萍水相逢

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"萍水相逢" literally means "meeting like duckweed on water," describing a chance or accidental encounter between strangers. It often implies a brief, fleeting meeting without deeper connection or future plans.

Context and Nuance

This phrase is commonly used to emphasize the randomness and impermanence of an encounter. It can carry a neutral or slightly detached tone, highlighting that the people involved are not close or familiar.

Common Collocations

  • 萍水相逢 (people who meet by chance): emphasizes the strangers' status.
  • 萍水相逢朋友 (friends met by chance): often used to describe rare but genuine friendships formed unexpectedly.
  • 萍水相逢计较 (when meeting by chance, don't be too particular): suggests not to take things too seriously in such encounters.

Usage Tips

Use "萍水相逢" when you want to express that two people met unexpectedly and briefly, often with no intention of maintaining contact. Avoid using it for planned or long-term relationships. It contrasts with phrases implying familiarity or ongoing connection.

Example Sentences

We just met by chance; there's no need to care too much about each other's

In the journey of life where people meet by chance, true friends are rare.

They just met by chance and don't plan to keep in touch afterward.