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水利 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
水利shuǐlìwater conservancyHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #31642, Very Hard
水利shuǐlìirrigation worksHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #31642, Very Hard
shuǐlì(shui3li4)shui li T3
  1. 1water conservancy
  2. 2irrigation works
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March 24, 2026

水利shuǐlì(shui3li4)

水利 (shui3 li4) refers to the management and utilization of water resources, commonly associated with irrigation systems in agriculture. It encompasses the infrastructure and practices designed to enhance water availability and efficiency in various contexts, including farming and urban planning.

Strokes11Frequency#31642DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, effective water management is crucial due to the country's diverse climate and agricultural practices. The concept of 水利 is deeply ingrained in traditional Chinese farming techniques, showcasing the historical importance of water conservation.

Memory tip

Imagine a river (水 shui3) flowing efficiently through fields, making crops thrive (利 li4 means benefit). Picture a farmer happily watching his crops flourish due to proper water management, linking the character to both water and prosperity.

Meanings of 水利

shuǐlì(shui3li4)
1water conservancy
2irrigation works
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 水利

水利Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#31642Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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Podcast: 水利

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AI Study Notes for 水利

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 水利 with other water-related terms, so it's essential to remember that 水利 specifically refers to beneficial water management practices. This term is more formal and is frequently used in governmental and environmental contexts. Be mindful of the tones when pronouncing, as mispronunciation can change meanings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 水利 connects well with other technical vocabulary related to environmental science and agriculture. Students should focus on the context in which water management is discussed, particularly in relation to sustainability and infrastructure.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 水利 with other terms like 水源 (water source), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '水源管理' instead of '水利管理' can lead to misunderstandings regarding the focus on water management versus just the source.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 水利

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Component Characters

水shuǐwater
HSK 14 strokes水
View full entry
利lìsharp
HSK 67 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say water conservancy in Chinese

“water conservancy” in Chinese is水利shuǐlì

水利 (shui3 li4) refers to the management and utilization of water resources, commonly associated with irrigation systems in agriculture. It encompasses the infrastructure and practices designed to enhance water availability and efficiency in various contexts, including farming and urban planning.

When to use 水利

Learners often confuse 水利 with other water-related terms, so it's essential to remember that 水利 specifically refers to beneficial water management practices. This term is more formal and is frequently used in governmental and environmental contexts. Be mindful of the tones when pronouncing, as mispronunciation can change meanings.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 水利 with other terms like 水源 (water source), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '水源管理' instead of '水利管理' can lead to misunderstandings regarding the focus on water management versus just the source.

Write 水利

水
利

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

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Grammar Patterns of 水利

水利 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

州____工程项目已切断了对农场主的所有供水。

The State Water Project has shut off all supplies to farmers.

Example Sentences for 水利 (1)

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1
州水利工程项目已切断了对农场主的所有供水。

zhōu shuǐlì gōngchéng xiàngmù yǐ qiēduàn le duì nóngchǎng zhǔ de suǒyǒu gōng shuǐ。

The State Water Project has shut off all supplies to farmers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 水利

水利 refers to the broader concept of water conservancy, while 灌溉 specifically means irrigation.

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