About
Structurally composed of the water radical and the phonetic component '奄', the character '淹' has consistently denoted concepts related to water since its inception, primarily conveying the idea of immersion or submersion. From this foundational sense, its meaning broadened to encompass metaphorical extensions such as lingering or delay, as seen in classical texts where it described prolonged stays or drawn-out processes. This semantic expansion allowed '淹' to maintain relevance beyond literal water contexts, and in modern language, it continues to signify flooding while also preserving these older connotations in certain fixed expressions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这场大雨淹了街道。
洪水差点淹了我们的房子。
他的声音被掌声淹没了。
不要让孩子在河边玩，小心淹着。
整个村庄被淹的消息令人难过。
历史资料被水淹过，有些字迹已经模糊。
持续的暴雨导致多条河流水位上涨，淹没了农田。
为了防止海水倒灌淹没低洼地区，政府修建了坚固的防洪堤。