Today’s phrase
Word Breakdown
水 (shuǐ) n. water
很 (hěn) adv. very
深 (shēn) adj. deep
Quick Answer
Definition & Usage
If “the water is deep”, people might get drowned.
水很深 in Chinese is a figurative language used to describe a situation where you just see the thing on the surface or a designed outcome, while behind what you see, the thing may get many very powerful people involved, so the truth may be hidden, and if someone tries to figure out the truth, it might be really dangerous.
This metaphor can also be used to refer to a situation, an industry, or a person. Usually serving as a predicate.
Example Sentences
家装行业的水很深，消费者很容易花冤枉钱。
Jiāzhuāng hángyè de shuǐ hěn shēn, xiāofèi zhě hěn róngyì huā yuānwǎng qián.The water of the home improvement market is very deep, and consumers without knowledge easily overspend money on unnecessary items.
这个公司的人际关系很复杂，有些人的水很深，你要谨言慎行。Zhège gōngsī de rénjì guānxì hěn fùzá, yǒuxiē rén de shuǐ hěn shēn, nǐ yào jǐn yán shèn xíng.The interpersonal relationship in this company is very complicated, some people’s water is pretty deep(complex background and involved with a mysterious powerful man), so you have to be cautious in your words and deeds.
这件事的水很深，背后牵扯到了很多利益集团和政府部门。Zhè jiàn shì de shuǐ hěn shēn, bèihòu qiānchě dàole hěnduō lìyì jítuán hé zhèngfǔ bùmén.The waters of this matter are very deep(there are a lot of hidden rules and interests get involved in this matter), and many interest groups and government departments are involved behind it.