Meanings of 馊
By ear
Play it, then pick what 馊 means.
About 馊
Podcast: 馊
Podcast: 馊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 馊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 馊 to you
Let me explain 馊 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 馊 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 馊?
Learning Lab
Knowing 馊 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 馊
Old 叟 food 饣; 叟 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 馊?
Decomposition of 馊
Parts
Which of these is part of 馊?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 馊?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 馊
Words with 馊
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).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 馊?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.