Meanings of 馊
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About 馊
Podcast: 馊
Podcast: 馊
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AI Study Notes for 馊
腐 (fǔ) vs 馊 (sōu): Use 腐 for something that has rotted or decomposed, while 馊 specifically refers to food that has spoiled but may not be decomposed.
Learners often confuse 馊 with other characters related to food, such as 新 (xīn) for fresh. It’s important to use 馊 in negative contexts, as it describes something undesirable. Common collocations include 馊味 (sōuwèi - bad taste) and 馊食 (sōushí - spoiled food).
This character is not part of the HSK vocabulary, but understanding it can enhance your food-related vocabulary. Focus on similar characters like 新 (xīn) for fresh, to grasp contrasting meanings.
Learners sometimes confuse 馊 with 腐 (fǔ). For example, saying 馊物 (sōuwù - spoiled item) instead of 腐物 (fǔwù - rotten item) is incorrect; the former is not commonly used.
Pronunciation of 馊
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Etymology of 馊
Old 叟 food 饣; 叟 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 馊
- 1The giveawayOld 叟 food 饣; 叟 also provides the pronunciation
- 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 馊? 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
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Decomposition of 馊
Identify the Components
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How to say spoiled, rotten; stale, rancid in Chinese
“spoiled, rotten; stale, rancid” in Chinese is馊
The character 馊 (sōu) refers to food that has spoiled or gone bad, typically due to improper storage or age. It can also describe a situation or experience that has soured or become unpleasant. This term is commonly used in culinary contexts, especially when discussing food safety or quality.
When to use 馊
Learners often confuse 馊 with other characters related to food, such as 新 (xīn) for fresh. It’s important to use 馊 in negative contexts, as it describes something undesirable. Common collocations include 馊味 (sōuwèi - bad taste) and 馊食 (sōushí - spoiled food).
馊 or something close to it
腐 (fǔ) vs 馊 (sōu): Use 腐 for something that has rotted or decomposed, while 馊 specifically refers to food that has spoiled but may not be decomposed.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 馊 with 腐 (fǔ). For example, saying 馊物 (sōuwù - spoiled item) instead of 腐物 (fǔwù - rotten item) is incorrect; the former is not commonly used.
Write 馊
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Practice writing 馊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 馊
馊 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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
他知道自己嘴里有股变味啤酒的____味。
He was aware of the stink of stale beer on his breath.
Example Sentences for 馊 (1)
Word Family of 馊
Compound Meaning
What does 馊主意 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 馊
You can say: 这个苹果馊了 (Zhège píngguǒ sōule - This apple has gone bad).
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