Meanings of 波涛
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Podcast: 波涛
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AI study notes for 波涛
波浪 (bōlàng) - use 波涛 (bōtāo) for a more dramatic or powerful connotation compared to the more general waves implied by 波浪.
波涛 is typically used in more formal or poetic contexts rather than everyday conversation. It's important to note the tone in pronunciation; a slight mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '波涛汹涌' (bōtāo xiōngyǒng), meaning 'the waves are surging'.
As an HSK 6 word, 波涛 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to nature and emotions. Students should focus on using it in descriptive writing or discussions about literature, where its evocative quality can be fully appreciated.
Learners often confuse 波涛 with smaller wave terms like 浪 (làng), which means 'wave.' For example, saying '小波涛' (xiǎo bōtāo) is incorrect; use '小浪' (xiǎo làng) instead.
Pronunciation of 波涛
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Component characters
How to say great waves in Chinese
“great waves” in Chinese is波涛
波涛 (bōtāo) refers to great waves or billows, often used to describe the powerful and dynamic movement of water, particularly in oceans or large bodies of water. It conveys a sense of both beauty and danger, commonly appearing in literary contexts or discussions about nature.
When to use 波涛
波涛 is typically used in more formal or poetic contexts rather than everyday conversation. It's important to note the tone in pronunciation; a slight mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '波涛汹涌' (bōtāo xiōngyǒng), meaning 'the waves are surging'.
波涛 or something close to it
波浪 (bōlàng) - use 波涛 (bōtāo) for a more dramatic or powerful connotation compared to the more general waves implied by 波浪.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 波涛 with smaller wave terms like 浪 (làng), which means 'wave.' For example, saying '小波涛' (xiǎo bōtāo) is incorrect; use '小浪' (xiǎo làng) instead.
Write 波涛
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Grammar patterns of 波涛
波涛 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.
有时海上____汹涌，她就会晕船。
It was quite rough at times, and she was seasick.
Example sentences for 波涛 (6)
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Frequently asked questions about 波涛
No, 波涛 specifically refers to large, powerful waves, so it is not appropriate for small waves.
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