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March 24, 2026
朽xiǔ(xiu3)
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.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#20292DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of decay is often linked to the cycle of life and death, reflecting philosophical beliefs about impermanence and renewal. The decay of wood, for example, can lead to new growth in nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree that has been standing for years, slowly turning into dust. The character 朽 looks like a tree (木) with a decaying root (丿) underneath it. Picture a tree trunk that has rotted away, and remember that this decay is what 'xiǔ' signifies.
Meanings of 朽
xiǔ(xiu3)
1rotten
2decayed, rotten
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 朽
朽Simplified
6Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#20292Frequency Rank
Podcast: 朽
Podcast: 朽
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AI Study Notes for 朽
Quick Contrast
腐 (fǔ) — use 朽 (xiǔ) for natural decay over time, while 腐 (fǔ) can imply a more general rot or spoilage.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree that has been standing for years, slowly turning into dust. The character 朽 looks like a tree (木) with a decaying root (丿) underneath it. Picture a tree trunk that has rotted away, and remember that this decay is what 'xiǔ' signifies.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of decay is often linked to the cycle of life and death, reflecting philosophical beliefs about impermanence and renewal. The decay of wood, for example, can lead to new growth in nature.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 朽
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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)
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1
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。
bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。
Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
2
这就是老史朵福永垂不朽的四重奏乐队.
zhè jiù shì lǎo shǐ duǒ fú yǒng chuí bù xiǔ de sì zhòng zòu lè duì.
But now -- look -- this little steamer, like all her brave and battered sisters, is immortal.
Cultural Notes for 朽
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of decay is often linked to the cycle of life and death, reflecting philosophical beliefs about impermanence and renewal. The decay of wood, for example, can lead to new growth in nature.
Word Family of 朽
Words Containing This Character7
腐朽fǔxiǔrotten
不朽immortal
朽xiǔrotten
永垂不朽eternal glory
朽木rotten wood
衰朽decaying
朽坏rotten朽壞
Exercise 1 of 4
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.
Focus on the 'xiǔ' sound, which can remind you of 'shoe'; think of a shoe that's been left out in the rain and has begun to rot.
In a metaphorical sense, yes, but it is usually reserved for objects or ideas rather than people.
