沼泽

• Pinyin: zhǎo zé
• Hanzi breakdown: 沼 = 氵 + 召 (pond); 泽 = 氵 + 尺 (marsh/wetland)

Meaning

Swamp; marsh; bog. Wetland with waterlogged soil and aquatic vegetation.

Geographic and ecological term. Literal: wetland ecosystems. Figurative: difficult situation hard to escape from (陷入沼泽). Related: 沼泽地 (marshland), 泥沼 (quagmire). Important habitats for biodiversity.

Examples

1. 这片沼泽地是候鸟迁徙途中的重要栖息地。 This marshland is an important stopover habitat for migratory birds.
2. 探险队在穿越沼泽时遇到了很大的困难。 The expedition team ran into major difficulties while crossing the swamp.
3. 公司陷入债务沼泽，难以自拔。 The company has sunk into a swamp of debt and can’t pull itself out.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, ecology, metaphor

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 保护沼泽湿地对维护生态平衡具有重要意义。(Protecting swamp wetlands is of great significance for maintaining ecological balance.)
• 他在感情的沼泽中挣扎了很久才走出来。(He struggled in the swamp of emotions for a long time before he managed to get out.)

Don't Say

• 水沼泽 — redundant since 沼泽 already implies water; just say 沼泽 or 沼泽地

Origin & History

沼 (pond/pool) + 泽 (marsh/wetland)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal