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源源不断 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
源源不断yuányuánbúduàna steady flow (idiom); an unending streamHSK 7, unknown, 41 strokes, rank #21380, Very Hard
yuányuánbúduàn(yuan2yuan2bu2duan4)yuan yuan bu duan T2
  1. 1a steady flow (idiom); an unending stream
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March 24, 2026

源源不断(源源不斷)yuányuánbúduàn(yuan2yuan2bu2duan4)

源源不断 (yuán yuán bù duàn) is an idiom that means a steady and continuous flow, often used to describe resources, ideas, or support that keeps coming without interruption. It conveys a sense of abundance and persistence, commonly used in contexts like natural resources, creativity, or enthusiasm.

Strokes41Frequency#21380DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the idea of a steady flow is often associated with natural resources and prosperity, reflecting the belief in sustainability and balance in life. This idiom can often be heard in discussions about economic growth or the creative industries.

Memory tip

Imagine a river (源) flowing steadily (不断) without ever drying up. Picture the sound of flowing water as it represents the continuous nature of resources or ideas, and remember that 'yuan' sounds like 'yawn,' suggesting a never-ending flow that keeps you awake and engaged.

Meanings of 源源不断

yuányuánbúduàn(yuan2yuan2bu2duan4)
1a steady flow (idiom); an unending stream
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About 源源不断

源源不断Simplified
源源不斷Traditional
41Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 源源不断

Quick Contrast

源源不绝 (yuányuánbùjué) — use 源源不断 for emphasis on continuity without interruption, while 源源不绝 suggests an unending supply.

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but pay attention to the tone; it can sound overly dramatic if misused in casual conversation. Common collocations include '源源不断的支持' (unending support) or '源源不断的创意' (continuous creativity).

HSK Study Tips

Although this idiom is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it provides good exposure to the concept of continuity, which ties into other vocabulary around flow and movement. Focus on the components '源' (source) and '不断' (uninterrupted) to deepen your understanding of similar expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with similar phrases like 不断 (bù duàn) and use it incorrectly in contexts that lack continuity. For example, saying '源源不断的中断' (an unending interruption) is incorrect; the phrase should emphasize continuity, not interruption.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 源源不断

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Idiom Spotlight: 源源不断

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:source source not stop

Component Characters

源yuánroot
HSK 513 strokes氵
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源yuánroot
HSK 513 strokes氵
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
断duànto break
HSK 511 strokes斤
View full entry

How to say a steady flow (idiom); an unending stream in Chinese

“a steady flow (idiom); an unending stream” in Chinese is源源不断yuányuánbúduàn

源源不断 (yuán yuán bù duàn) is an idiom that means a steady and continuous flow, often used to describe resources, ideas, or support that keeps coming without interruption. It conveys a sense of abundance and persistence, commonly used in contexts like natural resources, creativity, or enthusiasm.

When to use 源源不断

This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but pay attention to the tone; it can sound overly dramatic if misused in casual conversation. Common collocations include '源源不断的支持' (unending support) or '源源不断的创意' (continuous creativity).

源源不断 or something close to it

源源不绝 (yuányuánbùjué) — use 源源不断 for emphasis on continuity without interruption, while 源源不绝 suggests an unending supply.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse it with similar phrases like 不断 (bù duàn) and use it incorrectly in contexts that lack continuity. For example, saying '源源不断的中断' (an unending interruption) is incorrect; the phrase should emphasize continuity, not interruption.

Write 源源不断

源
源
不
断

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Frequently Asked Questions about 源源不断

No, 源源不断 specifically implies a continuous and abundant flow, so it cannot be used to describe scarcity.

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