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The Chinese word **冷水** (lěng shuǐ), meaning "cold water," is formed through a straightforward compound word structure common in the language. It combines the independent character **冷** (lěng), meaning "cold," with the character **水** (shuǐ), meaning "water," in a **modifier-head** relationship. Here, "冷" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "水," describing the type or state of the water. This formation is analogous to the grammatical pattern in English, where an adjective precedes a noun to create a new, specific concept. Therefore, "冷水" is not an idiom or a metaphorical phrase, but a literal and transparent compound where the meaning is directly derived from the sum of its parts.

Word Definition - 冷水

lěng shuǐ cold water; unboiled water; fig. not yet ready (of plans)

Individual Character Details