波浪

• Pinyin: bō làng
• Hanzi breakdown: 波 = 氵(water) + 皮, wave; 浪 = 氵(water) + 良, wave/billow

Meaning

Waves; billows. The undulating movement of water surfaces.

Refers to waves on water, especially ocean waves. Also used metaphorically for wave-like shapes (波浪线 wavy line, 波浪发 wavy hair) or figuratively for waves of events, movements, or emotions. Can suggest power, rhythm, or ongoing motion.

Examples

1. 海边的波浪一浪高过一浪，非常壮观。 The waves at the beach rose higher and higher — it was quite spectacular.
2. 她的头发烫成了漂亮的波浪卷。 She got her hair permed into beautiful waves.
3. 改革开放掀起了经济发展的波浪。 Reform and opening up set off waves of economic development.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, description, metaphorical

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 波浪拍打着礁石，发出哗哗的声音。(The waves beat against the rocks, making splashing sounds.)
• 今年流行波浪形的眉毛。(Wavy-shaped eyebrows are popular this year.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'波浪'和'海浪'完全等同 (Don't equate 波浪 exactly with 海浪 — 海浪 specifically means ocean waves, while 波浪 can refer to waves in any body of water or wave-like shapes)

Origin & History

Compound of 波 (wave) + 浪 (wave, billow). Both characters refer to waves, creating an emphatic compound.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal