湖 — meaning in English: lake

hú · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for lake

湖

hú

电视

diànshì

拆除

chāichú

标题

biāotí

章

zhāng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 湖 (hú) when talking about nature, particularly when discussing travel plans to visit scenic areas. For example, you might hear someone say, 'We're going to the 湖 near the mountains this weekend.' It's also frequently used in educational contexts when teaching geography or discussing ecosystems.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 水库 (shuǐkù), which means 'reservoir' and refers specifically to a man-made lake used for water storage. While 湖 (hú) can describe any natural lake, 水库 is more technical and often used in engineering or environmental discussions.

Culture

The character 湖 (hú) has a rich history, originating from the oracle bone script where it depicted a body of water. In Chinese culture, lakes are often seen as symbols of tranquility and beauty, inspiring poets and artists throughout history. Notable lakes like 西湖 (Xīhú), or West Lake in Hangzhou, are famous for their picturesque landscapes and are integral to Chinese heritage.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 湖 in Mandarin?

湖 is pronounced as 'hú', with a rising tone. To practice, try saying 'hoo' with an upward inflection at the end.

Q.How do you write 湖 in pinyin?

In pinyin, 湖 is written as 'hú'. Remember to include the tonal mark to convey the correct pronunciation.

Q.Can 湖 be used in idiomatic expressions?

Yes, 湖 can appear in idiomatic expressions, typically relating to nature or serenity. For instance, '湖光山色' (hú guāng shān sè) refers to the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains.

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