Meaning
支流 refers to a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger main river. The term combines 支 (branch) and 流 (flow/stream) to literally mean 'branch flow.' It's commonly used in geography and when discussing river systems.
Usage
This is a formal geographical term used in academic contexts, news, and when discussing water resources. Native speakers use it to distinguish smaller rivers from the main river (干流 or 主流). It's not typically used in casual conversation unless specifically discussing geography or travel routes along rivers.
Examples
- 01嘉陵江是长江的一条重要支流。.The Jialing River is an important tributary of the Yangtze River.
- 02这条支流在雨季水量会大幅增加。.The water volume of this tributary increases significantly during the rainy season.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条支流
Common collocations
- 长江支流tributary of the Yangtze River
- 主要支流major tributary
- 支流汇入tributary flows into
Antonyms
Origin
The compound logically combines 支 (branch) with 流 (flowing water) to describe water that branches off from or flows into a main waterway. This metaphorical use of 'branch' for rivers parallels similar concepts in many languages.