Understanding "水壶" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 水壶
• Pinyin: shuǐ hú
• Literal Meaning: "Water" (水) + "Kettle/Pot" (壶)
• Primary Meaning: A container used for holding or boiling water, such as a kettle, water bottle, or thermos.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "水壶" is a common word in Chinese, referring to various types of water containers. It can mean an electric kettle (电水壶, diàn shuǐ hú), a thermos (保温水壶, bǎowēn shuǐ hú), or a portable water bottle (旅行水壶, lǚxíng shuǐ hú).

• It is used in daily life, travel, and household contexts. Unlike English, where "kettle," "thermos," and "water bottle" are distinct terms, "水壶" is a more general term covering all these meanings.

• Character Breakdown:

• 水 (shuǐ): Means "water."
• 壶 (hú): Means "pot," "kettle," or "flask." Together, they form "water container."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我的水壶里没有水了。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de shuǐ hú lǐ méiyǒu shuǐ le.
   English: There’s no water left in my water bottle.

2. Chinese: 请用电水壶烧一些热水。
   Pinyin: Qǐng yòng diàn shuǐ hú shāo yīxiē rè shuǐ.
   English: Please use the electric kettle to boil some hot water.

3. Chinese: 这个保温水壶可以保持水温12小时。
   Pinyin: Zhège bǎowēn shuǐ hú kěyǐ bǎochí shuǐwēn shí'èr xiǎoshí.
   English: This thermos can keep water warm for 12 hours.

Cultural Notes

• In China, carrying a personal "水壶" (especially a thermos) is common, as hot water is widely consumed for health reasons.
• Electric kettles (电水壶) are standard in Chinese households, as tea and hot water are integral to daily life.

Conclusion

"水壶" (shuǐ hú) is a versatile word for any water container, from kettles to thermoses. Remember: 水 (water) + 壶 (pot) = water pot! Whether you're boiling tea or carrying water on a hike, this word will come in handy.