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March 24, 2026
瀨lài(lai4)
The character 瀨 (lài) refers to a fast-moving current or rapids in a river. It describes a specific type of water flow that is turbulent and swift, often found in natural bodies of water. This word is commonly used in literary contexts or when discussing nature and geography.
Strokes19Radical氵Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, rivers and their currents often symbolize the passage of time and change. The word 瀨 is sometimes used in classical texts to evoke imagery of nature's beauty and power.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lively' stream that is 'loud' and 'fast,' like water splashing over rocks. The left part of the character (氵) represents water, while the right part (来) can remind you of 'coming' or 'flowing.' Together, they evoke the image of water rushing in a current.
Meanings of 瀨
lài(lai4)
1current, rapids
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 瀨
瀨Simplified
19Strokes
氵Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瀨
Podcast: 瀨
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AI Study Notes for 瀨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lively' stream that is 'loud' and 'fast,' like water splashing over rocks. The left part of the character (氵) represents water, while the right part (来) can remind you of 'coming' or 'flowing.' Together, they evoke the image of water rushing in a current.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 瀨 (lài) with similar-sounding words in Mandarin. This word is more formal and may not be widely used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include river contexts, such as 流瀨 (liúlài - flowing rapids).
HSK Study Tips
Though 瀨 (lài) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at higher levels should focus on this word to expand their understanding of nature-related terms. It connects with other water-related characters like 河 (hé - river) and 流 (liú - flow).
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, rivers and their currents often symbolize the passage of time and change. The word 瀨 is sometimes used in classical texts to evoke imagery of nature's beauty and power.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 瀨 (lài) with similar characters like 来 (lái) which means 'come.' Remember that 瀨 specifically relates to water currents. A common error is using 瀨 to describe still water, which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瀨
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Cultural Notes for 瀨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry and literature, rivers and their currents often symbolize the passage of time and change. The word 瀨 is sometimes used in classical texts to evoke imagery of nature's beauty and power.
Word Family of 瀨
Words Containing This Character1
濑làiname of a river瀨
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 濑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瀨
It is pronounced as 'lài' with a falling tone.
No, it is more often found in literary or formal contexts.
No, it specifically refers to fast currents or rapids, not calm waters.
