Definition
水火 is a literary compound literally meaning 'water and fire'. It is used figuratively to describe extreme opposites that cannot coexist (like fire and water), or to refer to great disasters (such as floods and fires) and the ensuing misery. In a neutral sense, it can also mean the basic necessities of life, as water and fire are essential. The intended meaning depends heavily on context.
n.
water and firebasic necessities of life(figurative) irreconcilable opposites(figurative) great disasterextreme suffering
Examples
- 水火，。Rén lí bù kāi shuǐ huǒ, jiù xiàng lí bù kāi kōngqì yí yàng.People cannot do without water and fire, just as they cannot do without air.
- ，水火。Tāmen guāndiǎn bù tóng, jiù xiàng shuǐ huǒ yí yàng duìlì.Their views differ, opposing each other like fire and water.
- ，水火。Zài zhànhuǒ zhōng, bǎixìng jīnglì le shuǐ huǒ bān de tòngkǔ.In the war, the people experienced suffering akin to fire and water.
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