Meaning
波浪 refers to waves on water, particularly ocean waves or large waves on lakes and rivers. It describes the undulating, rising and falling motion of water caused by wind, tides, or other forces. The term can be used both literally for physical waves and metaphorically for wave-like patterns or movements.
Usage
This is a formal, written term commonly used in literature, news reports, and scientific contexts. In everyday conversation, people more often use just 浪 (làng) or 海浪 (hǎi làng) for ocean waves. 波浪 often appears in poetic or descriptive writing to evoke imagery of the sea.
Examples
- 01大海上的波浪一个接一个地涌向岸边。.The waves on the ocean surge toward the shore one after another.
- 02微风吹过湖面，激起了层层波浪。, .A gentle breeze blew across the lake surface, stirring up layers of waves.
Characters
Measure words
- 阵一阵波浪
- 层一层波浪
Common collocations
- 波浪滔滔surging waves
- 掀起波浪to stir up waves
- 波浪起伏waves rising and falling
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to water and waves. 波 originally depicted water's surface ripples, while 浪 emphasizes larger, more forceful waves. Together they form a compound that intensifies the meaning of waves.