Meanings of 朽
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About 朽
Podcast: 朽
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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Etymology of 朽
The wood of a dying 丂 tree 木
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 朽
- 1The giveawayThe wood of a dying 丂 tree 木
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 朽? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 朽?
Decomposition of 朽
Identify the Components
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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.
Complete the Sentence
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)
Word Family of 朽
Compound Meaning
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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