Understanding "雨滴" - Chinese Word Explanation
1. Basic Information
Word: 雨滴
Pinyin: yǔ dī
Literal Meaning: "rain" (雨) + "drop" (滴) = "raindrop"
Primary Meaning: A single drop of rain; the small, individual particles of water that fall from clouds during rain.
2. In-depth Explanation
Context and Usage:
"雨滴" is a common term used to describe raindrops in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.
It can be used literally to describe the physical drops of rain, or metaphorically to evoke imagery related to rain, such as sadness, renewal, or nature.
The word is neutral in tone and can appear in scientific descriptions (e.g., weather reports) or poetic expressions.
Character Breakdown:
雨 (yǔ): Means "rain." It’s a pictograph representing rain falling from the sky.
滴 (dī): Means "drop" or "drip." It often refers to small liquid droplets, like water or tears.
3. Example Sentences
Chinese: 雨滴落在我的脸上。
Pinyin: Yǔdī luò zài wǒ de liǎn shàng.
English: Raindrops fell on my face.
Chinese: 窗户上布满了晶莹的雨滴。
Pinyin: Chuānghu shàng bùmǎnle jīngyíng de yǔdī.
English: The window was covered with glistening raindrops.
Chinese: 他听着雨滴的声音睡着了。
Pinyin: Tā tīngzhe yǔdī de shēngyīn shuìzháole.
English: He fell asleep listening to the sound of raindrops.
Cultural Notes
In Chinese poetry and art, "雨滴" is often used to create a serene or melancholic mood. Rain is a common symbol in classical Chinese literature, representing emotions like longing, solitude, or the passage of time.
The sound of raindrops is sometimes associated with tranquility and is a popular theme in traditional Chinese music and meditation practices.
Conclusion
"雨滴" (yǔ dī) is a simple yet evocative word meaning "raindrop." It combines the characters for "rain" (雨) and "drop" (滴), and can be used literally or metaphorically. Whether describing weather or setting a poetic scene, this word is a handy addition to your Chinese vocabulary.