Meanings of 腐朽
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About 腐朽
Podcast: 腐朽
Podcast: 腐朽
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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
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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
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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.
Complete the Sentence
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)
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.
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