When something is 陈旧 (chén jiù), it means it's old-fashioned or antiquated. Think of it like an old, out-of-date piece of furniture or clothing.
This word is used for things, not people. For example, you might describe an old house or an old idea as 陈旧.
It's a useful word to know when you want to talk about something that feels a bit past its prime or isn't modern anymore.
§ Understanding 陈旧: Old-fashioned, Antiquated
You've learned that 陈旧 (chénjiù) means old-fashioned or antiquated, specifically for things. It carries a sense of being out of date or no longer modern. Think of it like a dusty old record player in a world of streaming music.
§ Similar Words and Key Differences
Chinese has several words that touch on the idea of 'old' or 'worn out'. Let's break down how 陈旧 differs from some common alternatives.
§ 旧 (jiù): General 'Old'
- DEFINITION
- General word for old; used for things, people, or memories.
This is your most basic word for 'old.' It's very broad. You can use it for anything that's old, without necessarily implying it's out of fashion or in bad condition.
这是我的旧鞋。(Zhè shì wǒ de jiù xié.)
(This is my old pair of shoes.)
我们是老朋友。(Wǒmen shì lǎo péngyou.)
(We are old friends.)
§ 老 (lǎo): Old (often for people, or things with long history/experience)
- DEFINITION
- Old, aged (often for people, or for things that have a long history or are well-established). Can also be an honorific.
You primarily use 老 for people (e.g., 老师 lǎoshī - teacher, literally 'old master'). When used for things, it often implies a long history, not necessarily that it's out of fashion.
这是一家老店。(Zhè shì yì jiā lǎo diàn.)
(This is an old/established shop.)
§ 过时 (guòshí): Out of Date, Outmoded (stronger than 陈旧)
- DEFINITION
- Out of date; outmoded; obsolete. Often implies something is no longer useful or relevant.
过时 is quite similar to 陈旧, but often carries a stronger sense of being completely irrelevant or useless because of its age. Think of dial-up internet – it's not just old-fashioned, it's pretty much 过时.
这个软件已经过时了。(Zhège ruǎnjiàn yǐjīng guòshí le.)
(This software is already outdated.)
§ 陈旧 (chénjiù): Focus on Style, Fashion, and Antiquated Feel
So, when do you use 陈旧? Use it when you want to emphasize that something, usually an object, an idea, or a style, is old-fashioned or antiquated. It's not necessarily broken or useless, but it looks or feels like it belongs to an earlier time. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of modernity.
- Use 陈旧 for things like furniture, clothes, decorations, or even ideas that are just no longer current.
- It highlights the aesthetic or conceptual datedness rather than just the age or wear.
这件家具看起来很陈旧。(Zhè jiàn jiājù kàn qǐlái hěn chénjiù.)
(This piece of furniture looks very old-fashioned.)
他有一些陈旧的观念。(Tā yǒu yīxiē chénjiù de guānniàn.)
(He has some antiquated ideas.)
Ejemplos por nivel
这件衣服的款式很陈旧。
This piece of clothing is very old-fashioned in style.
我们应该换掉这些陈旧的家具。
We should replace this antiquated furniture.
他的思想有点陈旧。
His ideas are a bit old-fashioned.
这个方法太陈旧了，现在没人用了。
This method is too antiquated; no one uses it now.
这本书的内容有些陈旧。
The content of this book is a bit outdated.
这个小镇的建筑都很陈旧。
All the buildings in this small town are very old.
他不喜欢那些陈旧的观念。
He doesn't like those old-fashioned concepts.
这台电脑太陈旧了，该换新的了。
This computer is too antiquated; it's time to get a new one.
这件衣服的款式有点陈旧了。
This piece of clothing's style is a bit old-fashioned.
他家里的家具看起来都很陈旧。
All the furniture in his house looks very antiquated.
这部电影的拍摄手法现在看来有些陈旧。
The filming techniques of this movie now seem a bit old-fashioned.
我们应该更新这些陈旧的设备。
We should update this antiquated equipment.
他的思想观念有点陈旧，不太容易接受新事物。
His way of thinking is a bit old-fashioned, and he doesn't easily accept new things.
博物馆里展出了许多陈旧的农具。
Many antiquated farm tools are displayed in the museum.
这个小镇保留了许多陈旧的建筑。
This small town has preserved many antiquated buildings.
尽管技术陈旧，但这种方法依然有效。
Although the technology is old-fashioned, this method is still effective.
这栋陈旧的建筑虽然历史悠久，但内部设施已经无法满足现代生活的需求。
This old building, though historic, its internal facilities can no longer meet modern living needs.
他那套陈旧的理论早已被新的研究成果所取代，但在某些圈子里仍然有人信奉。
His antiquated theory has long been replaced by new research findings, but it is still believed by some in certain circles.
博物馆里展出的陈旧农具向我们展示了过去农业生产的面貌。
The old farm tools displayed in the museum show us what agricultural production looked like in the past.
我奶奶的衣柜里有很多陈旧的衣服，每一件都承载着她年轻时的回忆。
My grandma's wardrobe has many old-fashioned clothes, each carrying memories of her youth.
这家餐厅的装修风格非常陈旧，但它的菜品味道却是一流的。
The decor style of this restaurant is very antiquated, but the taste of its dishes is first-class.
尽管技术发展迅速，但一些陈旧的生产工艺仍在一些传统行业中沿用。
Despite rapid technological development, some antiquated production processes are still used in some traditional industries.
他坚持使用陈旧的手机，因为他觉得那些新功能对他来说并不实用。
He insists on using an old-fashioned phone because he feels the new features are not practical for him.
这部电影的叙事手法虽然略显陈旧，但其深刻的主题依然引人深思。
Although the narrative style of this film is a bit old-fashioned, its profound theme still makes people ponder.
这座建筑的陈旧外观与周围的现代摩天大楼形成了鲜明的对比。
The antiquated exterior of this building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding modern skyscrapers.
陈旧 (chén jiù) as an adjective modifying a noun (外观 - exterior).
虽然技术进步日新月异，但有些陈旧的观念仍然根深蒂固。
Although technological progress is rapid, some old-fashioned concepts are still deeply ingrained.
陈旧 (chén jiù) describing abstract concepts (观念 - concepts).
她喜欢收藏陈旧的家具，认为它们别有一番韵味。
She enjoys collecting antiquated furniture, believing they have a unique charm.
陈旧 (chén jiù) modifying a plural noun (家具 - furniture).
公司需要更新其陈旧的设备，以提高生产效率。
The company needs to update its old-fashioned equipment to improve production efficiency.
陈旧 (chén jiù) referring to machinery/equipment (设备 - equipment).
这部电影的故事情节有些陈旧，缺乏新意。
The plot of this movie is a bit old-fashioned and lacks originality.
陈旧 (chén jiù) describing a plot/storyline (故事情节 - plot).
尽管他的教学方法有些陈旧，但他对学生的热情从未改变。
Although his teaching methods are somewhat old-fashioned, his passion for students has never changed.
陈旧 (chén jiù) describing methods (教学方法 - teaching methods).
博物馆里展示了许多陈旧的农具，反映了过去的农业生产方式。
The museum displays many antiquated farm tools, reflecting past agricultural production methods.
陈旧 (chén jiù) modifying tools (农具 - farm tools).
他穿着一件陈旧的外套，看起来与周围时尚的人群格格不入。
He wore an old-fashioned coat, looking out of place among the fashionable crowd.
陈旧 (chén jiù) describing clothing (外套 - coat).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
这件衣服有点陈旧了。
This piece of clothing is a bit old-fashioned.
他有一个陈旧的收音机。
He has an old radio.
别再用那些陈旧的观念了。
Stop using those outdated ideas.
这座城市有很多陈旧的建筑。
This city has many old buildings.
我们应该丢掉陈旧的思想。
We should discard old ways of thinking.
这个店里卖很多陈旧的东西。
This store sells many antiquated things.
这种陈旧的习俗现在很少见了。
This kind of old custom is rare now.
他总是穿着陈旧的衣服。
He always wears old clothes.
这台机器太陈旧了，需要更换。
This machine is too old and needs to be replaced.
他的房间里摆满了陈旧的家具。
His room is filled with old furniture.
Patrones gramaticales
Patrones de oraciones
Noun + 很 + 陈旧 (hěn chén jiù)
这件衣服很陈旧。 (Zhè jiàn yī fu hěn chén jiù.) - This piece of clothing is very old-fashioned.
Subject + 的 + Noun + 很 + 陈旧 (de Noun hěn chén jiù)
我的手机很陈旧。 (Wǒ de shǒu jī hěn chén jiù.) - My phone is very old-fashioned.
Subject + 觉得 + Noun + 很 + 陈旧 (jué de Noun hěn chén jiù)
我觉得他的想法很陈旧。 (Wǒ jué de tā de xiǎng fǎ hěn chén jiù.) - I think his ideas are very old-fashioned.
Noun + 太 + 陈旧 + 了 (tài chén jiù le)
这个电视太陈旧了。 (Zhè ge diàn shì tài chén jiù le.) - This TV is too antiquated.
Noun + 看起来 + 很 + 陈旧 (kàn qǐ lái hěn chén jiù)
这房子看起来很陈旧。 (Zhè fáng zi kàn qǐ lái hěn chén jiù.) - This house looks very old.
Noun + 有点 + 陈旧 (yǒu diǎn chén jiù)
这些家具有点陈旧，但是很舒服。 (Zhè xiē jiā jù yǒu diǎn chén jiù, dàn shì hěn shū fu.) - This furniture is a bit old-fashioned, but it's comfortable.
S + V + Noun + (很/有点) + 陈旧 (hěn/yǒu diǎn chén jiù)
她喜欢买陈旧的衣服。 (Tā xǐ huān mǎi chén jiù de yī fu.) - She likes to buy old-fashioned clothes.
Noun + 显得 + 陈旧 (xiǎn de chén jiù)
这些规定显得有些陈旧。 (Zhè xiē guī dìng xiǎn de yǒu xiē chén jiù.) - These regulations appear somewhat outdated.
Cómo usarlo
Use 陈旧 (chén jiù) to describe things that are old-fashioned or antiquated. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is outmoded or worn out. It's not typically used for people, but rather for objects, ideas, or styles. Examples: 1. 这座房子看起来很陈旧。(This house looks very old-fashioned.) 2. 他的想法有点陈旧。(His ideas are a bit antiquated.) 3. 博物馆里有很多陈旧的展品。(There are many antiquated exhibits in the museum.)
1. Using 陈旧 for people: While you can say someone's ideas are 陈旧, directly calling a person 陈旧 is generally incorrect and can be offensive. For people, consider words like 老派 (lǎo pài - old-fashioned in behavior) or 过时 (guò shí - outdated). 2. Using 陈旧 for new items that are just old in style: 陈旧 implies something is actually old and worn. If something is new but made in an old style, you might use 仿古 (fǎng gǔ - antique imitation) or 复古 (fù gǔ - retro/vintage style). 3. Confusing 陈旧 with 老 (lǎo): While both mean 'old', 老 is a more general term and can be neutral or even positive (e.g., an old friend, a respected elder). 陈旧 specifically emphasizes the 'worn out' or 'outmoded' aspect of being old. 4. Overusing 陈旧: Consider other words depending on the nuance. For example, if something is broken down from age, 破旧 (pò jiù - dilapidated) might be more appropriate. If it's just out of fashion, 过时 (guò shí - outdated) works well.
Consejos
Meaning of 陈旧
陈旧 (chén jiù) means old-fashioned or antiquated. It's used for things, not people. Think of it as describing something that is outdated or has seen better days.
Using 陈旧 in sentences
You can use 陈旧 to describe items like furniture, clothing, or even ideas. For example, '这张桌子很陈旧' (This table is very old-fashioned) or '他的思想很陈旧' (His ideas are very antiquated).
Distinguishing from 老 (lǎo)
While 老 also means old, 陈旧 specifically emphasizes the sense of being worn out, outdated, or no longer fresh. 老 can describe people, things, or even time. 陈旧 is more specific to the condition of an object or concept.
Common collocations with 陈旧
You'll often hear 陈旧 used with words like 家具 (jiā jù - furniture), 衣服 (yī fú - clothes), 观念 (guān niàn - concept/idea), and 设备 (shè bèi - equipment). These are all things that can become outdated or worn.
Antonyms of 陈旧
The opposite of 陈旧 would be words like 新 (xīn - new), 时尚 (shí shàng - fashionable), or 现代 (xiàn dài - modern). Knowing these helps you understand the full scope of 陈旧.
Practice with examples
Try making your own sentences! For instance: '这件衣服看起来很陈旧' (This piece of clothing looks very old-fashioned). '博物馆里有很多陈旧的展品' (There are many antiquated exhibits in the museum).
Visualizing 陈旧
When you hear 陈旧, imagine something that has been around for a long time and shows its age. Think of faded colors, worn textures, or a style that is no longer current. This helps with memory recall.
Reading context for 陈旧
Look for 陈旧 in descriptions of historical places, old photographs, or discussions about traditional versus modern ideas. The surrounding text will often give you clues to its precise meaning in context.
Pronunciation practice for 陈旧
Break down the tones: 陈 (chén - second tone) and 旧 (jiù - fourth tone). Practice saying them together slowly, then at a normal pace. Correct pronunciation makes you sound more natural.
Reviewing 陈旧 regularly
Add 陈旧 to your flashcards or vocabulary list. Review it a few times a week with its definition and example sentences. Repetition is key for solidifying new vocabulary.
Ponte a prueba 42 preguntas
Listen to the sentence about an old book.
Listen to the sentence about old clothes.
Listen to the sentence about an old house.
Read this aloud:
这张桌子很陈旧。
Focus: chén jiù
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
这不是一个新的手机，它很陈旧。
Focus: shǒu jī, chén jiù
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她喜欢买陈旧的家具。
Focus: jiā jù
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is to describe the house as looking very old-fashioned. (This house looks very old-fashioned.)
Arrange the words to form the sentence: 'Her clothes style is a bit old-fashioned.'
The sentence should express that 'This computer is a bit old-fashioned, but it can still be used.'
这座图书馆虽然历史悠久，但内部设施一点也不____，非常现代化。
句子描述图书馆设施不陈旧，所以选'陈旧'的反义，即不老旧、现代化。
我奶奶喜欢听那些____的京剧唱片，觉得很有韵味。
奶奶喜欢的是有年代感的京剧唱片，'陈旧'符合这种语境。
他办公室里的电脑型号非常____，经常死机，影响工作效率。
电脑经常死机，说明它型号老旧，不符合现代标准，所以用'陈旧'。
这家餐厅的装修风格很____，让人感觉回到了上个世纪。
装修风格让人感觉回到了上个世纪，说明是老式的，即'陈旧'。
她觉得这件衣服款式太____了，不适合现在的潮流。
衣服款式不适合现在的潮流，意味着它是老旧的、过时的，所以用'陈旧'。
虽然这座城市有很多高楼大厦，但老城区依然保留着许多____的建筑。
老城区保留的是有历史感的建筑，'陈旧'在这里指有年代感的老建筑。
Describe an old-fashioned piece of furniture or clothing you own. Use '陈旧' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我家有一把陈旧的木椅，它的油漆已经剥落，但坐起来依然很舒服。 (My home has an old-fashioned wooden chair; its paint has peeled off, but it's still very comfortable to sit on.)
Imagine you are decluttering your home. Write a short paragraph about why you would or would not keep something that is '陈旧'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我决定保留这件陈旧的瓷器，因为它是我奶奶传下来的，虽然看起来有点旧，但对我来说很有纪念意义。 (I decided to keep this old-fashioned porcelain because it was passed down from my grandmother. Although it looks a bit old, it has great sentimental value to me.)
Write a sentence comparing a '陈旧' item with a modern one.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这辆陈旧的自行车虽然没有现代电动车方便，但它勾起了我很多童年回忆。 (Although this old-fashioned bicycle is not as convenient as modern electric bikes, it brings back many childhood memories.)
根据短文，这家书店的特点是什么？ (According to the passage, what is the characteristic of this bookstore?)
Read this passage:
在一个小镇的角落里，有一家陈旧的书店。书店的招牌有些褪色，窗户上也蒙着一层灰尘。店里摆满了各式各样的旧书，散发着一股特有的纸张的香气。许多年轻人觉得这里太过时了，但对一些老年人来说，这里是他们寻找回忆的宝藏。 (In a corner of a small town, there was an old-fashioned bookstore. The sign of the bookstore was a bit faded, and the windows were covered with a layer of dust. The store was filled with all kinds of old books, emitting a unique scent of paper. Many young people found it too outdated, but for some elderly people, it was a treasure trove for finding memories.)
根据短文，这家书店的特点是什么？ (According to the passage, what is the characteristic of this bookstore?)
短文描述书店“陈旧的”、“招牌有些褪色，窗户上也蒙着一层灰尘”，但对老年人是“寻找回忆的宝藏”。 (The passage describes the bookstore as 'old-fashioned', with 'faded signs and dusty windows', but it's a 'treasure trove for finding memories' for the elderly.)
短文描述书店“陈旧的”、“招牌有些褪色，窗户上也蒙着一层灰尘”，但对老年人是“寻找回忆的宝藏”。 (The passage describes the bookstore as 'old-fashioned', with 'faded signs and dusty windows', but it's a 'treasure trove for finding memories' for the elderly.)
为什么他穿着陈旧的衣服？ (Why was he wearing old-fashioned clothes?)
Read this passage:
他穿的衣服款式陈旧，与周围时尚的年轻人显得格格不入。但他似乎并不在意，仍然自信地走着。这件衣服是他父亲年轻时穿过的，对他有特殊的意义。 (The style of the clothes he wore was old-fashioned, making him seem out of place among the fashionable young people around him. But he didn't seem to care and still walked confidently. This piece of clothing was worn by his father when he was young and held special meaning for him.)
为什么他穿着陈旧的衣服？ (Why was he wearing old-fashioned clothes?)
短文明确提到“这件衣服是他父亲年轻时穿过的，对他有特殊的意义”。 (The passage explicitly states that 'this piece of clothing was worn by his father when he was young and held special meaning for him'.)
短文明确提到“这件衣服是他父亲年轻时穿过的，对他有特殊的意义”。 (The passage explicitly states that 'this piece of clothing was worn by his father when he was young and held special meaning for him'.)
这个木箱里可能有什么？ (What might be inside this wooden box?)
Read this passage:
我们发现了一个陈旧的木箱，上面刻着一些模糊的图案。打开它，里面装满了泛黄的旧照片和信件。这些都是一百年前的物品，充满了历史的痕迹。 (We found an old-fashioned wooden box, with some blurry patterns carved on it. Opening it, it was filled with yellowed old photos and letters. These were items from a hundred years ago, full of traces of history.)
这个木箱里可能有什么？ (What might be inside this wooden box?)
短文清楚地说明“打开它，里面装满了泛黄的旧照片和信件”。 (The passage clearly states 'Opening it, it was filled with yellowed old photos and letters'.)
短文清楚地说明“打开它，里面装满了泛黄的旧照片和信件”。 (The passage clearly states 'Opening it, it was filled with yellowed old photos and letters'.)
这座图书馆虽然历史悠久，但内部设施却毫不____。
这句话想表达图书馆设施不现代，与'陈旧'意思相符。
他的思想观念非常____，很难接受新鲜事物。
句中提到'很难接受新鲜事物'，所以他的思想是'陈旧'的。
这家店的装修风格____，顾客都觉得很有年代感。
顾客觉得有'年代感'，说明装修风格是'陈旧'的。
尽管科技发展迅速，有些传统的生产方式仍然显得十分____。
与'科技发展迅速'形成对比，传统的生产方式显得'陈旧'。
他收藏的许多老物件虽然有些____，但都具有很高的历史价值。
老物件通常会'陈旧'，但仍有历史价值。
这个软件的版本太____了，很多新功能都无法使用。
因为'很多新功能都无法使用'，说明软件版本太'陈旧'。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: “这家餐厅的装修风格很___，让人感觉回到了上世纪。”
“陈旧”在这里用来形容餐厅的装修风格过时、老旧，与“让人感觉回到了上世纪”的语境相符。
以下哪句话中的“陈旧”使用得最恰当？
“陈旧”常用于形容物品、风格、思想等过时、老旧。选项A形容思想，最为恰当。
What is the best antonym for '陈旧' in the context of fashion?
“陈旧”指过时、老旧，与“潮流”意为时尚、流行相对立。
“陈旧”可以用来形容一个人思想落后。
“陈旧”除了形容物品，也可以形容思想、观念等过时，不合时宜。
一栋新的摩天大楼可以用“陈旧”来形容其外观。
“陈旧”指的是老旧、过时。新的摩天大楼通常具有现代感，不适合用“陈旧”来形容。
“陈旧”和“崭新”是反义词。
“陈旧”指老旧、过时，而“崭新”指全新、非常新，两者互为反义词。
The correct order creates a sentence meaning: 'The antiquated exhibits in the museum tell stories of history.'
This arrangement forms the sentence: 'He is still wearing that old-fashioned coat.'
The sentence translates to: 'The cover of this book looks a bit antiquated.'
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Meaning of 陈旧
陈旧 (chén jiù) means old-fashioned or antiquated. It's used for things, not people. Think of it as describing something that is outdated or has seen better days.
Using 陈旧 in sentences
You can use 陈旧 to describe items like furniture, clothing, or even ideas. For example, '这张桌子很陈旧' (This table is very old-fashioned) or '他的思想很陈旧' (His ideas are very antiquated).
Distinguishing from 老 (lǎo)
While 老 also means old, 陈旧 specifically emphasizes the sense of being worn out, outdated, or no longer fresh. 老 can describe people, things, or even time. 陈旧 is more specific to the condition of an object or concept.
Common collocations with 陈旧
You'll often hear 陈旧 used with words like 家具 (jiā jù - furniture), 衣服 (yī fú - clothes), 观念 (guān niàn - concept/idea), and 设备 (shè bèi - equipment). These are all things that can become outdated or worn.
