流淌

• Pinyin: liú tǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 流 = 氵+ 㐬 (to flow); 淌 = 氵+ 尚 (to let drip/trickle)

Meaning

To flow gently; to trickle or stream. Describes the soft, steady movement of liquids, often with a poetic or vivid quality.

More literary and sensory than 流动 or 流. Often chosen in prose and poetry for its evocative sound and rhythm. Can describe rivers, tears, lava, music, or light in metaphorical use.

Examples

1. 夕阳的余晖在湖面上流淌，将整片水域染成了金橙色。 The last light of the setting sun flowed across the lake’s surface, dyeing the entire stretch of water a golden orange.
2. 受伤的战士忍着疼痛，任由鲜血从伤口流淌而下，继续完成任务。 The wounded soldier endured the pain and let blood stream down from the wound as he continued the mission.
3. 悠扬的旋律在大厅中流淌，让每一位听众都沉醉其中。 A graceful melody flowed through the hall, leaving every listener completely captivated.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, poetry, music

Tone: lyrical

Do Say

• 清晨的露水沿着叶脉缓缓流淌，最终汇聚成一滴落下。(The morning dew flowed slowly along the leaf veins, finally gathering into a drop that fell.)
• 她的钢琴曲如同一条温柔的溪流在房间中流淌，令人心旷神怡。(Her piano piece flowed through the room like a gentle stream, refreshing the mind and spirit.)

Don't Say

• 在行政或法律文件中使用流淌 — 流淌 is too literary for formal documents; use 流动 or 流出 instead (Don't use 流淌 in administrative or legal writing — it's too literary; use 流动 or 流出 instead)

Origin & History

流 (to flow) + 淌 (to drip/trickle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal