When something is 朴素 (pǔsù), it means it's plain, simple, or unadorned. Think of it as not having a lot of decoration or fancy things. For example, a simple white shirt without any patterns could be described as 朴素.
It can also describe a person's lifestyle or how they dress. If someone prefers simple things and doesn't like to show off, their style or life could be called 朴素. It’s about being natural and not extravagant.
朴素 en 30 secondes
- Plain or simple in appearance
- Lacks ornamentation or extravagance
- Can describe people's style or objects
§ Basic Usage
The Chinese word 朴素 (pǔsù) is an adjective, meaning plain, simple, or unadorned. It describes things that are not fancy, ornate, or complicated. It can be used to describe styles, designs, clothing, food, and even people's character or lifestyle. When using 朴素, you're usually highlighting a lack of extravagance or artificiality, often with a positive or neutral connotation, suggesting naturalness or humility.
- Grammar Note
- Like many adjectives in Chinese, 朴素 can be used directly before a noun, or after a linking verb like 是 (shì) 'to be' or 看起来 (kànqǐlái) 'to look'. It can also be modified by adverbs of degree like 很 (hěn) 'very' or 比较 (bǐjiào) 'relatively'.
§ Examples with Nouns
You can directly place 朴素 before the noun it modifies. This is the most straightforward way to use it.
她喜欢朴素的衣服。
- Translation Hint
- She likes plain clothes.
这个房间的装饰很朴素。
- Translation Hint
- The decoration of this room is very simple.
§ Using with Linking Verbs
You can also use 朴素 after linking verbs to describe the subject. Common linking verbs include 是 (shì), 显得 (xiǎnde) 'to appear', and 看起来 (kànqǐlái) 'to look/seem'.
他的生活方式很朴素。
- Translation Hint
- His lifestyle is very simple/plain.
这件旗袍看起来非常朴素，但很有气质。
- Translation Hint
- This qipao looks very plain, but it has great temperament/elegance.
§ Adverbs of Degree
To express different levels of plainness or simplicity, you can use adverbs of degree before 朴素.
- 很 (hěn) - very
- 比较 (bǐjiào) - relatively, comparatively
- 非常 (fēicháng) - extremely
- 不太 (bú tài) - not too
她穿得比较朴素。
- Translation Hint
- She dresses relatively simply.
这份礼物虽然朴素，但心意很重。
- Translation Hint
- Although this gift is plain/simple, the thought behind it is very significant.
§ Describing Abstract Concepts
Beyond physical objects, 朴素 can also describe abstract ideas, character traits, or styles, emphasizing a lack of pretension or artificiality.
他的文笔非常朴素，却能打动人心。
- Translation Hint
- His writing style is very simple, yet it can move people's hearts.
她对生活的要求很朴素。
- Translation Hint
- Her demands for life are very simple.
Remember, 朴素 is generally a positive or neutral word, implying a natural, unpretentious quality. It's a great word to have in your vocabulary for describing things with a sense of understated elegance or practicality.
§ Understanding 朴素: More Than Just 'Simple'
Alright, let's break down 朴素 (pǔsù). You've got the basic definition: plain, simple, unadorned. But like many Chinese words, its usage has a bit more flavor to it than a direct English translation might suggest. It often carries a positive or neutral connotation, implying naturalness, humility, or a lack of unnecessary extravagance. It's not usually used to mean 'too simple' or 'lacking'.
- DEFINITION
- Plain; simple; unadorned. Often implies a positive quality like naturalness, humility, or a lack of extravagance.
Think of it as the opposite of flashy, ornate, or complicated. It's about a clean, straightforward style or approach.
§ 朴素 in the Workplace: Clear and Uncomplicated
In a work setting, you'll hear 朴素 used when talking about design, communication, or even work style. People appreciate things that are straightforward and efficient.
Design and Presentation: When someone says a design is 朴素, they usually mean it's clean, functional, and not overly complicated with unnecessary elements. It's often a compliment.
这个PPT设计很朴素，重点突出。
Communication: If someone's speaking style or a report is described as 朴素, it means it's direct, to the point, and easy to understand without a lot of jargon or fluff.
他的演讲风格一直都很朴素，但内容很有深度。
§ 朴素 in School: Valuing Clarity and Economy
In an academic context, 朴素 can apply to writing, thinking, or even lifestyle choices, especially when emphasizing focus and lack of distraction.
Writing and Essays: Teachers might praise a student's writing for being 朴素 if it's clear, concise, and gets straight to the point without overly complex sentence structures or flowery language.
这篇论文的语言很朴素，观点却很犀利。
Lifestyle: Sometimes, you'll hear it used to describe a student's simple lifestyle, perhaps focusing on studies rather than material possessions. It carries a sense of virtue.
她生活一直很朴素，专注于学业。
§ 朴素 in the News: Highlighting Authenticity and Unpretentiousness
In news reports, especially when describing people or certain events, 朴素 often emphasizes a sense of authenticity, humility, or a return to basic values.
Describing People: You might read about a leader or a public figure whose personal style or character is described as 朴素. This usually means they are unpretentious, down-to-earth, and avoid extravagance.
这位老科学家一生都过着朴素的生活。
Cultural or Artistic Expressions: News articles might use 朴素 to describe traditional art forms, architecture, or even certain events that are celebrated for their natural beauty and lack of artificiality.
展览的作品以其朴素的风格吸引了许多观众。
So, when you see or hear 朴素, think 'unfussy,' 'authentic,' 'clean,' or 'uncomplicated.' It's about appreciating the essence without the embellishments.
How Formal Is It?
"他的生活一直很简朴。(Tā de shēnghuó yīzhí hěn jiǎnpǔ.) - His life has always been very simple/frugal."
"她喜欢穿朴素的衣服。(Tā xǐhuān chuān pǔ sù de yīfu.) - She likes to wear plain/simple clothes."
"这件衣服很素，但我喜欢。(Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn sù, dàn wǒ xǐhuān.) - This piece of clothing is very plain, but I like it."
"小熊的房子很简单。(Xiǎo xióng de fángzi hěn jiǎndān.) - The little bear's house is very simple."
"他家装修得挺清水，没啥花里胡哨的。(Tā jiā zhuāngxiū de tǐng qīngshuǐ, méi shá huālǐ húshào de.) - His house is decorated quite plainly, nothing fancy."
Le savais-tu ?
In ancient China, '朴素' was often associated with Taoist philosophy, which valued naturalness, simplicity, and a return to an uncorrupted state.
Niveau de difficulté
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Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
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Exemples par niveau
这条裙子很朴素，但是很好看。
This dress is very plain, but very beautiful.
他喜欢穿朴素的衣服。
He likes to wear simple clothes.
这个房间装饰得很朴素。
This room is decorated very plainly.
她过着朴素的生活。
She lives a simple life.
这道菜味道很朴素，但是很健康。
This dish tastes very plain, but it's very healthy.
他的设计风格很朴素。
His design style is very simple.
我觉得朴素的礼物更有心意。
I think simple gifts show more sincerity.
这本书的封面很朴素。
The cover of this book is very plain.
她喜欢穿朴素的衣服，不喜欢花哨的。
She likes to wear plain clothes, not flashy ones.
这个小村庄的生活很朴素，但人们过得很幸福。
Life in this small village is very simple, but people live very happily.
他的设计理念总是追求朴素而实用的美感。
His design philosophy always pursues a plain yet practical aesthetic.
这份礼物虽然朴素，却饱含着深情。
Although this gift is simple, it is full of deep affection.
老一辈人常说，生活要朴素，不要铺张浪费。
The older generation often says that life should be simple and not extravagant.
这间屋子虽然陈设朴素，但打扫得一尘不染。
Although the furnishings in this room are simple, it is spotlessly clean.
他讲话总是很朴素，没有华丽的辞藻。
He always speaks very plainly, without flowery language.
回归朴素的自然生活是很多现代人的向往。
Returning to a simple natural life is something many modern people yearn for.
Expressions idiomatiques
"打扮得很朴素"
Dressed very plainly/simply.
她今天打扮得很朴素，但依然很漂亮。 (She dressed very plainly today, but she's still very beautiful.)
neutral"生活朴素"
Live a simple life.
他一直过着非常朴素的生活。 (He has always lived a very simple life.)
neutral"文笔朴素"
Simple and unadorned writing style.
他的文笔朴素，读起来很舒服。 (His writing style is simple and pleasant to read.)
neutral"风格朴素"
Plain/simple style.
这件家具的风格朴素，很适合现代家居。 (The style of this furniture is simple, very suitable for modern homes.)
neutral"饭菜朴素"
Simple/plain food.
虽然饭菜朴素，但味道很好。 (Although the food was simple, it tasted very good.)
neutral"朴素的道理"
Simple truth/principle.
这个故事告诉我们一个朴素的道理。 (This story tells us a simple truth.)
neutral"保持朴素"
Maintain simplicity.
即使成功了，也要保持朴素。 (Even if you succeed, you should maintain simplicity.)
neutral"朴素的愿望"
Simple wish.
他最大的朴素愿望就是家人健康快乐。 (His biggest simple wish is for his family to be healthy and happy.)
neutral"朴素的服装"
Plain/simple clothing.
她喜欢穿朴素的服装。 (She likes to wear simple clothes.)
neutral"朴素的爱情"
Simple/pure love.
他们拥有着最朴素的爱情。 (They have the purest kind of love.)
neutralFamille de mots
Adjectifs
Comment l'utiliser
朴素 (pǔ sù) describes something that is simple, plain, and not overly decorated. It often carries a positive connotation, implying naturalness, honesty, or a lack of extravagance. It can be used for things like clothing, lifestyle, design, or even a person's character.
A common mistake is confusing 朴素 (pǔ sù) with simply 'bad' or 'ugly.' While something 朴素 is plain, it doesn't mean it's of poor quality or unappealing. It's about a lack of embellishment.
Another mistake is using it for 'simple' in the sense of 'easy to understand' or 'not complex.' For that, you'd use words like 简单 (jiǎn dān).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a **park** that's so **su**mmer it's plain and simple, nothing fancy.
Association visuelle
Picture a plain, simple wooden **park bench** (朴) that's made for **su**mmer (素) use, very unadorned.
Word Web
Défi
Describe a simple outfit or a plain room using 朴素. For example: 这件衣服很朴素。(Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn pǔsù.) - This piece of clothing is very plain. Or, 她的房间布置得很朴素。(Tā de fángjiān bùzhì de hěn pǔsù.) - Her room is decorated very simply.
Origine du mot
From Middle Chinese 'pʰu˥ sɨo˥' (樸素), meaning 'unwrought, simple'.
Sens originel : The character '朴' (pǔ) originally referred to uncarved wood or something in its natural, unprocessed state. The character '素' (sù) originally referred to undyed silk or plain white. Together, they convey the idea of something natural, basic, and without embellishment.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, Chinese.Contexte culturel
When Chinese people describe something as 朴素 (pǔsù), it often carries a positive connotation, suggesting humility, understated elegance, or a focus on substance over superficiality. It can be used to describe clothing, interior design, a lifestyle, or even a person's character. Unlike 'plain' in English, which can sometimes imply boring or dull, 朴素 often implies a refined simplicity that is intentional and tasteful.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing clothing or personal style
- 她的穿着很朴素。
- He likes a simple, unadorned style.
- 这件衣服款式朴素大方。
Describing interior design or architecture
- 房间的装修风格很朴素。
- The architecture is very plain and understated.
- 我喜欢这种朴素的家居风格。
Describing a simple lifestyle or attitude
- 他过着朴素的生活。
- She has a very simple and unpretentious attitude.
- 保持朴素的作风。
Describing food or cooking
- 这道菜味道很朴素。
- They prefer simple and wholesome food.
- 朴素的家常菜。
Describing abstract concepts like language or writing style
- 文章的语言朴素易懂。
- His writing style is plain and direct.
- 用朴素的语言表达复杂的思想。
Amorces de conversation
"你觉得什么样的服装是朴素的？"
"你喜欢朴素的家居风格吗？为什么？"
"你身边有生活很朴素的朋友吗？他们是什么样的？"
"你认为在表达思想时，朴素的语言更好还是华丽的语言更好？"
"你最近有没有吃到什么让你觉得很朴素但是很美味的食物？"
Sujets d'écriture
描述一个你认为很朴素的人或事。
你觉得在现代社会，保持朴素的生活方式容易吗？为什么？
写一篇短文，用朴素的语言描述你的一个日常。
如果让你设计一个朴素的房间，你会怎么设计？
回想一下，你有没有因为某些东西太朴素而忽略了它的美？
Teste-toi 36 questions
Which of these describes a 'plain' dress?
朴素 (pǔ sù) means plain or simple, often implying a lack of elaborate decoration.
If someone's lifestyle is 朴素 (pǔ sù), what does that usually mean?
A朴素 (pǔ sù) lifestyle is simple and doesn't focus on material extravagance.
Which word is an antonym (opposite) of 朴素 (pǔ sù)?
朴素 (pǔ sù) means plain, so '华丽 (huá lì)' meaning luxurious or ornate, is its opposite.
一件朴素的衬衫通常会有很多亮片。(A plain shirt usually has many sequins.)
朴素 (pǔ sù) means plain or simple, so it wouldn't have many sequins.
如果一个人穿得很朴素，这说明他很喜欢时尚。(If a person dresses plainly, it means he likes fashion very much.)
Dressing 朴素 (pǔ sù) often implies a lack of interest in elaborate fashion.
一个朴素的房间通常没有太多家具。(A plain room usually doesn't have much furniture.)
A 朴素 (pǔ sù) room is simple and unadorned, suggesting less furniture.
She likes to wear simple clothes.
The decoration of this room is plain, but very clean.
He lives a simple life.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢朴素的设计风格吗？
Focus: pǔ sù
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
这幅画的色彩很朴素，却很有力量。
Focus: sè cǎi pǔ sù
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
他虽然很有钱，但是生活很朴素。
Focus: shēng huó hěn pǔ sù
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes someone's preference for simple clothing, using '朴素' to modify '衣服'.
This sentence uses '朴素' to characterize the simple nature of life in a small town.
This sentence uses '朴素' to describe the simple decoration of a bedroom.
Choose the sentence where “朴素” is used correctly.
“朴素” describes something simple and unadorned, often with a positive connotation of naturalness or lack of ostentation. In this sentence, it describes simple yet elegant clothing.
Which of the following items is most likely to be described as “朴素”?
“朴素” refers to something plain, simple, and unadorned. A bedroom with only basic furniture fits this description.
Which of these words is closest in meaning to “朴素”?
“朴素” means plain and simple. Therefore, '简单' (simple) is the closest in meaning.
一个“朴素”的人通常喜欢炫耀自己的财富。(A 'plain' person usually likes to show off their wealth.)
“朴素” describes someone who is simple and unpretentious, often avoiding extravagance or showing off.
如果一个设计很“朴素”，那它可能没有很多花哨的装饰。(If a design is 'plain', it probably doesn't have many fancy decorations.)
“朴素” means unadorned and simple, so a plain design would indeed lack many fancy decorations.
“朴素”只能用来形容物品，不能形容人的性格。(“Plain” can only be used to describe objects, not a person's character.)
“朴素” can also describe a person's character, meaning they are simple, honest, and unpretentious.
This sentence means 'His life has always been very simple.' '的' connects '他' (he/his) to '生活' (life). '一直' (always) is an adverb. '很' (very) modifies '朴素' (simple).
This sentence means 'She likes to wear plain clothes.' '朴素' (plain) modifies '衣服' (clothes) and '的' connects them. '喜欢' (like) is the verb.
This sentence means 'Although this design is plain, it is very practical.' '虽然...但...' is a common structure for 'although...but...'. '设计' (design), '朴素' (plain), '实用' (practical).
Describe a time you appreciated someone's朴素 (pǔsù) lifestyle or fashion choices. What did you admire about it? How does it compare to more elaborate styles?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我曾经遇到一位老奶奶，她的穿着打扮总是很朴素，没有华丽的服饰，也没有昂贵的首饰，但却给人一种非常舒服和亲切的感觉。她的朴素不是因为贫穷，而是一种对生活态度的体现。她更注重衣服的实用性和舒适性，而不是追求时尚潮流。我觉得这种朴素的生活态度非常值得我们学习，它代表了一种对物质的淡泊和对精神世界的追求。相比之下，那些过于追求奢华和复杂的风格，反而让人觉得有些浮躁和不真实。
Imagine you are an architect designing a new building. How would you incorporate the concept of 朴素 (pǔsù) into its design, both aesthetically and functionally? What materials, shapes, and features would you prioritize?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
作为一名建筑师，我会将朴素的设计理念融入新建筑中。在美学上，我会选择简洁的线条和几何形状，避免过多的装饰，让建筑本身呈现出一种自然的美感。例如，我会采用清水混凝土、原木和玻璃等天然材料，它们本身就具有朴素的质感，无需过多加工。在功能上，我会注重空间的实用性和舒适性，让每个区域都发挥其最大的效用，避免不必要的浪费。窗户会设计得大而通透，引入充足的自然光线，减少对人工照明的依赖。整体而言，我希望这座建筑能体现出一种返璞归真的生活态度，让人在其中感受到宁静与和谐。
Discuss the philosophical implications of embracing a 朴素 (pǔsù) lifestyle in modern society. What are the potential benefits and challenges? How might it influence one's well-being and relationship with consumerism?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在现代社会中，拥抱朴素的生活方式具有深刻的哲学意义。它的好处在于，可以帮助人们摆脱物质的束缚，减少对外部世界的依赖，从而获得内心的平静和自由。通过减少不必要的消费，人们可以将更多的精力投入到自我成长、人际关系和精神追求上，提升幸福感。然而，挑战也显而易见。在充斥着消费主义诱惑的社会中，坚持朴素需要强大的意志力。人们可能会面临来自社会压力、广告宣传以及自身欲望的考验。此外，过度追求朴素也可能导致生活质量的下降，或者被误解为吝啬。因此，如何在朴素与现代生活的便利之间找到平衡点，是我们需要深思的问题。最终，朴素的生活方式旨在引导人们重新审视物质与精神的关系，追求一种更加健康、可持续和有意义的人生。
根据这段文字，作者认为“朴素”的环境对工作态度有什么影响？
Read this passage:
他穿着一件朴素的衬衫，颜色虽然不鲜艳，但却非常干净整洁。他的办公室也同样朴素，没有多余的装饰，只有一些必要的办公用品。然而，在这份朴素之中，却透露出一种严谨和专注的工作态度。他认为，过多的华丽会分散人的注意力，而简洁的环境则能让人更专注于工作本身。
根据这段文字，作者认为“朴素”的环境对工作态度有什么影响？
文章中提到“过多的华丽会分散人的注意力，而简洁的环境则能让人更专注于工作本身”，因此朴素的环境有助于人更专注地工作。
文章中提到“过多的华丽会分散人的注意力，而简洁的环境则能让人更专注于工作本身”，因此朴素的环境有助于人更专注地工作。
这家餐厅受欢迎的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
这家餐厅的装修风格非常朴素，没有奢华的水晶灯，也没有名贵的艺术品，只是一些简单的木质桌椅和几幅素雅的挂画。然而，这里的菜品却非常地道，味道鲜美，吸引了许多回头客。老板说，他们更注重食材本身的品质和烹饪技艺，而不是表面的华丽。
这家餐厅受欢迎的主要原因是什么？
文章中明确指出“这里的菜品却非常地道，味道鲜美，吸引了许多回头客。老板说，他们更注重食材本身的品质和烹饪技艺”，这说明菜品的品质和烹饪技艺是餐厅受欢迎的主要原因。
文章中明确指出“这里的菜品却非常地道，味道鲜美，吸引了许多回头客。老板说，他们更注重食材本身的品质和烹饪技艺”，这说明菜品的品质和烹饪技艺是餐厅受欢迎的主要原因。
作者的文字风格有何特点？
Read this passage:
她的文字风格一直都很朴素，没有华丽的辞藻，也没有复杂的句式，但却能够准确地表达她的思想和情感。读者在阅读她的文章时，往往会被那种真诚和不做作的态度所打动。她相信，好的作品不需要过多修饰，真情实感才是最动人的。
作者的文字风格有何特点？
文章中提到“她的文字风格一直都很朴素，没有华丽的辞藻，也没有复杂的句式，但却能够准确地表达她的思想和情感。读者在阅读她的文章时，往往会被那种真诚和不做作的态度所打动”，因此真诚不做作，表达准确是其特点。
文章中提到“她的文字风格一直都很朴素，没有华丽的辞藻，也没有复杂的句式，但却能够准确地表达她的思想和情感。读者在阅读她的文章时，往往会被那种真诚和不做作的态度所打动”，因此真诚不做作，表达准确是其特点。
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
朴素 means plain, simple, or unadorned, often used to describe things that are basic or natural in style.
- Plain or simple in appearance
- Lacks ornamentation or extravagance
- Can describe people's style or objects
Exemple
她穿着一件朴素的连衣裙。
