Chinese word

水平

Pronunciation

Pinyinshuǐ píng

Meaning

  • nounlevel

Example

我的水平还不够，需要多练习。wǒ de shuǐ píng hái bú gòu xū yào duō liàn xí

My level is still not high enough; I need more practice.

Illustration for 水平 (level)

More examples

通过学习，他的语言水平提高了。tōng guò xué xí tā de yǔ yán shuǐ píng tí gāo le

By studying, his language level improved.

Core concept

A flat surface or line that becomes a measure of position, ability, or quality.

Common phrases

  • 提高水平tí gāo shuǐ píng

    raise one's level

  • 语言水平yǔ yán shuǐ píng

    language level

  • 生活水平shēng huó shuǐ píng

    standard of living

Similar words

水准shuí zhǔn: A level judged against a standard or expected mark.
能力néng lì: The ability or skill needed to do a job or study.
程度chéng dù: The degree or extent of an amount, condition, or quality.

Definition in Chinese

本义指水面平坦的状态，引申为某一程度或等级。běn yì zhǐ shuǐ miàn píng tǎn de zhuàng tài yǐn shēn wèi mǒu yì chéng dù huò děng jí

Word origin

水平 (shuǐpíng, "level") combines 水 (shuǐ, "water") + 平 (píng, "flat"), first describing a flat water surface and later a degree or standard.

Usage tips

  • In school settings, 水平 (shuǐpíng, "level") often measures how well a person can do something, so it concerns ability rather than physical height.

Other meanings

  • horizontalnoun
  • standardnoun

Related words

  • 水平线shuǐ píng xiànhorizontal linenoun
  • 水平面shuǐ píng miànhorizontal planenoun

Word lists with this word