About
The character 堤, denoting a dike or embankment, is structurally a phono-semantic compound combining the earth radical 土 with the component 是, which historically provided a phonetic clue while the radical anchored its meaning to earthen constructions. Its etymology points to an early usage for artificial barriers built to control waterways, a purpose directly inferred from its earth-related semantic element. While its fundamental meaning has consistently centered on hydraulic engineering structures throughout Chinese literary history, the term has also seen extended application in descriptive compounds referring to any elongated mound or protective ridge, demonstrating a slight broadening from its original specific context without losing its primary association. The graphical form of the character has maintained this compositional integrity over time, with no alternative traditional form subject to simplification, preserving the clear relationship between its constituent parts and its functional definition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们在河堤上散步。
洪水冲垮了旧的堤坝。
工人们正在加固这段河堤。
如果堤坝不牢固，可能会发生危险。
这座海堤是为了防止海水入侵而建的。
由于连续的暴雨，河堤出现了裂缝。
政府计划在明年修建新的堤防，以保护沿岸的农田。
工程师们利用现代技术监测堤坝的稳定性，确保万无一失。