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B2 adjective 9 Min. Lesezeit

世俗

shisu

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At the A1 level, the word '世俗' (shìsú) is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a way to say 'the normal world' or 'everyday life.' Imagine you are talking about things that everyone does, like working for money or buying a house. In Chinese, these are 'worldly' things. While you won't use this word often in basic greetings, you might see it in simple stories where a character wants to be different from everyone else. Just remember: 世 (shì) means 'world' and 俗 (sú) means 'custom.' So, it's about the 'customs of the world.' Don't worry about using it in your own speech yet; just try to recognize it when you see it in a sentence about society or people's common habits.

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For A2 learners, '世俗' starts to appear in discussions about hobbies versus jobs. You might hear people say someone is 'too worldly' because they only care about money. A good way to remember it is to associate it with 'social pressure.' If your parents want you to be a doctor but you want to be a dancer, their view is a '世俗眼光' (shìsú yǎnguāng) or 'worldly perspective.' It describes the standard, common path that society expects you to follow. At this level, you can start using it in simple sentences like 'I don't like worldly things' (我不喜欢世俗的东西) to express a desire for a more unique or spiritual life. It helps you talk about more than just 'what' you are doing, but 'why' you are doing it.

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At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between the different contexts of '世俗.' First, there is the 'secular' meaning. This is useful when talking about history or government—things that are not religious. Second, there is the 'conventional' meaning. You can use it to describe social norms. For example, 'secular prejudices' (世俗偏见) is a common phrase to describe how society judges people who are different. You will see this word in intermediate reading passages about social issues, marriage, and career choices. It’s an essential word for expressing the conflict between individual dreams and societal expectations. Try to use it when discussing characters in movies or books who struggle against 'tradition' or 'materialism.'

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As a B2 learner, you need to master the nuance of '世俗.' It’s a key vocabulary item for the HSK 5 level. You should be able to use it to describe not just people, but also systems and philosophies. For instance, 'secularization' (世俗化) is a common topic in academic or news contexts. You should also understand its slightly negative connotation in social settings—where it implies being 'calculating' or 'materialistic.' You can use it to contrast with words like '高雅' (gāoyǎ - elegant/refined) or '超脱' (chāotuō - detached/transcendental). In writing, '世俗' allows you to discuss complex social phenomena, such as the pressure of the 'marriage market' or the pursuit of 'worldly success' (世俗的成功).

At the C1 level, you should be comfortable with the literary and philosophical roots of '世俗.' You will encounter it in classical literature or modern essays that critique society. You should understand phrases like '愤世嫉俗' (fèn shì jí sú - cynical) and '超凡脱俗' (chāofán tuōsú - refined and above the mundane). You can use '世俗' to discuss the evolution of Chinese values from the traditional emphasis on family and status to modern materialism. In your own writing, use it to add a layer of sophistication when describing characters' motivations or the atmosphere of a setting. You should also be able to explain the difference between '世俗' (secular/worldly) and '庸俗' (vulgar/philistine) in a nuanced way, showing that you understand the cultural weight of these terms.

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For C2 learners, '世俗' is a tool for deep philosophical and sociological analysis. You can use it to explore the 'secularization' of religious institutions or the 'mundanization' of high art. You should be able to discuss the dialectical relationship between '入世' (entering the world) and '出世' (leaving the world) in Chinese philosophy, where '世俗' represents the former. In professional or academic settings, you might use it to describe 'secular ethics' or 'worldly wisdom' (世俗智慧) in a positive light, as a form of practical survival skills. Your usage should reflect a mastery of the word's historical evolution—from its origins in Buddhist texts to its current role in describing the complexities of a globalized, materialist society. You can use it with precision in any register, from poetic to legalistic.

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世俗 in 30 Sekunden

A B2-level word meaning 'worldly,' 'secular,' or 'conventional,' often used to contrast everyday social life with spiritual or idealistic pursuits.
As an adjective, it describes things related to common society, such as 'secular law' (世俗法律) or 'worldly eyes' (世俗眼光).
It can have a neutral meaning (secular) or a slightly negative connotation (materialistic or shallow) depending on the context of the sentence.
Commonly paired with nouns like 'prejudice' (偏见), 'success' (成功), and 'life' (生活) to discuss social expectations and pressures.

The term 世俗 (shìsú) is a multifaceted adjective and noun in Chinese that primarily translates to 'worldly,' 'secular,' or 'conventional.' At its core, it describes things pertaining to the ordinary world and human society, as opposed to the spiritual, religious, or transcendental realms. Understanding this word requires looking at its two characters: 世 (shì), meaning 'world' or 'generation,' and 俗 (sú), meaning 'customs,' 'common,' or 'vulgar.' Together, they create a concept that encompasses everything from the mundane realities of daily life to the social pressures of conforming to traditional expectations.

The Secular Dimension: In a formal or academic context, 世俗 is the standard translation for 'secular.' It is used to describe institutions, laws, or education systems that are not based on religious or spiritual principles. For example, a 'secular state' is a 世俗国家 (shìsú guójiā). This usage is neutral and objective, distinguishing the civil from the clerical.
The Conventional Dimension: In social contexts, 世俗 refers to the 'common' or 'conventional' ways of the world. It describes the standard values that most people hold—such as the pursuit of wealth, marriage, and social status. When someone is described as having 世俗眼光 (shìsú yǎnguāng), it means they are looking at things through the lens of societal norms and material success. This can sometimes carry a slightly judgmental tone, implying a lack of spiritual depth or originality.

他不想被世俗的偏见所束缚，决定去追求自己的艺术梦想。
— Translation: He didn't want to be bound by worldly prejudices and decided to pursue his artistic dreams.

Historically, 世俗 has been used in Buddhist and Taoist texts to contrast the 'pure land' or the 'monastic life' with the 'dusty world' of common people. To 'enter the world' (入世 rùshì) is to engage with 世俗 matters, while to 'transcend the world' (超凡脱俗 chāofán tuōsú) is to rise above these common concerns. In modern conversation, you'll hear it used when discussing career choices, marriage pressures, or the general 'rat race' of life. It’s a word that captures the tension between who we are as individuals and the expectations placed upon us by the collective society.

在这个世俗的世界里，保持一颗纯净的心是非常难得的。
— Translation: In this worldly world, maintaining a pure heart is very rare.

Materialism vs. Spirituality: Modern usage often links 世俗 with materialism. A 'secular success' (世俗的成功) usually involves a high salary, a big house, and a prestigious title. Someone who rejects these things might be called 'aloof from the world' (清高 qīnggāo), which is the opposite of being 世俗.

In summary, use 世俗 when you want to talk about the 'real world' and its many rules, expectations, and material temptations. Whether you are discussing the separation of church and state or the pressure to get married by age 30, 世俗 is the keyword for the gravity of human society.

Using 世俗 (shìsú) effectively requires understanding its role as both an adjective and a noun. It often modifies nouns related to viewpoints, successes, or life paths. It is frequently paired with words like 眼光 (yǎnguāng - perspective), 偏见 (piānjiàn - prejudice), and 生活 (shēnghuó - life). Below are several ways to integrate this word into your vocabulary, ranging from neutral descriptions to philosophical reflections.

Pattern 1: 世俗的 + Noun (Descriptive): This is the most common way to use the word as an adjective. It attributes the quality of being 'worldly' or 'secular' to a specific object or concept. For instance, 'secular music' is 世俗音乐 and 'worldly wisdom' is 世俗智慧.

他的一生都在追求世俗的功名利禄。
— Translation: He spent his whole life pursuing worldly fame and wealth.

Pattern 2: Verb + 世俗 (As an Object): When used as a noun, 世俗 represents 'the mundane world' or 'society.' Common verbs include 厌倦 (yànjuàn - to be tired of), 逃避 (táobì - to escape), or 挑战 (tiǎozhàn - to challenge).

由于厌倦了世俗的喧嚣，他选择了隐居山林。
— Translation: Tired of the hustle and bustle of the worldly life, he chose to live in seclusion in the mountains.

Pattern 3: Fixed Phrases (Chengyu-like): The word appears in several four-character expressions. 愤世嫉俗 (fèn shì jí sú) means to be cynical or detest the world. 超凡脱俗 (chāofán tuōsú) means to be refined and above worldly concerns.

她的气质清冷，给人一种超凡脱俗的感觉。
— Translation: Her temperament is cool and elegant, giving people a feeling of being above the mundane world.

When writing, remember that 世俗 provides a contrast. If you are describing a character who is a rebel, they are likely fighting against 世俗观念 (worldly concepts). If you are describing a monk, they have left the 世俗世界 (secular world). It’s a powerful tool for adding depth to your descriptions of social conflict and personal values.

The word 世俗 (shìsú) is not just for philosophy books; you will encounter it in various corners of modern Chinese life. From television dramas to news reports, it serves as a bridge between high-brow literature and everyday conversation. Here is where you are most likely to hear it.

1. TV Dramas and Movies (Social Conflict): In romantic dramas, especially those involving 'star-crossed lovers' from different social classes, characters often talk about 世俗的眼光 (shìsú de yǎnguāng). This refers to the judgmental eyes of neighbors, family, and society who might disapprove of their relationship because of money or status. You might hear a protagonist say, 'I don't care about the worldly eyes; I only care about you.'

“我们不能只活在别人的世俗标准里。”
— Translation: 'We cannot live only by other people's worldly standards.' (Common drama trope)

2. News and Political Discourse: When international news covers the Middle East or Europe, the term 世俗化 (shìsúhuà - secularization) is frequently used. Analysts discuss the 'secularization of society' or 'secular governments' in contrast to religious ones. This is a formal, academic usage of the word that you'll find in newspapers like the People's Daily or on news channels like CCTV.

3. Literature and Philosophy: In Chinese literature, particularly works influenced by Buddhism, 世俗 is the realm of suffering and attachment. Authors use it to describe the 'red dust' (红尘 hóngchén) of human life. If you read modern essays about 'slowing down' or 'finding one's true self,' the authors will often advise readers to distance themselves from 世俗 desires.

文学作品往往揭示了世俗生活背后的复杂人性。
— Translation: Literary works often reveal the complex human nature behind worldly life.

Finally, in everyday gossip, you might hear someone described as 'too secular' (太世俗了) if they only talk about how much money they make or if they choose a partner based solely on their bank account. In this context, it’s a way of saying someone is 'shallow' or 'materialistic.'

While 世俗 (shìsú) is a versatile word, English speakers often stumble when using it because its nuances don't perfectly align with the English word 'secular' or 'worldly.' Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Confusing 世俗 (shìsú) with 俗气 (súqi): This is the most common error. Both share the character 俗, but they have different meanings. 俗气 means 'tacky,' 'gaudy,' or 'in poor taste.' It refers to aesthetics (like wearing too much gold jewelry). 世俗, however, refers to values and social status. Someone can be 世俗 (pursuing money) without being 俗气 (having bad taste).

❌ 他的衣服很世俗。
✅ 他的衣服很俗气。
— Explanation: Use 'súqi' for tacky clothes, not 'shìsú'.

Mistake 2: Using 世俗 for 'Popular' or 'Common': In English, 'common' can mean 'ordinary.' In Chinese, 世俗 is more specific. If you want to say something is popular among the masses, use 流行 (liúxíng) or 通俗 (tōngsú). For example, 'popular literature' is 通俗文学, not 世俗文学 (which would mean 'secular literature').

Mistake 3: Over-relying on the Negative Connotation: Because 世俗 is often used to criticize materialism, learners sometimes think it's always an insult. However, in legal or religious contexts, it is a strictly neutral term. Calling a law 'secular' (世俗法律) is not a criticism; it's a classification.

在法律上，我们需要区分宗教法和世俗法。
— Translation: In law, we need to distinguish between religious law and secular law. (Neutral usage)

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: Am I talking about 'bad taste' (俗气), 'popular appeal' (通俗), or 'worldly/secular matters' (世俗)?

To truly master 世俗 (shìsú), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, and choosing the right one will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.

1. 凡俗 (fánsú) vs. 世俗 (shìsú): 凡俗 literally means 'mortal and common.' It is often used in fantasy (Wuxia/Xianxia) or religious contexts to describe humans who lack magical powers or spiritual enlightenment. While 世俗 focuses on society and rules, 凡俗 focuses on the 'ordinariness' of human life.

他虽然身处凡俗，却有着不平凡的志向。
— Translation: Although he is in the mortal world, he has extraordinary ambitions.

2. 庸俗 (yōngsú) vs. 世俗 (shìsú): 庸俗 is much more negative than 世俗. It means 'vulgar,' 'philistine,' or 'lowly.' While 世俗 might just mean you care about your career, 庸俗 means your interests are base, shallow, and perhaps even morally questionable. Use 庸俗 when you want to strongly criticize someone's lack of culture or character.

3. 尘俗 (chénsú): 尘俗 literally means 'the dust of the world.' This is a highly literary and poetic term. It is used in classical poetry or elegant prose to describe the burdens and impurities of life. If you want to sound sophisticated and slightly melancholy, use 尘俗 instead of 世俗.

远离尘俗，寻找内心的宁静。
— Translation: Get away from the worldly dust and find inner peace.

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to the specific context—whether you are writing a legal document, a fantasy novel, or a social critique.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the famous novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' the world of the characters is often called the 'secular world' (尘世/世俗) to contrast it with the magical, spiritual origins of the protagonist.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʃiː suː/

US /ʃiː suː/

The stress is relatively even, but the 4th tone on 'shì' naturally carries more initial weight than the rising 'sú'.

Reimt sich auf

地主 (dìzhǔ - partial) 复苏 (fùsū) 图书 (túshū) 特殊 (tèshū) 孤独 (gūdú) 习俗 (xísú) 风俗 (fēngsú) 民俗 (mínsú)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'shì' as a flat 'shi' like in 'ship'. It should be a falling tone.
Confusing the 's' in 'sú' with a 'sh' sound.
Failing to make the 2nd tone on 'sú' rise significantly enough.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of abstract concepts.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires careful use to avoid confusion with '俗气'.

Sprechen 3/5

Useful for expressing opinions on society and values.

Hören 3/5

Frequently heard in dramas and discussions about life choices.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

世界 (world) 习惯 (habit) 成功 (success) 金钱 (money) 生活 (life)

Als Nächstes lernen

庸俗 (vulgar) 超脱 (transcend) 清高 (aloof) 虚伪 (hypocritical) 名利 (fame and wealth)

Fortgeschritten

形而上学 (metaphysics) 虚无主义 (nihilism) 存在主义 (existentialism) 唯物主义 (materialism)

Wichtige Grammatik

Using '的' (de) with multi-syllable adjectives.

世俗的生活 (shìsú de shēnghuó).

Adjective as a Predicate with '很' (hěn).

这个人很世俗 (zhège rén hěn shìsú).

Resultative Complements with '化' (huà - -ize/-ization).

社会正在世俗化 (shèhuì zhèngzài shìsúhuà).

Contrastive structures using '虽然...但是...'

虽然他很成功，但他一点也不世俗。

Using '过于' (guòyú) for excess.

不要过于世俗。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

这个世界很世俗。

This world is very worldly.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

他不追求世俗的名利。

He does not pursue worldly fame and wealth.

世俗 (shìsú) modifies 名利 (mínglì).

世俗的生活很忙。

Worldly life is very busy.

世俗 (shìsú) as an adjective for 生活 (shēnghuó).

他是一个世俗的人。

He is a worldly person.

Noun phrase using '的' (de) is omitted here for a direct description.

我不喜欢世俗的眼光。

I don't like worldly eyes (perspectives).

Common phrase: 世俗的眼光.

什么是世俗？

What is 'shìsú'?

Using the word as a noun in a question.

我们要看到世俗的一面。

We need to see the worldly side.

'的一面' means 'the side of...'

世俗的人只看钱。

Worldly people only look at money.

Simple generalization.

他受不了世俗的压力。

He can't stand the worldly pressure.

世俗 (shìsú) modifying 压力 (yālì - pressure).

她决定离开世俗的世界。

She decided to leave the worldly world.

Verb + Object phrase.

世俗的偏见很难改变。

Worldly prejudices are hard to change.

世俗 (shìsú) modifying 偏见 (piānjiàn).

他是一个非常世俗的商人。

He is a very worldly businessman.

Adverb '非常' (fēicháng) modifying the adjective.

在这个世俗的社会里，他很孤独。

In this worldly society, he is very lonely.

Prepositional phrase: 在...里.

你太世俗了，只知道买名牌。

You are too worldly; you only know about buying famous brands.

'太...了' structure for criticism.

世俗的成功并不是唯一的成功。

Worldly success is not the only success.

Negative structure: 并不是...唯一.

我们应该尊重世俗的习惯。

We should respect worldly customs.

世俗 (shìsú) used neutrally for 'customs.'

这部电影反映了世俗生活的真实面貌。

This movie reflects the true face of worldly life.

'反映' (fǎnyìng - reflect) is a B1 level verb.

艺术家往往需要摆脱世俗的束缚。

Artists often need to break free from worldly constraints.

'摆脱' (bǎituō - break free) and '束缚' (shùfù - constraints).

他虽然富有，但并不世俗。

Although he is rich, he is not worldly.

Conjunction: 虽然...但...

这种世俗的智慧在生活中很有用。

This kind of worldly wisdom is very useful in life.

'世俗智慧' refers to practical, 'street-smart' advice.

他厌恶世俗的虚伪。

He loathes the hypocrisy of the worldly world.

'厌恶' (yànwù - loathe) + Noun phrase.

这些世俗的规矩让人感到窒息。

These worldly rules make one feel suffocated.

'窒息' (zhìxī - suffocate) is a metaphorical usage.

他的一生都在与世俗抗争。

He spent his whole life struggling against the worldly world.

'与...抗争' (yǔ... kàngzhēng - struggle against).

这首歌表达了对世俗爱情的渴望。

This song expresses a longing for worldly love.

'世俗爱情' refers to ordinary, human love.

世俗化的过程改变了许多传统村庄。

The process of secularization has changed many traditional villages.

'世俗化' (shìsúhuà) - secularization.

他试图在宗教信仰与世俗生活之间寻找平衡。

He tried to find a balance between religious belief and secular life.

'在...之间寻找平衡' structure.

这种价值观过于世俗，缺乏精神追求。

This value system is too worldly and lacks spiritual pursuit.

'过于' (guòyú - excessively).

他那超凡脱俗的气质吸引了所有人。

His refined and detached temperament attracted everyone.

Idiom: 超凡脱俗 (chāofán tuōsú).

法律是世俗社会的基石。

Law is the cornerstone of a secular society.

'基石' (jīshí - cornerstone).

我们不能用世俗的标准来衡量艺术的价值。

We cannot use worldly standards to measure the value of art.

'衡量' (héngliáng - measure/weigh).

他愤世嫉俗，总是批评社会的不公。

He is cynical and always criticizes social injustice.

Idiom: 愤世嫉俗 (fèn shì jí sú).

世俗的繁杂琐事让他感到疲惫不堪。

The complicated worldly trifles made him feel exhausted.

'繁杂琐事' (fánzá suǒshì - complicated trifles).

作家的职责是揭示隐藏在世俗表象下的真理。

The duty of a writer is to reveal the truth hidden beneath worldly appearances.

'揭示' (jiēshì - reveal) and '表象' (biǎoxiàng - appearance).

这种世俗主义的倾向在当代社会愈发明显。

This trend of secularism is becoming increasingly evident in contemporary society.

'倾向' (qīngxiàng - tendency) and '愈发' (yùfā - increasingly).

他的一生是不断向世俗妥协的过程。

His life is a process of continuous compromise with the worldly world.

'妥协' (tuǒxié - compromise).

只有摆脱了世俗的羁绊，才能获得真正的自由。

Only by breaking free from worldly fetters can one obtain true freedom.

'羁绊' (jībàn - fetters/shackles).

这部小说深刻地剖析了世俗权力的本质。

This novel profoundly analyzes the essence of worldly power.

'剖析' (pōuxī - analyze/dissect).

他在世俗的洪流中迷失了自我。

He lost himself in the torrent of the worldly world.

'洪流' (hóngliú - torrent) used metaphorically.

儒家思想既关注世俗伦理，也强调个人修养。

Confucianism focuses on both worldly ethics and individual cultivation.

'既...也...' structure with '世俗伦理'.

他以一种世俗的姿态，消解了神圣的意义。

With a worldly gesture, he dissolved the sacred meaning.

'消解' (xiāojiě - dissolve/deconstruct).

这种对于世俗成功的狂热追求，往往掩盖了精神上的荒芜。

This fanatical pursuit of worldly success often masks spiritual desolation.

'掩盖' (yǎngài - mask/cover) and '荒芜' (huāngwú - desolation).

在后现代语境下，神圣与世俗的界限变得日益模糊。

In the postmodern context, the boundary between the sacred and the secular is becoming increasingly blurred.

'语境' (yǔjìng - context) and '模糊' (móhu - blurred).

他试图通过文学创作，构建一个超越世俗的理想国。

He tried to construct a utopia that transcends the worldly world through literary creation.

'超越' (chāoyuè - transcend) and '理想国' (lǐxiǎngguó - utopia).

这种世俗智慧虽然圆滑，却缺乏道德的底线。

This worldly wisdom, while slick, lacks a moral bottom line.

'圆滑' (yuánhuá - slick/smooth) and '底线' (dǐxiàn - bottom line).

世俗权力的更迭，往往伴随着血腥与阴谋。

The change of worldly power is often accompanied by bloodshed and conspiracy.

'更迭' (gēngdié - alternation/change) and '伴随着' (bànsuízhe - accompanied by).

他在作品中对世俗生活的琐碎进行了近乎残酷的白描。

In his works, he performed a near-brutal line drawing of the trivialities of worldly life.

'白描' (báimiáo - line drawing/simple description style).

这种对世俗欲望的放纵，最终导致了文明的堕落。

This indulgence in worldly desires eventually led to the fall of civilization.

'放纵' (fàngzòng - indulgence) and '堕落' (duòluò - fall/degradation).

他在哲学思辨中，解构了世俗道德的合法性。

In his philosophical speculation, he deconstructed the legitimacy of worldly morality.

'思辨' (sībiàn - speculation) and '解构' (jiěgòu - deconstruct).

Häufige Kollokationen

世俗眼光

世俗成功

世俗偏见

世俗生活

世俗化

世俗智慧

世俗权力

世俗欲望

世俗音乐

世俗法律

Häufige Phrasen

超凡脱俗

— To be refined and stand above the common world; extraordinary.

她的表演给人一种超凡脱俗的感觉。

愤世嫉俗

— To be cynical; to detest the world and its common ways.

他年轻时非常愤世嫉俗。

避世绝俗

— To live in seclusion and cut off ties with the common world.

他隐居山林，过着避世绝俗的生活。

入乡随俗

— When in Rome, do as the Romans do; follow local customs.

到了国外，我们要入乡随俗。

世俗之见

— Common or conventional views; often implies they are limited.

这只是一种世俗之见，不足为信。

凡夫俗子

— An ordinary person; a commoner with common concerns.

我只是个凡夫俗子，没有那么大的志向。

庸俗不堪

— Utterly vulgar and intolerable.

那部电影的情节庸俗不堪。

脱俗

— Free from vulgarity; refined; elegant.

这张画画得很脱俗。

入世

— To enter the world; to be involved in social and political life.

儒家主张积极入世。

出世

— To leave the world; to seek spiritual transcendence away from society.

道家更倾向于出世的思想。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

世俗 vs 俗气 (súqi)

Refers to bad taste or tackiness in appearance, while 世俗 refers to worldly values.

世俗 vs 通俗 (tōngsú)

Means 'popular' or 'easy to understand' (like popular science), while 世俗 means 'secular' or 'materialistic.'

世俗 vs 风俗 (fēngsú)

Refers specifically to traditional 'customs' of a group, while 世俗 is a broader concept of the 'mundane world.'

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"愤世嫉俗"

— Detesting the world and its customs; cynical toward society.

他那种愤世嫉俗的态度让他很难交到朋友。

Formal/Literary

"超凡脱俗"

— To rise above the mundane; extraordinarily refined or elegant.

这首诗意境开阔，超凡脱俗。

Literary

"避世绝俗"

— Living in total seclusion, away from all social contact.

他在这个小岛上过着避世绝俗的日子。

Literary

"惊世骇俗"

— To shock the world and its common people with something extraordinary or weird.

他的艺术风格在当时被认为是惊世骇俗的。

Formal

"随方就圆"

— To adapt to circumstances; a form of worldly wisdom.

在社会上生存，有时需要随方就圆。

Idiomatic

"同流合污"

— To follow the crowd in doing something bad; to be corrupted by the world.

他宁愿辞职，也不愿与他们同流合污。

Formal

"看破红尘"

— To see through the vanity of the world; often refers to becoming a monk.

他经历了失败后，决定看破红尘。

Literary

"芸芸众生"

— The masses; all the ordinary people in the world.

在芸芸众生中，他显得很平凡。

Literary

"随波逐流"

— To drift with the tide; to follow the crowd without thinking.

我们不应该随波逐流，要有自己的主见。

General

"不食人间烟火"

— Not eating the food of commoners; describing someone very refined or detached.

她长得美若天仙，仿佛不食人间烟火。

Literary

Leicht verwechselbar

世俗 vs 庸俗

Both involve 'commonness.'

世俗 can be neutral (secular); 庸俗 is always negative (vulgar/base).

世俗生活 (Worldly life) vs. 庸俗趣味 (Vulgar taste).

世俗 vs 凡俗

Both mean 'common.'

凡俗 is more about being 'mortal' or 'ordinary'; 世俗 is about 'society's rules.'

凡俗之躯 (Mortal body) vs. 世俗偏见 (Worldly prejudice).

世俗 vs 俗事

Both relate to 'sú'.

俗事 are 'mundane chores'; 世俗 is the 'worldly' quality or system.

被俗事缠身 (Tied down by chores).

世俗 vs 入世

Both relate to 'entering the world.'

入世 is the action/philosophy; 世俗 is the adjective describing that world.

入世的精神 (Spirit of entering the world).

世俗 vs 红尘

Both mean the 'human world.'

红尘 is poetic/Buddhist; 世俗 is more modern/sociological.

看破红尘 (See through the world).

Satzmuster

...被世俗的...所束缚

他不想被世俗的眼光所束缚。

在...与世俗之间寻找平衡

她在理想与世俗之间寻找平衡。

...是世俗成功的标志

豪车是世俗成功的标志。

摆脱世俗的...

摆脱世俗的羁绊。

...带有浓厚的世俗色彩

这篇文章带有浓厚的世俗色彩。

对世俗...进行了解构

作者对世俗道德进行了解构。

在世俗的洪流中...

在世俗的洪流中保持自我。

...太世俗了

你这个人太世俗了。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

世俗化 (shìsúhuà - secularization)

世俗主义 (shìsú zhǔyì - secularism)

世俗者 (shìsúzhě - secular person)

Verben

世俗化 (shìsúhuà - to secularize)

Adjektive

世俗的 (shìsú de - secular/worldly)

脱俗的 (tuōsú de - refined/elegant)

Verwandt

风俗 (fēngsú - custom)

习俗 (xísú - habit/custom)

民俗 (mínsú - folklore)

庸俗 (yōngsú - vulgar)

俗气 (súqi - tacky)

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frequency

High in both written and spoken Chinese, especially in discussions about values.

Häufige Fehler

Using 世俗 to mean 'popular' or 'common'. → Use 流行 (liúxíng) or 通俗 (tōngsú).
世俗 specifically implies 'secular' or 'worldly/materialistic,' not just 'widely liked.'
Saying '他的衣服很世俗' for a tacky dress. → 他的衣服很俗气 (súqi).
世俗 refers to values; 俗气 refers to aesthetic taste.
Confusing 世俗 with 习俗. → 这里的习俗 (xísú) 很有趣.
习俗 means 'customs' (like eating dumplings). 世俗 is the 'nature of the world.'
Using 世俗 for 'ordinary' in a physical sense. → 一个普通 (pǔtōng) 的人.
世俗 implies a connection to worldly desires, while 普通 just means not special.
Forgetting the '的' in '世俗生活'. → 世俗的生活.
While some compounds omit it, '世俗的' is safer for learners when modifying nouns.

Tipps

The 'Suit' Memory Trick

Associate 'shìsú' with a 'Suit' (sú). A person in a business suit is focused on 'worldly' (世) success. This helps you remember both the sound and the meaning.

Adjective vs. Noun

Remember that '世俗' can be an adjective ('世俗的生活') or a noun ('摆脱世俗'). When it's an adjective, it almost always needs '的' before a noun.

The 'Red Dust' Connection

In literature, '世俗' is often compared to '红尘' (hóngchén - red dust). Both represent the messy, busy, and sometimes dirty world of humans that monks try to avoid.

Complimenting with '脱俗'

If you want to say someone is NOT worldly in a good way, use '脱俗' (tuōsú) or '超凡脱俗'. It means they are elegant and refined.

The '-ization' Suffix

Add '化' (huà) to '世俗' to get '世俗化' (secularization). This is very common in academic writing.

Contrast is Key

When writing an essay, contrast '世俗' with '理想' (ideal). This is a classic theme in Chinese literature and student compositions.

Listen for the 4th-2nd combination

'Shì' (4th) is a sharp drop, 'sú' (2nd) is a rise. This pitch pattern is very distinctive in sentences about society.

Contextual Clues

If '世俗' appears with '宗教' (religion), it means 'secular.' If it appears with '金钱' (money), it means 'worldly/materialistic.'

Politeness Note

Calling someone's parents '世俗' is very rude. If you must describe their conventional views, use '传统' (traditional) instead.

Idiom Power

Learn '愤世嫉俗' (cynical). It’s a very common high-level idiom that uses '世' and '俗' to describe a specific personality type.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a 'Worldly' (世) 'Suit' (俗 - sounds like 'su'). A businessman in a suit is the ultimate symbol of the worldly, secular life focused on money and status.

Visuelle Assoziation

A picture of a monk (spiritual) walking through a busy stock exchange (secular/worldly). The stock exchange is the '世俗' part.

Word Web

Money Marriage Status City Secular Conventional Society Materialism

Herausforderung

Try to describe one '世俗' (worldly) goal you have and one 'non-世俗' (spiritual/personal) goal you have using this word.

Wortherkunft

The term appears in early Chinese texts, including Buddhist translations where it was used to translate the Sanskrit 'loka' (world). '世' (shì) originally meant thirty years (a generation), and '俗' (sú) meant common customs.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In ancient times, it referred to the common customs and habits of the people, often in contrast to the refined culture of the elite or the spiritual life of monks.

Sino-Tibetan

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when calling someone '世俗' to their face; it can be taken as an insult meaning they are shallow or money-grubbing.

In English, 'secular' is mostly political/religious. In Chinese, '世俗' is much more social and personal, often used to judge someone's character.

Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) Zhuangzi (庄子) - who often mocked '世俗' wisdom. Modern pop songs about 'escaping the world'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Career Choices

世俗的成功 (Worldly success)
放弃高薪 (Giving up high salary)
追求理想 (Pursuing ideals)
被父母压力束缚 (Bound by parental pressure)

Marriage and Relationships

门当户对 (Matching social status)
世俗的眼光 (Worldly eyes)
物质条件 (Material conditions)
真爱无价 (True love is priceless)

Religion and Philosophy

世俗世界 (Secular world)
宗教信仰 (Religious belief)
出家 (Becoming a monk)
超凡脱俗 (Transcendence)

Art and Literature

庸俗的作品 (Vulgar works)
反映现实 (Reflecting reality)
世俗生活 (Worldly life)
艺术价值 (Artistic value)

Politics and Law

世俗国家 (Secular state)
政教分离 (Separation of church and state)
世俗法律 (Secular law)
社会规范 (Social norms)

Gesprächseinstiege

"你觉得现在的社会是不是太世俗了？ (Do you think modern society is too worldly?)"

"在你的文化里，什么是‘世俗的成功’？ (In your culture, what is 'worldly success'?)"

"你更喜欢世俗的生活，还是安静的隐居生活？ (Do you prefer a worldly life or a quiet, secluded one?)"

"我们应该如何面对世俗的偏见？ (How should we face worldly prejudices?)"

"金钱是衡量世俗成功的唯一标准吗？ (Is money the only standard to measure worldly success?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你对‘世俗成功’的看法。你追求这样的成功吗？ (Write about your views on 'worldly success'. Do you pursue it?)

描述一次你试图挑战‘世俗眼光’的经历。 (Describe an experience where you tried to challenge 'worldly eyes'.)

如果你可以离开这个世俗的世界一天，你会去哪里？做什么？ (If you could leave this worldly world for a day, where would you go and what would you do?)

比较‘世俗智慧’和‘书本知识’在生活中的重要性。 (Compare the importance of 'worldly wisdom' and 'book knowledge' in life.)

分析一部反映世俗生活矛盾的电影或书。 (Analyze a movie or book that reflects the contradictions of worldly life.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. In legal and political contexts, it neutrally means 'secular' (non-religious). In social contexts, it can be slightly negative, implying a focus on money, but it can also simply describe the 'real world' and its practicalities.

No, you should use '俗气' (súqi) for things that are in bad taste or gaudy. '世俗' describes people's values or the nature of society.

It means 'secularization'—the process of a society or institution moving away from religious influence toward worldly/civilian systems.

You can say '不要这么世俗' (Bùyào zhème shìsú), though 'shallow' is often translated as '肤浅' (fūqiǎn). Using '世俗' implies they care too much about money or status.

Yes, the character '俗' means custom. '世俗' originally meant the customs of the common people in the world.

It refers to how the general public or society judges you based on conventional standards like wealth, marriage, and job title.

Sometimes '世俗智慧' (worldly wisdom) is used to describe practical, useful knowledge for navigating real-life challenges.

No, use '流行音乐' (liúxíng yīnyuè). '世俗音乐' is a specific term in history for non-religious music (secular music).

Depending on the context, it could be '神圣' (sacred), '高雅' (refined), or '超脱' (transcendent).

It is a common word in HSK 5 and 6 levels, appearing frequently in reading and listening passages about social values.

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