to leak

JLPT N1 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (lòu)

The character primarily means "to leak," referring to liquids or gases escaping unintentionally from a container or enclosed space. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical leaks, such as water pipes or roofs.

Besides the literal sense, can also be used metaphorically to describe information or secrets being disclosed unintentionally, as in "leaking a secret."

Common Collocations

  • (lòu shuǐ): water leaking, often used for pipes or roofs
  • (lòu qì): gas leaking
  • (lòu diào): to miss or omit something, often information

Notes

When using to describe information leakage, it often implies an accidental or unintended disclosure. It differs from 散布 (sànbù) which means to spread information intentionally.

Avoid confusing with (lòudòng), which means "a loophole" or "gap" in a system or argument, though they share the same root character.

Example Sentences

The water pipe broke, and water is leaking out.

He accidentally leaked the secret to others.

This document has some information missing and needs to be supplemented.