水分

• Pinyin: shuǐ fèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 水 = pictograph of flowing water; 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife), to divide/portion

Meaning

Moisture; water content. Also figuratively means exaggeration or padding.

Literally refers to the moisture or water content in something like food, soil, or skin. Figuratively used to describe exaggeration, false claims, or padding in reports, numbers, or statements. Very common in both scientific/practical and colloquial contexts.

Examples

1. 这种面霜能帮助皮肤保持水分。 This cream can help skin retain moisture.
2. 夏天蔬果要注意保鲜，防止水分流失。 In summer, pay attention to keeping vegetables and fruits fresh to prevent moisture loss.
3. 他说的话水分太大，不能全信。 What he says is too exaggerated — you can't believe all of it.

Usage Guide

Context: health, food, informal criticism

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 多喝水补充水分。(Drink more water to replenish moisture.)
• 这个数据有水分。(This data is inflated/unreliable.)

Don't Say

• 给我一些水分 when asking for water to drink — use 水 or 喝的; 水分 means moisture content

Origin & History

Compound of 水 (water) + 分 (portion/content), meaning the portion that is water.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal