氵
View full entry

How to say billows in Chinese

“billows” in Chinese is波澜bōlán

波澜 (bōlán) refers to billows or great waves, often used metaphorically to describe a situation or story that has significant momentum or dramatic developments. It conveys a sense of dynamism and change, commonly found in literature or discussions about events that have a powerful impact.

When to use 波澜

波澜 is often used in literary contexts to describe pivotal moments in stories or events. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 波 (wave) which has a more general meaning. It is more formal and typically used in written language.

波澜 or something close to it

波动 (bōdòng) refers to fluctuations or oscillations, typically implying a less dramatic change compared to 波澜 (bōlán), which suggests more significant and impactful waves.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 波澜 with simpler terms for 'wave' such as 波 (bō). For example, saying '这故事有很多波' (This story has many waves) is incorrect; the correct form would be '这故事有很多波澜' to convey the intended meaning.

Write 波澜

波
澜

Practice writing 波澜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 波澜?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 波澜

You can say: '这部电影的情节波澜起伏,令人印象深刻。' (The plot of this movie has great waves of ups and downs, leaving a deep impression.)

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 波澜?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab