'Lòu shuǐ' literally combines 'lòu' (to leak, seep, or drip) and 'shuǐ' (water), forming a compound noun meaning 'water leakage'—a common problem in buildings, pipes, or appliances where water escapes unintentionally from its intended path. It refers specifically to the physical phenomenon of water escaping due to cracks, holes, loose connections, or worn seals.

This term is widely used in everyday contexts like home maintenance, property management, and plumbing services. Unlike general terms for 'leak', 'lòu shuǐ' emphasizes water as the leaking substance and implies an undesirable, often problematic situation requiring repair. It’s neutral in register—appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese—but rarely used metaphorically. You’ll encounter it in conversations about apartment repairs, insurance claims, or facility inspections, always pointing to a tangible, localized water escape issue.