Understanding "雨雪" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 雨雪
• Pinyin: yǔ xuě
• Literal Meaning: "rain snow" (a combination of rain and snow)
• Primary Meaning: A weather phenomenon where rain and snow occur simultaneously or in close succession; often refers to sleet or wintry mix.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"雨雪" is commonly used in weather forecasts or descriptions of cold, wet conditions. It can describe:
1. Sleet: Rain mixed with snow or melting snow.
2. Alternating rain and snow: When precipitation switches between rain and snow due to temperature fluctuations.
3. Poetic or literary contexts: Symbolizes hardship or melancholy in classical Chinese poetry.

Character Breakdown

• 雨 (yǔ): Means "rain."
• 雪 (xuě): Means "snow."
  Together, they form a compound word describing mixed or transitional precipitation.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 今天会有雨雪天气。
   Pinyin: Jīntiān huì yǒu yǔxuě tiānqì.
   English: There will be sleet weather today.

2. Chinese: 雨雪交加，路上很滑。
   Pinyin: Yǔxuě jiāojiā, lùshang hěn huá.
   English: With rain and snow falling together, the roads are very slippery.

3. Chinese: 冬天的雨雪让人感到寒冷。
   Pinyin: Dōngtiān de yǔxuě ràng rén gǎndào hánlěng.
   English: The winter sleet makes people feel cold.

Cultural Notes

• In classical Chinese poetry, "雨雪" often symbolizes adversity or sorrow, reflecting the harshness of nature.
• In modern usage, it’s a practical term for weather reports, especially in northern China where mixed precipitation is common in early winter or late spring.

Conclusion

"雨雪" (yǔ xuě) describes a mix of rain and snow, either as sleet or alternating precipitation. It’s useful for weather discussions and carries poetic undertones in literature. Remember the characters 雨 (rain) and 雪 (snow) to grasp its meaning easily!