活水 (huó shuǐ) — flowing water, running water (as opposed to stagnant water); (figurative) a dynamic, self-renewing source
Definition
Literally 'living water' — moving, self-renewing water, contrasted with stagnant 死水. Often used figuratively for ideas, talent, or organizations that stay fresh through constant renewal.
noun
flowing waterrunning water (as opposed to stagnant water)(figurative) a dynamicself-renewing source
Examples
- 活水，。Zhè tiáo hé shì huó shuǐ, suǒ yǐ shuǐ hěn gān jìng.This river is flowing water, so the water is very clean.
- 活水，。Zhī shi jiù xiàng huó shuǐ, xū yào bú duàn gēng xīn.Knowledge is like flowing water — it needs constant renewal.
- 活水，。Zhǐ yǒu yǐn rù huó shuǐ, chí táng cái bú huì fā chòu.Only by introducing flowing water will the pond not stink.
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