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March 24, 2026
腐蚀(腐蝕)fǔshí(fu3shi2)
腐蚀 (fǔshí) refers to the chemical degradation of materials, particularly metals, due to environmental factors. It can also metaphorically describe moral or ethical decay, such as corruption in a societal context. This word is commonly used in scientific, technical, and social discussions.
Strokes23Frequency#10744DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 腐蚀 can symbolize not only physical decay but also moral decline, often used in discussions about societal issues. The metaphorical use of this term reflects the importance of integrity in both personal and public life in China.
Memory Tip
Think of 腐 (fǔ) as 'rotten' with a radical that resembles a dead tree, and 蚀 (shí) as 'to eat away' with an insect component, suggesting something being consumed or degraded. Imagine a tree that is rotting and being eaten by insects, representing the idea of corrosion.
Meanings of 腐蚀
fǔshí(fu3shi2)
1corrosion
2to corrode (degrade chemically)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 腐蚀
腐蚀Simplified
腐蝕Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10744Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 腐蚀
Podcast: 腐蚀
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AI Study Notes for 腐蚀
Quick Contrast
腐烂 (fǔlàn) refers specifically to the decay of organic matter, while 腐蚀 (fǔshí) focuses on the chemical degradation of materials, especially metals.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 腐蚀 with similar words like 腐败 (fǔbài), which means 'corruption' in a political sense. This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in scientific discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Pay attention to the tones: 腐 is pronounced with a falling tone while 蚀 has a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 腐蚀 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to science and ethics, like 侵蚀 (qīnshí, to erode) and 腐败 (fǔbài, corruption). Focus on the context in which you use it, especially in technical discussions about material science or ethical debates.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 腐蚀 with 腐败 (fǔbài) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个政策会导致腐蚀' (This policy will lead to corrosion) is incorrect; it should refer to moral degradation instead.
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Pronunciation of 腐蚀
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腐蚀 (fǔshí) refers to the chemical degradation of materials, particularly metals, due to environmental factors. It can also metaphorically describe moral or ethical decay, such as corruption in a societal context. This word is commonly used in scientific, technical, and social discussions.
When to use 腐蚀
Be careful not to confuse 腐蚀 with similar words like 腐败 (fǔbài), which means 'corruption' in a political sense. This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in scientific discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Pay attention to the tones: 腐 is pronounced with a falling tone while 蚀 has a rising tone.
腐蚀 or something close to it
腐烂 (fǔlàn) refers specifically to the decay of organic matter, while 腐蚀 (fǔshí) focuses on the chemical degradation of materials, especially metals.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 腐蚀 with 腐败 (fǔbài) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个政策会导致腐蚀' (This policy will lead to corrosion) is incorrect; it should refer to moral degradation instead.
Write 腐蚀
腐
蚀
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Grammar Patterns of 腐蚀
腐蚀 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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
应该把这笔钱让那十八位拒____的大人分了.
The money has to be divided among the eighteen Incorruptibles.
Example Sentences for 腐蚀 (10)
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1
应该把这笔钱让那十八位拒腐蚀的大人分了.
yīng gāi bǎ zhè bǐ qián ràng nà shí bā wèi jù fǔ shí de dà rén fēn le.
The money has to be divided among the eighteen Incorruptibles.
