Meaning
小河 literally means 'small river' and refers to a narrow, shallow waterway. It's commonly used to describe the kind of gentle streams found in rural areas, parks, or natural settings. The word evokes a peaceful, natural image and is often used in poetry, songs, and literature to describe pastoral scenes.
Usage
This is a common, neutral term used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's frequently found in descriptions of countryside scenery, childhood memories, or geographical features. The word can describe natural streams or man-made channels. Often appears in the title of the folk song '小河淌水' (A Brook Flows).
Examples
- 01村子旁边有一条清澈的小河。.There is a clear stream beside the village.
- 02小时候我常常在小河里捉鱼。.When I was young, I often caught fish in the stream.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条小河
Common collocations
- 小河流水a small river flows
- 清澈的小河clear stream
- 小河边by the stream
Antonyms
Origin
A straightforward compound combining 小 (small) and 河 (river). The character 河 originally referred to the Yellow River but came to mean rivers in general.