缩水

• Pinyin: suō shuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 缩 = 糹(silk) + 宿; 水 = pictograph of water

Meaning

To shrink (of fabric); to diminish in value or quantity. Originally about cloth shrinking, now widely used for decreases.

Literally refers to fabric shrinking when washed. Figuratively used for stock values dropping, budgets being cut, or promises being reduced. The metaphor of 'shrinking' captures unexpected or unwelcome reductions.

Examples

1. 这条牛仔裤洗过之后缩水了，现在穿着有点紧。 These jeans shrank after washing, and now they're a bit tight.
2. 股市大跌，我的基金缩水了将近一半，心疼死了。 The stock market crashed and my fund lost nearly half its value — I'm heartbroken.
3. 原本承诺的年终奖大幅缩水，员工们都很失望。 The promised year-end bonus was significantly reduced, leaving employees very disappointed.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, finance

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 纯棉的容易缩水。(Pure cotton shrinks easily.)
• 我的存款缩水了不少。(My savings have shrunk quite a bit.)

Don't Say

• 说'价格缩水'而不是'价格下降' (缩水 implies unwelcome shrinking — for neutral price drops, use 下降 or 降低)

Origin & History

缩 means to shrink, 水 means water. Originally described fabric shrinking in water, now extended to any reduction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal