Meanings of 朽
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Podcast: 朽
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AI Study Notes for 朽
腐 (fǔ) — use 朽 (xiǔ) for natural decay over time, while 腐 (fǔ) can imply a more general rot or spoilage.
Learners often confuse 朽 with related terms like 腐 (fǔ), which also means rotten but has a broader usage in contexts like '腐烂' (decay). It's more common in literary or formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing specific decay.
Although 朽 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be connected to other characters related to decay and deterioration. Students should focus on the radicals and similar characters to strengthen their understanding of this theme.
Learners may confuse 朽 with 腐, leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这棵树腐' (This tree is rotten) is incorrect; it should be '这棵树朽了' to imply it has decayed over time.
Pronunciation of 朽
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Jason Explains 朽 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 朽 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 朽
The wood of a dying 丂 tree 木
Origin
What kind of character is 朽?
Decomposition of 朽
Parts
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How to say rotten in Chinese
“rotten” in Chinese is朽
The character 朽 (xiǔ) refers to something that is rotten or decayed, often used in a literal sense for food or wood, but can also be applied metaphorically to ideas or relationships that have deteriorated. It conveys a sense of decay over time, emphasizing the natural process of decomposition.
When to use 朽
Learners often confuse 朽 with related terms like 腐 (fǔ), which also means rotten but has a broader usage in contexts like '腐烂' (decay). It's more common in literary or formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing specific decay.
朽 or something close to it
腐 (fǔ) — use 朽 (xiǔ) for natural decay over time, while 腐 (fǔ) can imply a more general rot or spoilage.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 朽 with 腐, leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这棵树腐' (This tree is rotten) is incorrect; it should be '这棵树朽了' to imply it has decayed over time.
Write 朽
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Practice writing 朽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 朽
朽 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐____堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。
Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
Example Sentences for 朽 (4)
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Word Family of 朽
Words with 朽
What does 腐朽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 朽
Yes, while it's less common in everyday speech, it can be found in literary contexts and discussions about nature.
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