Understanding "水壶" - Chinese Word Explanation

Understanding "水壶" - Chinese Word Explanation
Reader Guide

What this article covers

Use this guide to get the core meaning of the word before you read the full explanation and examples.

1 1. Basic Information 2 2. In-depth Explanation 3 3. Example Sentences 4 Cultural Notes 5 Conclusion

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.

Sources and Further Reading

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.

Editorial note: This page was last updated on 九月 16, 2026. Hanzi Explorer publishes English-language guides to Chinese vocabulary, reading, and culture. Learn more about the site. Review the editorial policy.
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