支流
How to Say
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Meaning: tributary
How to Understand
支流
支流 (zhī liú) refers to a tributary, or a smaller river that flows into a larger river. It is often used in geographical contexts to describe the branching waterways that feed into a main river system.
The character 支 (zhī) means 'branch' or 'support,' while 流 (liú) means 'flow' or 'current.' Together, they form a term that literally means 'branch flow,' emphasizing the idea of a smaller stream joining a larger one.
In Chinese geography and literature, 支流 is commonly used to describe the natural structure of river systems. It is also sometimes used metaphorically to refer to smaller groups or branches within a larger organization or movement.
Example Sentences
长江的支流很多，其中一条是岷江。
The Yangtze River has many tributaries, one of which is the Min River.
这条支流最终汇入了黄河。
This tributary eventually flows into the Yellow River.