泉

• Pinyin: quán
• Hanzi breakdown: 泉 = 白 (white) + 水 (water), water emerging from earth

Meaning

Spring; fountain; source of water. Natural water emerging from the ground.

In compounds: 温泉 (hot spring), 矿泉水 (mineral water), 喷泉 (fountain), 源泉 (source/wellspring). Figurative: 灵感的源泉 (source of inspiration). Classical: 黄泉 (underworld).

Examples

1. 这座山里有一处天然温泉。 There is a natural hot spring in this mountain.
2. 公园中央有一个漂亮的喷泉。 There is a beautiful fountain in the center of the park.
3. 泉水清澈见底。 The spring water is crystal clear to the bottom.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, geography, metaphor

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这里的泉水可以直接喝。(The spring water here can be drunk directly.)
• 知识是智慧的源泉。(Knowledge is the source of wisdom.)

Don't Say

• 自来水泉。(Tap water isn't from a spring — just say 自来水)

Origin & History

Pictograph showing water flowing from rocks. Ancient character depicted water emerging from the earth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal