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March 24, 2026
萍水相逢()píngshuǐxiāngféng(ping2shui3xiang1feng2)
The idiom "萍水相逢" describes a situation where two strangers meet unexpectedly, akin to how duckweed (萍) drifts on water (水). It emphasizes the transient nature of such encounters and can convey a sense of serendipity or fate in relationships.
Frequency#40906DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fate (缘分, yuanfen) plays a significant role in relationships, and this idiom reflects the belief that chance meetings can lead to important connections in life.
Memory Tip
Imagine two pieces of duckweed floating on a pond, meeting each other by chance. The characters '萍' (duckweed) and '水' (water) visually remind you of this floating connection, while '相逢' (to meet) signifies their unexpected encounter.
Meanings of 萍水相逢
píngshuǐxiāngféng(ping2shui3xiang1feng2)
1strangers coming together by chance (idiom)
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About 萍水相逢
萍水相逢Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 萍水相逢
Podcast: 萍水相逢
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AI Study Notes for 萍水相逢
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two pieces of duckweed floating on a pond, meeting each other by chance. The characters '萍' (duckweed) and '水' (water) visually remind you of this floating connection, while '相逢' (to meet) signifies their unexpected encounter.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in both written and spoken Chinese to describe casual or fleeting encounters. Be careful not to use it in formal contexts where relationships are more stable or significant; it's more suited for casual storytelling or reflections on life.
HSK Study Tips
While not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding this idiom can enhance your ability to express nuanced ideas about relationships. Students should focus on idiomatic expressions as they progress, as they often convey deeper meanings beyond literal translations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fate (缘分, yuanfen) plays a significant role in relationships, and this idiom reflects the belief that chance meetings can lead to important connections in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom with more formal expressions about relationships. For example, saying '我们是萍水相逢的朋友' (We are friends who met by chance) is correct, but using it in a context that implies deep friendship is a mistake.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 萍水相逢
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Cultural Notes for 萍水相逢
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of fate (缘分, yuanfen) plays a significant role in relationships, and this idiom reflects the belief that chance meetings can lead to important connections in life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 萍水相逢
It's best to avoid using this idiom in formal contexts, as it conveys a casual tone.
It translates to 'duckweed and water meet,' highlighting the chance nature of the encounter.
Yes, phrases like 'chance meeting' or 'serendipitous encounter' convey a similar meaning.
