水温

• Pinyin: shuǐ wēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 水 = water; 温 = 氵(water) + 囚 (enclosed) + 皿 (vessel) — warmth contained within a vessel of water

Meaning

Water temperature. The measured thermal state of water in a body of water, a tank, a pipe, or a vessel.

Used in aquaculture, swimming, meteorology, and home settings. 水温计 is a water thermometer. In informal speech, 水温 can metaphorically refer to the temperature of a social or political situation, gauging whether conditions are safe to proceed.

Examples

1. 游泳池的水温保持在二十六度，适合大多数游泳者。 The pool’s water temperature is kept at 26°C, which suits most swimmers.
2. 渔民在养殖过程中需要密切监控水温的变化。 During aquaculture, fishermen need to closely monitor changes in water temperature.
3. 在正式表态之前，他习惯先试探一下舆论的水温。 Before taking an official position, he likes to test the temperature of public opinion first.

Usage Guide

Context: aquaculture, sports, meteorology, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 水温过低会影响鱼苗的存活率，养殖户需要及时调整水温控制系统。(Water temperature that is too low affects the survival rate of fish fry — aquaculturists need to adjust the temperature control system promptly.)
• 领导者在推行改革前，往往需要先摸清社会各方对政策的水温反应。(Before implementing reforms, leaders often need to first gauge the temperature of public reaction from various sectors of society.)

Don't Say

• 水温 and 气温 (air temperature) are distinct measurements — do not use them interchangeably; 水温 specifically refers to the temperature of water

Origin & History

水 (water) + 温 (warm, temperature) — the thermal degree of water

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal