Meaning
死水 literally means 'dead water' and refers to water that does not flow or circulate. It describes pools, ponds, or bodies of water that have become stagnant, often leading to poor quality or contamination. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe stagnation in society, economy, or other areas.
Usage
This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes water that doesn't move or refresh itself. Figuratively, it can describe situations, organizations, or societies that lack vitality or progress. It's also the title of a famous 1928 poetry collection by Wen Yiduo that criticized Chinese society.
Examples
- 01这个池塘里都是死水，已经发臭了。, .This pond is full of stagnant water and has already started to smell.
- 02如果不进行改革，这个行业就会变成一潭死水。, .If reforms are not carried out, this industry will become completely stagnant.
Characters
Measure words
- 潭一潭死水
- 池一池死水
Common collocations
- 一潭死水a pool of stagnant water; complete stagnation
- 死水一潭stagnant and lifeless (situation)
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 死 (dead) with 水 (water) to create a vivid image of lifeless, non-flowing water. This metaphorical usage has been common in Chinese for centuries.