Roses, like this Perfect Pink, are sometimes sprayed to prevent disease

This week we join Li in her imaginary rose garden as she tackles a question from Cici about water synonyms. But there’s a storm brewing…

Listen to the programme to hear some Chinese equivalents of the six words that Cici mentions.

But you might be able to work out their meanings by looking at the sentences before. Can you see how the usage of these similar words varies?

People spray roses to prevent disease.

Lewis Hamilton sprayed his fans with champagne.

The weather forecast was fine, but I think it’s going to shower.

In the summer I like to shower before going to bed.

On her 80th birthday Lillian was showered with presents.

The rain spattered on the window.

The rain splattered on the window.

She accidentally spattered food on her new top.

She accidentally splattered food on her new top.

She accidentally splashed food across her new top.

Just before my interview a bus came past and splashed me. I was soaked!

As I carried the bottle, I could hear the wine sloshing around inside.

Put the lid on that jug in case the lemonade sloshes over the sides!

If you have a question about English, email it to questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk. We might answer it on this programme.

Glossary 词汇

synonyms 同义词

there's a storm brewing 一场暴风雨要来了

equivalents 相对应的

varies 变化

weather forecast 天气预报

top 上衣

soaked 湿透了

jug 敞口冷水瓶