Meanings of 腐朽
By ear
Play it, then pick what 腐朽 means.
About 腐朽
Podcast: 腐朽
Podcast: 腐朽
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 腐朽
腐烂 (fǔlàn) refers specifically to the process of rotting, while 腐朽 (fǔxiǔ) emphasizes a state of decay that includes a connotation of moral or social degeneration.
Be careful not to confuse 腐朽 with similar words like 腐败 (fǔbài), which specifically means 'corruption'. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially when discussing moral decay or societal issues. Common collocations include 腐朽的思想 (decadent thoughts) or 腐朽的社会 (decaying society).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 腐朽 connects with other advanced vocabulary discussing morality and social issues. Focus on how it relates to words like 颓废 (tuí fèi, to be dejected) and 堕落 (duò luò, to degenerate) to build a more nuanced understanding.
Learners often confuse 腐朽 with 腐败 (fǔbài) and use them interchangeably, which is incorrect. Remember, 腐朽 focuses on decay, while 腐败 emphasizes corruption.
Pronunciation of 腐朽
Drill the tone of 腐朽 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 腐朽 to You
Let me explain 腐朽 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 腐朽 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 腐朽?
Learning Lab
Knowing 腐朽 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
Component Characters
How to say rotten in Chinese
“rotten” in Chinese is腐朽
腐朽 (fǔxiǔ) refers to the state of being rotten or decayed, often used metaphorically to describe something that has become decadent or degenerate. This term can apply to physical objects, such as wood or food, as well as abstract concepts like morals or social systems.
When to use 腐朽
Be careful not to confuse 腐朽 with similar words like 腐败 (fǔbài), which specifically means 'corruption'. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially when discussing moral decay or societal issues. Common collocations include 腐朽的思想 (decadent thoughts) or 腐朽的社会 (decaying society).
腐朽 or something close to it
腐烂 (fǔlàn) refers specifically to the process of rotting, while 腐朽 (fǔxiǔ) emphasizes a state of decay that includes a connotation of moral or social degeneration.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 腐朽 with 腐败 (fǔbài) and use them interchangeably, which is incorrect. Remember, 腐朽 focuses on decay, while 腐败 emphasizes corruption.
Write 腐朽
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 腐朽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 腐朽
腐朽 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 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对____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 腐朽 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 腐朽?
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 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 腐朽
Yes, 腐朽 can describe food that is rotten or decayed, though it is more commonly used in a metaphorical sense.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 腐朽?
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.