About
As a phono-semantic compound, 泄 combines the semantic radical 氵 on the left, indicating a connection to water or liquid, with the phonetic component 世 on the right. Its original meaning described water diverting from a main stream, liquid seeping from a container, or general fluid leakage. This definition later expanded beyond the physical to include the figurative leakage of confidential information, unauthorized disclosure of secrets, and the emotional release of pent-up feelings like anger or frustration. Although the phonetic component 世 means "generation", "world", or "lifetime", it contributes only sound, not meaning, to the character's sense of leaking or venting.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
水管泄漏了。
他泄气地走了。
不要泄露个人信息。
工厂排泄废水被罚款。
他因泄密而被公司开除。
情绪需要适当宣泄以免压抑。
水库泄洪是为了防止洪水泛滥。
法律严禁泄露国家机密的行为。