It describes something or someone lacking depth, substance, or intellectual maturity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe shallow knowledge or understanding.
- Carries a negative connotation of being superficial.
- Often applied to personal character or intellectual depth.
常见语境：在学术讨论中，用于批评论证不严谨；在人际交往中，用于形容一个人言行浮夸、缺乏内涵；在评论社会风气时，用于指责某种只追求外在光鲜而忽略精神实质的行为。
- 1近义词辨析：与“肤浅”相比，“浅薄”侧重于底蕴和修养的不足，不仅指认知层面，还常带有对个人素质的否定；而“肤浅”更多侧重于对事物理解的表面化，语境稍宽泛。与“浅显”不同，“浅显”通常是中性词，指内容简单易懂，不带有贬义。
Examples
他的见解过于浅薄，难以服众。
everydayHis views are too superficial to convince others.
这种浅薄的流行文化现象值得反思。
formalThis superficial pop culture phenomenon is worth reflecting on.
别表现得那么浅薄。
informalDon't act so shallow.
该论文对核心问题的讨论显得十分浅薄。
academicThe thesis's discussion of core issues appears very superficial.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
浅薄之见
Superficial opinion
浅薄无知
Superficial and ignorant
显得浅薄
Appears superficial
Often Confused With
It is a neutral word meaning 'easy to understand'. It does not carry the negative judgment of being 'shallow'.
Refers specifically to the surface level of understanding. It is very close to 浅薄 but slightly less focused on personal character.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '浅薄' primarily in formal or critical registers. It is a strong word that implies a lack of intellectual or moral depth. Avoid it when you simply mean something is easy to grasp.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe simple books or easy tasks, which is incorrect. It should only be used as a criticism of depth. Do not confuse it with '浅显'.
Tips
Use for intellectual criticism
Reserve this word for situations where you need to point out a lack of substance or maturity. It is powerful in academic or critical writing.
Avoid using it in casual praise
Since it is strictly negative, never use it to describe something simple or accessible. Use '浅显' instead to avoid misunderstandings.
Emphasis on depth in Chinese culture
Chinese culture highly values 'depth' (深度) and 'substance' (内涵). Labeling someone as '浅薄' is a significant critique of their character.
Word Origin
The word combines '浅' (shallow) and '薄' (thin). Historically, it describes a state where something lacks the necessary density or substance to be considered solid or profound.
Cultural Context
In Chinese intellectual tradition, 'depth' (深度) is highly prized. Calling someone '浅薄' is a direct challenge to their credibility and maturity.
Memory Tip
Think of 'shallow' (浅) and 'thin' (薄) ice; if your knowledge is like thin ice, it's not deep enough to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思相近，但在语境中略有侧重。“肤浅”多指对事物的认识停留在表面，而“浅薄”常指人的学识、修养或性格缺乏底蕴，贬义色彩更浓。
不可以，“浅薄”是一个典型的贬义词。如果想表达简单易懂且不带贬义，应使用“浅显”一词。
可以直接说“见解不够深入”或“还可以进一步挖掘”，避免直接使用“浅薄”以免伤害对方自尊。
通常不直接形容物质，而是形容抽象的事物，如知识、思想、情感或某种社会风气。
Test Yourself
他虽然读过几本书，但对问题的分析依然十分___。
此处强调对问题分析的深度不足，带有批评意味。
选项中哪一个是正确的用法？
选项二准确表达了学识不足的贬义含义。
请用“浅薄”造一个关于见解的句子。
这是最符合词义逻辑的表达。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes something or someone lacking depth, substance, or intellectual maturity.
- Used to describe shallow knowledge or understanding.
- Carries a negative connotation of being superficial.
- Often applied to personal character or intellectual depth.
Use for intellectual criticism
Reserve this word for situations where you need to point out a lack of substance or maturity. It is powerful in academic or critical writing.
Avoid using it in casual praise
Since it is strictly negative, never use it to describe something simple or accessible. Use '浅显' instead to avoid misunderstandings.
Emphasis on depth in Chinese culture
Chinese culture highly values 'depth' (深度) and 'substance' (内涵). Labeling someone as '浅薄' is a significant critique of their character.
Examples
4 of 4他的见解过于浅薄，难以服众。
His views are too superficial to convince others.
这种浅薄的流行文化现象值得反思。
This superficial pop culture phenomenon is worth reflecting on.
别表现得那么浅薄。
Don't act so shallow.
该论文对核心问题的讨论显得十分浅薄。
The thesis's discussion of core issues appears very superficial.
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