Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
流水()liúshuǐ(liu2shui3)
流水 (liú shuǐ) refers to running water, often used to describe the natural flow of water in rivers or streams. It symbolizes fluidity and movement, and can also be used metaphorically in various contexts, such as describing time or changes in life.
Frequency#10916DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 流水 is often associated with harmony and balance in nature. It is a common motif in traditional poetry and art, reflecting the importance of water in sustaining life and symbolizing the flow of time.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river flowing smoothly. The character 流 (liú) looks like water flowing, and 水 (shuǐ) means water. Picture the stream of water gently gliding over rocks, creating a soothing sound as it passes.
Meanings of 流水
liúshuǐ(liu2shui3)
1running water
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 流水
流水Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 流水
Podcast: 流水
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 流水
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a river flowing smoothly. The character 流 (liú) looks like water flowing, and 水 (shuǐ) means water. Picture the stream of water gently gliding over rocks, creating a soothing sound as it passes.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 流 (liú) and 水 (shuǐ); incorrect tones can lead to confusion. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often found in phrases related to nature, water management, or even metaphorical expressions about life.
HSK Study Tips
As an intermediate-level word, 流水 connects well with vocabulary related to nature and environmental themes. Students should focus on the individual characters and practice their pronunciation and tone to reinforce their understanding of similar words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 流水 is often associated with harmony and balance in nature. It is a common motif in traditional poetry and art, reflecting the importance of water in sustaining life and symbolizing the flow of time.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 流 (liú) with 了 (le), especially in fast speech, leading to miscommunication. For example, saying '流水' with a wrong tone could lead to misunderstandings, so practicing the correct tones is crucial.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 流水
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 流水 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 流水 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 流水
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 流水 is often associated with harmony and balance in nature. It is a common motif in traditional poetry and art, reflecting the importance of water in sustaining life and symbolizing the flow of time.
Frequently Asked Questions about 流水
Common phrases include '流水账' (liú shuǐ zhàng), which means an informal account of transactions, and '流水线' (liú shuǐ xiàn), which refers to an assembly line.
Practice saying 'liú' like you're flowing with the water, and 'shuǐ' like you're splashing water gently. Repeating these sounds while visualizing water can help solidify the tones.
Yes, 流水 can describe the passage of time or changes in life, such as in the saying '流水无情' (liú shuǐ wú qíng), which means time flows without mercy.
