水库

• Pinyin: shuǐ kù
• Hanzi breakdown: 水 = pictograph of flowing water; 库 = 广 (shelter) + 车 (vehicle), a storage building

Meaning

Reservoir. An artificial lake for storing water.

A man-made body of water created by damming a river, used for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power. China has many large reservoirs. Also used for recreation like fishing and boating in some areas.

Examples

1. 这个水库是五十年前建的，至今仍在发挥重要作用。 This reservoir was built fifty years ago and still plays an important role today.
2. 今年雨水充足，水库的蓄水量达到了历史最高。 This year's rainfall was abundant, and the reservoir's storage reached a historical high.
3. 周末很多人到水库边钓鱼、野餐。 On weekends, many people go fishing and picnicking by the reservoir.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, infrastructure, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 水库的水位下降了。(The reservoir's water level has dropped.)
• 我们去水库游泳吧。(Let's go swimming at the reservoir.)

Don't Say

• 自然的水库 for natural lakes — 水库 specifically means artificial reservoirs; use 湖 for natural lakes

Origin & History

Compound of 水 (water) + 库 (warehouse/storehouse), meaning a storehouse for water.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal