泻

• Pinyin: xiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 泻 = 氵(water radical) + 写 (to pour/flow — suggesting rapid uncontrolled outflow)

Meaning

To flow rapidly downward; to rush out; to have diarrhoea. Describes a fast, uncontrolled outpouring of liquid.

Used for rushing water (as in waterfalls), rapid discharge of liquid, or medical diarrhoea (腹泻). In literary contexts, describes the powerful downward flow of water. In medicine, 泻 refers to purging the bowels.

Examples

1. 山洪暴发，洪水沿着山谷奔泻而下，所到之处一片狼藉。 A flash flood broke out, and water surged down the valley, leaving devastation everywhere it went.
2. 他昨晚腹泻严重，整晚跑了好几次厕所。 He had severe diarrhea last night and ran to the bathroom several times.
3. 瀑布飞泻而下，水雾弥漫，蔚为壮观。 The waterfall plunged down in a roaring rush, filling the air with mist—an awe-inspiring sight.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, medicine, literature

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 强降雨过后，山涧的水量大增，急泻而下，声势震天。(After the heavy rainfall, the volume of water in the mountain stream increased dramatically, rushing downward with a thunderous roar.)
• 医生建议他调整饮食，避免因肠胃不适再次引发腹泻。(The doctor advised him to adjust his diet to prevent another bout of diarrhoea caused by gastrointestinal discomfort.)

Don't Say

• 泻 alone for 'diarrhoea' in formal contexts — use 腹泻 instead; 泻 alone is more literary or technical

Origin & History

泻 = 氵(water) + 写 (to write/pour — water pouring rapidly); originally described rapid water flow

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal