中流
Meanings
1
middle reaches of a river; midstream; middle course
Used for the middle part of a river or stream, between 上流 and 下流; depending on context it can also refer to being in the middle of the current.
Small towns are scattered along the middle reaches of this river.
The boat was carried out into the middle of the stream.
2
Refers to a middle social or economic stratum, as in 中流家庭 or 中流階級. It contrasts naturally with 上流 and 下流 in social-class contexts.
She grew up in a middle-class family.
Many people hoped for a middle-class life.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の中流the middle reaches of a river
There is a large bridge in the middle reaches of the Tone River.
- 中流の生活を送るto lead a middle-class life
They lead a middle-class life.
Expressions
- 中流に舟を失えば一壺も千金any port in a storm; when you've lost your boat midstream, even a pot is worth a fortune