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A2 adjective 9 min read

生疏

shēngshū

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 生疏 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 生疏 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand '生疏' (shēngshū) primarily as 'not knowing someone well.' Think of it as the opposite of being a close friend. You might use it to say that you don't know a classmate or a neighbor very well. While A1 learners usually stick to '不认识' (don't know) or '不熟悉' (not familiar), '生疏' is a slightly more advanced way to describe that you aren't close with someone. You can think of '生' as 'raw'—like food that isn't cooked yet, the relationship isn't 'ready' or 'warm' yet. It's a useful word to start recognizing in simple stories about people meeting for the first time or people who haven't seen each other in a long time. Focus on the pattern: '我跟他很生疏' (I am very unfamiliar with him).

At the A2 level, you can start using '生疏' to describe skills, especially languages or hobbies. If you learned a bit of Chinese last year but stopped, you can say your Chinese is '生疏' (rusty). This is very common in daily life. You'll also see it used for environments, like being '生疏' with a new neighborhood. The key at this level is learning the '对...生疏' pattern. For example, '我对这里的路很生疏' (I am unfamiliar with the roads here). It helps you explain why you might be slow or hesitant at doing something. It's more specific than just saying '不好' (not good); it explains *why*—because you haven't done it enough or haven't done it recently.

At the B1 level, you should master the nuance between '生疏' and '陌生'. '陌生' is for things you've never seen, while '生疏' is often for things you've neglected. You will encounter '生疏' in more professional or social contexts. For example, describing '业务生疏' (being rusty at work tasks). You should also notice how it describes the cooling of relationships. If two friends don't talk, their '感情' (feelings) become '生疏'. At this level, you can use it to add more flavor to your descriptions of social situations. You might also see it in the context of 'literary' or 'artistic' skills, such as '笔法生疏' (rusty brushwork in calligraphy). It's an important word for expressing the 'loss' of a skill over time.

At the B2 level, '生疏' appears in more formal writing and complex social analyses. You will see it used to describe social alienation or the psychological distance between different social groups. It's not just about a person being rusty; it's about a lack of 'integration' or 'connection.' You might read about how modern technology makes people more '生疏' with their neighbors. You should be able to use it interchangeably with synonyms like '疏远' (shūyuǎn) in certain contexts, though '生疏' emphasizes the 'unfamiliar' aspect more. At this level, you should also be comfortable using it as a noun-modifier (an attributive) in phrases like '生疏的词汇' (unfamiliar vocabulary) or '生疏的技巧' (unfamiliar techniques).

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the subtle literary and philosophical overtones of '生疏.' It can describe a certain 'aesthetic of distance' in literature or art. You might encounter it in essays discussing the 'alienation' of the individual in the city, where '生疏' describes a profound lack of connection to one's surroundings. You should also be able to use it in sophisticated arguments about skill acquisition and the 'forgetting curve.' For example, discussing how '生疏' affects cognitive load. At this level, you should also recognize its use in classical-leaning modern prose where it might describe a 'sparse' or 'unadorned' style (though this is rare). You should be able to use the word with precision in high-level debates or professional critiques.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of '生疏' across all historical and modern registers. You can appreciate its use in 20th-century Chinese literature (like the works of Lu Xun or Eileen Chang) to describe the breakdown of traditional family structures and the resulting '生疏' between generations. You understand the etymological roots involving the character '疏' (to thin out, to clear) and how it evolved to mean 'distant.' You can use the word to describe the most subtle shifts in interpersonal dynamics or the most minute degradation of a high-level professional skill. You are also aware of regional variations in how '生疏' might be used compared to colloquialisms like '手生' or '不搭界' in different dialects.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

生疏 in 30 Seconds

生疏 (shēngshū) primarily means 'unfamiliar' or 'rusty.' It is used for skills, people, and places.
When used for skills, it implies you once knew it but haven't practiced lately.
When used for people, it suggests a relationship has grown distant or is not yet close.
It is different from '陌生' (mòshēng), which describes things you have never encountered before.

The Chinese word 生疏 (shēngshū) is a multi-layered adjective that primarily describes a state of being unfamiliar, out of practice, or emotionally distant. To understand its depth, we must look at its constituent characters. The first character, 生 (shēng), carries meanings of 'birth,' 'life,' and 'raw' or 'unprocessed.' In the context of knowledge or relationships, it implies something that hasn't been 'cooked' or 'matured' through repeated interaction. The second character, 疏 (shū), means 'sparse,' 'distant,' or 'to neglect.' When combined, they describe a condition where a connection—whether it be a skill, a piece of knowledge, or a human bond—has become thin, neglected, or hasn't been cultivated enough to feel natural or fluid.

Primary Meaning: Skill Atrophy: This is perhaps the most common usage in modern Mandarin. It refers to the 'rustiness' one feels after not practicing a skill for a long time. For example, if you haven't played the piano for five years, your fingers feel shēngshū. It isn't that you have completely forgotten how to play, but the muscle memory has faded, and the execution is no longer smooth. It is the opposite of 熟练 (shúliàn), which means proficient or skilled.
Secondary Meaning: Relationship Estrangement: When applied to people, 生疏 describes a relationship that has lost its former intimacy. It isn't that the people are strangers (that would be 陌生 mòshēng), but rather that they have grown apart. If two best friends don't speak for a decade, their conversation might feel awkward and shēngshū when they finally meet. There is a sense of 'strangeness' that has crept into what was once a close bond.
Tertiary Meaning: Lack of Familiarity with Information: This refers to being unacquainted with a particular subject matter or environment. A new employee might find the company's internal software shēngshū. It implies a need for more exposure and study to reach a level of comfort.

因为太久没练，我的琴法已经非常生疏了。(Because I haven't practiced for a long time, my piano technique has become very rusty.)

几年不见，他们两人之间显得有些生疏。(After not seeing each other for years, the two of them seemed a bit estranged/unfamiliar.)

初到异国他乡，一切环境都很生疏。(Arriving in a foreign country for the first time, all the surroundings are unfamiliar.)

In summary, use 生疏 when you want to emphasize a loss of fluidity or a lack of recent contact. It is a highly versatile word that covers both technical skills and emotional landscapes. Whether you are talking about a language you once spoke fluently or a cousin you haven't seen since childhood, shēngshū perfectly captures that awkward, non-fluent state of 'not quite knowing' anymore.

Using 生疏 (shēngshū) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It usually functions as an adjective, but its placement can change depending on whether you are describing a person's skill level, the nature of a relationship, or the unfamiliarity of an environment. Below are the primary patterns you will encounter in both written and spoken Chinese.

Pattern 1: Subject + (Degree Adverb) + 生疏: This is the simplest way to describe a state. Degree adverbs like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr) are frequently used.
Example: 他的英语有点儿生疏了。(His English has become a bit rusty.)
Pattern 2: 对 + [Object] + 生疏: When you want to specify *what* someone is unfamiliar with, use the preposition 对 (duì). This is essential for talking about tasks or geographical locations.
Example: 我对这里的地形非常生疏。(I am very unfamiliar with the terrain here.)
Pattern 3: [Relationship/Feelings] + 变得 + 生疏: This emphasizes the *process* of becoming distant. It is often used to describe friends or family members who haven't kept in touch.
Example: 长期不联系，朋友之间的感情会变得生疏。(If you don't keep in touch for a long time, the feelings between friends will grow distant.)

虽然他以前是专家，但离开行业太久，业务已经生疏了。(Although he used to be an expert, having left the industry for so long, his professional skills have become rusty.)

新员工对操作流程还很生疏，需要多加指导。(The new employee is still very unfamiliar with the operating procedures and needs more guidance.)

In formal writing, 生疏 can also be used as a modifier before a noun, such as 生疏的笔法 (shēngshū de bǐfǎ - rusty/unpracticed brushwork). However, in daily conversation, the predicative use (coming after the subject) is much more common. Remember that 生疏 carries a slight tone of regret or apology when used about one's own skills, acknowledging that you aren't performing at your best.

Understanding the context of 生疏 (shēngshū) helps you grasp its social weight. This isn't just a vocabulary word; it's a social signal. You will hear it in specific environments where competence or intimacy is being evaluated.

The Workplace (Evaluation & Humility): In professional settings, shēngshū is used as a polite way to admit you might make mistakes. When a manager asks you to do something you haven't done in a while, you might say, '我很久没做这个了，可能有些生疏' (I haven't done this in a long time; I might be a bit rusty). This sets expectations. Conversely, a supervisor might use it to describe a trainee who needs more practice.
Family Reunions & Social Gatherings: Chinese culture places high value on 'Guanxi' (relationships). When relatives who haven't seen each other in years meet, there is often a palpable tension. Elders might remark, '这孩子跟我生疏了' (This child has grown distant/unfamiliar with me). It expresses a sense of loss—the child no longer knows the elder as well as they once did.
Artistic and Academic Circles: Musicians, painters, and calligraphers use this word frequently. Since these skills require daily discipline (功底 gōngdǐ), even a week of neglect can lead to shēngshū. In these circles, the word implies a lack of 'flow' or 'precision' that only constant practice can maintain.

面试官问起我十年前学的软件，我只能坦白说已经生疏了。(The interviewer asked about the software I learned ten years ago, and I had to honestly say I'm rusty now.)

搬到新城市一个月，我对周边的街道还是感到生疏。(Having moved to a new city for a month, I still feel unfamiliar with the surrounding streets.)

In movies or dramas, you'll see 生疏 used in scenes of reconciliation. One character might say to another, '我们之间什么时候变得这么生疏了？' (When did we become so distant/estranged?). It’s a powerful word for expressing the tragedy of a fading connection.

While 生疏 (shēngshū) is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other terms related to 'strangeness' or 'forgetting.' Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing 生疏 with 陌生 (mòshēng): 陌生 refers to things or people you have *never* known. They are total strangers. 生疏 refers to things you *used* to know but have become unfamiliar with, or things you are currently learning but haven't mastered.
Incorrect: 这是一个生疏的人。(This is a rusty person - doesn't make sense for a stranger).Correct: 这是一个陌生的人。(This is a stranger).
Mistake 2: Confusing 生疏 with 忘记 (wàngjì): 忘记 means you have completely lost the memory or information. 生疏 means the knowledge is still there, but it's not 'smooth' or 'ready.' If you say you are shēngshū at a language, you can still speak it, just slowly. If you wàngjì it, you can't speak it at all.
Mistake 3: Using it for physical objects being 'old': 生疏 is for skills, feelings, and familiarity, not for physical items. You cannot say a car is shēngshū if it's rusty from rain. For physical rust, use 生锈 (shēngxiù).

Don't say: 他的脸很生疏。 (His face is rusty.)
Say: 他的脸很陌生。 (His face is unfamiliar/I don't know him.)

Error: 我对这台电脑很生疏。 (While technically okay if you mean you haven't used it in a while, it's better to say 不熟悉 for general lack of knowledge about a tool.)

Finally, remember that 生疏 can be a bit formal. In very casual slang, young people might use 手生 (shǒushēng) to mean 'hand-raw' or 'rusty hands' when they fail at a video game or a sport. However, 生疏 remains the standard and most widely understood term for all levels of proficiency.

To truly master 生疏 (shēngshū), you need to see how it sits alongside its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word has a slightly different 'flavor' and context.

陌生 (mòshēng) vs. 生疏: 陌生 is 'strange' or 'unknown.' It is binary: you either know it or you don't. 生疏 is a spectrum: you once knew it well, but now it’s faded, or you are in the process of learning it and aren't smooth yet.
不熟悉 (bù shúxī) vs. 生疏: 不熟悉 is the most neutral and common way to say 'not familiar.' It is used for facts, people, and places. 生疏 is more descriptive and often implies a *loss* of previous skill or a *stiffness* in action.
荒废 (huāngfèi) vs. 生疏: 荒废 is a verb meaning 'to neglect' or 'to go to waste.' It is the *cause* of being shēngshū. 'Because I huāngfèi my studies, my knowledge became shēngshū.'
手生 (shǒushēng) vs. 生疏: 手生 is the colloquial version of 生疏 specifically for manual or physical skills (sports, crafts, typing). It literally means 'hands are raw.'

Synonym Check:
1. 感情生疏 (Feelings have grown distant)
2. 感情淡薄 (Feelings have become thin/weak)

虽然我们的关系有点疏远，但还没到生疏的地步。(Although our relationship is a bit distant [shūyuǎn], it hasn't reached the point of being completely unfamiliar [shēngshū].)

In summary, 生疏 is your 'go-to' word for describing that uncomfortable gap between 'knowing' and 'mastering,' or 'knowing' and 'remembering.' It carries a specific nuance of transition that simpler words like 'not familiar' just don't capture.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, '疏' was often used to describe the spacing between teeth or the density of a forest. Its application to human relationships and skills is a metaphorical extension of 'thinning out.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃʌŋ ʃuː/

US /ʃəŋ ʃu/

Equal stress on both syllables as is typical in Mandarin.

Rhymes With

灯 (dēng) 风 (fēng) 书 (shū) 猪 (zhū) 姑 (gū) 租 (zū) 图 (tú) 出 (chū)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shēng' like 'shēn' (missing the 'g').
Falling tone on 'shū' (it should stay high).
Confusing the 'u' sound in 'shū' with 'ü'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively common, but the nuance between it and similar words requires careful reading.

Writing 4/5

The character '疏' can be tricky to write correctly (pay attention to the right side).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, though getting the tones right is important for clarity.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '陌生' if not listening carefully to the context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

生 (shēng) 熟 (shú) 熟悉 (shúxī) 认识 (rènshi) 朋友 (péngyou)

Learn Next

陌生 (mòshēng) 疏远 (shūyuǎn) 熟练 (shúliàn) 精通 (jīngtōng) 隔阂 (géhé)

Advanced

荒废 (huāngfèi) 生僻 (shēngpì) 疏忽 (shūhu) 淡薄 (dànbó)

Grammar to Know

Degree Adverbs with Adjectives

很生疏, 非常生疏, 极其生疏

Change of State '了'

我的英语生疏了。

Prepositional Phrase '对...'

我对这里的路生疏。

Resultative Complement '变得'

关系变得生疏。

Noun Modification with '的'

生疏的业务, 生疏的环境

Examples by Level

我和这个同学很生疏。

I am very unfamiliar with this classmate.

Subject + 很 + 生疏

他对邻居很生疏。

He is very unfamiliar with his neighbors.

对...生疏 pattern

他们虽然住在一起，但是很生疏。

Although they live together, they are very distant.

Using '但是' to show contrast.

小明对新老师很生疏。

Xiao Ming is very unfamiliar with the new teacher.

Proper noun + 对 + Object + 生疏

这个地方我有点生疏。

I am a bit unfamiliar with this place.

有点 (a bit) used as a degree adverb.

不要跟生疏的人走。

Don't go with people you are unfamiliar with.

Using '生疏的人' as a noun phrase.

我们很久没见了，所以有点生疏。

We haven't seen each other for a long time, so we're a bit distant.

Cause and effect sentence.

她对这种水果很生疏。

She is very unfamiliar with this kind of fruit.

Using '这种' (this kind of).

太久没写字，我的手有点生疏了。

I haven't written for too long, my hand is a bit rusty.

Adding '了' to show a change in state.

我对这里的路很生疏，请带路。

I'm very unfamiliar with the roads here, please lead the way.

Imperative '请' used with the explanation.

半年没说汉语，我变得生疏了。

I haven't spoken Chinese for half a year, I've become rusty.

变得 (become) + 生疏.

这首歌我很久没唱，调子生疏了。

I haven't sung this song for a long time, the tune is rusty.

Topic-comment structure.

新员工对公司的规定还很生疏。

The new employee is still very unfamiliar with the company rules.

Using '还' (still) to show current state.

因为不常联系，亲戚之间生疏了。

Because they don't contact each other often, the relatives have grown distant.

Because... therefore... structure.

我对这个软件的操作还很生疏。

I am still very unfamiliar with the operation of this software.

对...的操作 (operation of...).

虽然以前学过，但现在生疏了。

Although I learned it before, I'm rusty now.

虽然...但... (Although... but...).

如果长期不练习，你的琴艺会变得生疏。

If you don't practice for a long time, your piano skills will become rusty.

Conditional '如果' (if).

搬家后，我对周围的环境感到生疏。

After moving, I feel unfamiliar with the surroundings.

感到 (to feel) + 生疏.

他们两人多年未见，言谈间难免有些生疏。

The two of them hadn't met for years, so it was inevitable that their conversation was a bit awkward/distant.

难免 (inevitably).

由于缺乏实践，他的技术已经生疏了。

Due to a lack of practice, his technique is already rusty.

由于 (due to) + 已经 (already).

我对这门学科的背景知识比较生疏。

I am relatively unfamiliar with the background knowledge of this subject.

比较 (relatively) as a degree adverb.

离家太久，家乡的方言都听着生疏了。

Having been away from home for too long, the hometown dialect sounds unfamiliar.

Verb + 着 (sounds/looks like).

新来的厨师对这道菜的做法还很生疏。

The new chef is still very unfamiliar with how to make this dish.

对...的做法 (how to do...).

时间可以冲淡感情，也可以让关系生疏。

Time can dilute feelings and also make relationships grow distant.

Parallel structure with '可以...也可以'.

由于他常年在外，和家人的关系渐渐生疏了。

Since he was away for many years, his relationship with his family gradually grew distant.

渐渐 (gradually) showing a slow change.

这篇文章用词生疏，读起来有些费劲。

The wording in this article is unfamiliar/obscure, making it a bit difficult to read.

读起来 (reading it...) used as a result.

我对现代流行文化感到有些生疏。

I feel somewhat out of touch with modern pop culture.

Feeling 'out of touch' is a key B2 usage.

如果一个作家对生活生疏，就写不出好作品。

If a writer is unfamiliar with life, they cannot write good works.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

虽然是老本行，但几年不做，业务也生疏了。

Although it's his original profession, after not doing it for years, the business has become rusty.

老本行 (original trade/profession).

这种生疏感让他觉得在这个城市格格不入。

This sense of unfamiliarity made him feel out of place in this city.

生疏感 (sense of unfamiliarity) as a noun phrase.

他在台上显得有些生疏，可能是太紧张了。

He seemed a bit unpracticed on stage, perhaps he was too nervous.

显得 (to appear/seem).

不要因为一时的生疏而放弃练习。

Don't give up practicing because of temporary rustiness.

因为...而... (because of... therefore...).

他那种生疏的礼貌，反而让人感到一种距离感。

His unfamiliar/stiff politeness actually made people feel a sense of distance.

Using '生疏' to describe a type of behavior.

对于一个长期旅居海外的人来说，母语有时也会变得生疏。

For someone who has lived abroad for a long time, their native language can sometimes become rusty.

对于...来说 (As for...).

由于缺乏沟通，团队成员之间的配合显得十分生疏。

Due to a lack of communication, the coordination between team members appeared very unpracticed.

配合 (coordination/cooperation).

他试图掩饰对业务的生疏，但还是被识破了。

He tried to hide his lack of familiarity with the business, but he was still found out.

掩饰 (to hide/cover up).

这种生疏并非因为遗忘，而是因为缺乏共鸣。

This unfamiliarity/estrangement is not because of forgetting, but because of a lack of resonance.

并非...而是... (not because... but because...).

在学术研究中，对基础理论的生疏是极其危险的。

In academic research, being unfamiliar with basic theories is extremely dangerous.

极其 (extremely) formal adverb.

面对昔日的恋人，她表现出一种刻意的生疏。

Facing her former lover, she showed a deliberate unfamiliarity.

刻意的 (deliberate).

随着城市化进程，邻里关系日益生疏。

With the process of urbanization, neighborhood relationships are becoming increasingly distant.

日益 (day by day/increasingly).

这种生疏的文字风格，恰恰体现了作者对现代文明的疏离感。

This unfamiliar/stilted writing style precisely reflects the author's sense of alienation from modern civilization.

Literary analysis usage.

在快节奏的职场中，稍有懈怠，原本精湛的技艺便会生疏。

In the fast-paced workplace, with even a slight bit of slack, originally superb skills will become rusty.

精湛 (superb) + 懈怠 (slack/neglect).

他笔下的角色往往带着一种与生俱来的生疏感。

The characters in his writing often carry an innate sense of unfamiliarity/alienation.

与生俱来 (innate/born with).

尽管他努力融入，但文化背景的差异仍使他感到某种生疏。

Despite his efforts to integrate, differences in cultural background still made him feel a certain unfamiliarity.

尽管...但... (Despite... but...).

由于长期的政治隔阂，两地民众的心理距离已变得相当生疏。

Due to long-term political estrangement, the psychological distance between the people of the two places has become quite distant.

政治隔阂 (political estrangement).

这种对传统的生疏，实际上是文化断层的一种表现。

This unfamiliarity with tradition is actually a manifestation of a cultural fault line.

文化断层 (cultural fault line).

他在处理人际关系时的那种生疏，源于他童年的孤独经历。

His awkwardness/unfamiliarity in handling interpersonal relationships stems from his lonely childhood experiences.

源于 (stems from).

当艺术沦为技巧的堆砌，灵感便会因生疏而枯竭。

When art degenerates into a pile of techniques, inspiration will wither due to the rustiness (of the soul).

沦为 (degenerate into).

Common Collocations

业务生疏

关系生疏

感到生疏

手法生疏

笔法生疏

言谈生疏

对...生疏

环境生疏

技能生疏

感情生疏

Common Phrases

生疏感

— A sense of unfamiliarity or alienation.

这个城市给了我一种强烈的生疏感。

显得生疏

— To appear or seem unfamiliar/unpracticed.

他在新工作中显得有些生疏。

变得生疏

— To become unfamiliar or distant over time.

老同学之间慢慢变得生疏了。

生疏的面孔

— Unfamiliar faces (less common than 陌生的面孔).

聚会上全是生疏的面孔。

极其生疏

— Extremely unfamiliar or rusty.

我对这门外语极其生疏。

有些生疏

— A bit unfamiliar or slightly rusty.

这首歌唱起来有些生疏。

手法生疏

— Rusty technique or clumsy hands.

由于太久没做，他的手法有些生疏。

业务生疏

— Rusty at one's job or business tasks.

新经理对具体业务还很生疏。

地理生疏

— Unfamiliar with the geography or layout of a place.

我对这里的地理环境很生疏。

日益生疏

— Becoming more distant day by day.

两人的关系日益生疏。

Often Confused With

生疏 vs 陌生

陌生 is for people/things you never knew. 生疏 is for things you've lost familiarity with.

生疏 vs 疏远

疏远 is specifically for relationships growing distant; 生疏 can be used for skills and environments too.

生疏 vs 生硬

生硬 means stiff or rigid (like a translation), while 生疏 means unpracticed or unfamiliar.

Idioms & Expressions

"人地生疏"

— To be a stranger in a strange place; unfamiliar with both the people and the place.

他初到上海，人地生疏，需要找个向导。

Common Idiom

"生拉硬拽"

— To drag someone in against their will (related to '生' as raw/forced).

不要生拉硬拽地把我也扯进这件事里。

Informal

"生疏冷淡"

— Distant and cold (describing relationships).

他的态度突然变得生疏冷淡。

Literary

"眼生"

— To look unfamiliar (of a person's face).

这个人看着眼生，是新来的吗？

Colloquial

"久未谋面"

— Not having seen each other for a long time (leads to feeling 生疏).

我们久未谋面，难免有些生疏。

Formal

"学如逆水行舟"

— Learning is like rowing upstream (if you stop, you become rusty/生疏).

学如逆水行舟，不进则退，几天不看书就生疏了。

Proverb

"久别重逢"

— To reunite after a long separation (often followed by a feeling of 生疏).

久别重逢，两人竟然有些生疏。

Formal

"半生不熟"

— Half-raw, half-cooked; also used for skills that are not yet mastered.

他的英语半生不熟，沟通很吃力。

Colloquial

"手生"

— Rusty hands; out of practice.

太久没打麻将，手生了。

Colloquial

"疏而不漏"

— Sparse but letting nothing through (related to '疏' as sparse).

天网恢恢，疏而不漏。

Classical Idiom

Easily Confused

生疏 vs 陌生

Both mean 'unfamiliar' in English.

陌生 implies a total lack of prior knowledge (a stranger). 生疏 implies a lack of recent practice or a fading of previous knowledge.

陌生的面孔 (a face I've never seen) vs 生疏的业务 (work I haven't done in a while).

生疏 vs 生锈

Both can be translated as 'rusty.'

生锈 is for physical metal oxidation. 生疏 is for mental/physical skills or relationships.

铁钉生锈了 (The nail is rusty) vs 英语生疏了 (English is rusty).

生疏 vs 疏忽

Both share the character '疏'.

疏忽 means 'to neglect' or 'to be careless' (a verb/noun). 生疏 is a state of being (adjective).

一时的疏忽 (a moment of carelessness) vs 关系生疏 (the relationship is distant).

生疏 vs 生僻

Both mean 'unfamiliar' in a way.

生僻 is specifically for words, characters, or knowledge that is obscure and rarely used by anyone. 生疏 is about *your* personal lack of practice.

生僻字 (an obscure character) vs 对单词生疏 (I'm rusty on my vocabulary).

生疏 vs 生动

Share the character '生'.

生动 means 'vivid' or 'lively.' It is actually a positive antonym in some contexts of artistic expression.

生动的故事 (a vivid story) vs 生疏的笔法 (unpracticed brushwork).

Sentence Patterns

我 + 对 + [Person] + 很生疏

我对那个邻居很生疏。

[Skill] + 生疏 + 了

我的汉语生疏了。

[Relationship] + 变得 + 生疏

我们的关系变得生疏了。

感到 + 一种 + 生疏感

我感到一种强烈的生疏感。

[Negative Cause] + 导致 + [Skill/Relationship] + 生疏

缺乏练习导致他的琴艺生疏。

由于 + [Formal Reason] + 显得 + 极其生疏

由于长期的政治隔阂，两地民众的心理距离已变得相当生疏。

Any

虽然...但是...生疏

虽然以前很熟，但是现在生疏了。

Any

难免 + 有些 + 生疏

久别重逢，难免有些生疏。

Word Family

Nouns

生疏感 (shēngshūgǎn) - sense of unfamiliarity

Verbs

疏远 (shūyuǎn) - to drift apart

疏忽 (shūhu) - to neglect

Adjectives

陌生 (mòshēng) - strange/unknown

生僻 (shēngpì) - obscure

生硬 (shēngyìng) - stiff/rigid

熟练 (shúliàn)

熟悉 (shúxī)

练习 (liànxí)

荒废 (huāngfèi)

手生 (shǒushēng)

How to Use It

frequency

High in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using '生疏' for a total stranger. → 使用 '陌生' (mòshēng).
You cannot be 'rusty' with someone you never knew. Use '陌生' for people you don't know at all.
Saying '我的车生疏了' for a rusty car. → 我的车生锈了 (shēngxiù).
Physical rust is '生锈.' '生疏' is only for skills, knowledge, or feelings.
Using '生疏' as a verb: '我生疏了汉语'。 → 我的汉语生疏了。
'生疏' is an adjective. You should use it to describe the subject, not as an action you do to an object.
Confusing '生疏' with '疏忽'。 → ‘生疏’ is a state; ‘疏忽’ is an act of carelessness.
If you forget to lock the door, that is '疏忽.' If you forget how to play guitar, that is '生疏.'
Using '生疏' for a 'difficult' word. → 生僻字 (shēngpì zì).
If a word is rare and hard for everyone, it is '生僻.' If you personally forgot a common word, your knowledge is '生疏.'

Tips

Use with '了'

When talking about a skill that has faded, always add '了' at the end. It marks the change from being good to being rusty.

Humility in Business

Use '生疏' to politely decline a task you aren't confident in. It sounds more professional than saying 'I can't do it.'

Pair with '业务'

The phrase '业务生疏' (yèwù shēngshū) is a very common way to describe being out of practice in professional tasks.

Relationship Warning

If a Chinese friend says you are becoming '生疏,' it's a hint that you should hang out more!

The 'Raw' Connection

Remember that '生' means raw. A 'raw' skill is one that hasn't been 'cooked' by practice.

Attributive Use

You can use it before a noun: '生疏的技巧' (unpracticed skill). This is very common in formal essays.

Softening the Blow

Add '有点儿' (a bit) before '生疏' to make it sound like a minor issue rather than a total failure.

Compare with 陌生

Always ask: 'Did I know this before?' If yes, use '生疏.' If no, use '陌生.'

Guanxi

In the context of Guanxi, '生疏' is the opposite of '自己人' (one of us). It implies you are becoming an outsider.

Artistic Critique

In calligraphy or painting, '生疏' can actually be a style choice (intentional awkwardness), though usually, it's a criticism.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '生' (shēng) as 'Raw' and '疏' (shū) as 'Sparse.' If your skills are 'Raw and Sparse,' you haven't 'cooked' them enough with practice!

Visual Association

Imagine a dusty piano (疏 - neglected) with a raw, unpeeled fruit (生 - raw) sitting on the keys. Both represent something not ready to be enjoyed.

Word Web

Practice Skill Friendship Distance Memory Rust New Place Awkward

Challenge

Try to use '生疏' in a sentence about a hobby you haven't done in over a year. Then, use it to describe a person you haven't talked to in a long time.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '生' (shēng) and '疏' (shū). '生' dates back to oracle bone script representing a plant growing out of the earth, meaning life or raw. '疏' originally referred to water flowing through or thinning out plants.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to plants being sparse or something being 'raw' and 'unprocessed,' leading to the meaning of not being 'mellowed' by interaction.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone they are '生疏' in their work; it can be seen as a direct criticism of their professionalism. Use it more for yourself or in a supportive context.

The English equivalent 'rusty' is more informal than '生疏.' '生疏' can be used in very formal writing to describe social phenomena, whereas 'rusty' is mostly for skills.

Lu Xun's stories often depict the '生疏' between old friends in a changing China. The idiom '人地生疏' is a common trope in Wuxia novels when a hero enters a new town. Modern Mandopop songs frequently use '生疏' to describe a breakup where lovers become strangers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Skills

业务生疏
操作生疏
技术生疏
手法生疏

Social Relationships

关系生疏
感情生疏
言谈生疏
显得生疏

New Environments

人地生疏
环境生疏
感到生疏
对这里生疏

Language Learning

口语生疏
单词生疏
语法生疏
听力生疏

Art/Hobbies

琴艺生疏
画法生疏
笔法生疏
棋艺生疏

Conversation Starters

"你有没有很久没做，现在觉得很生疏的爱好？"

"如果你和老朋友变得生疏了，你会主动联系吗？"

"你刚到这个城市的时候，觉得环境生疏吗？"

"你觉得学习外语如果不练习，多久会变得生疏？"

"在工作中，你最怕哪方面的业务变得生疏？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你曾经很擅长但现在变得生疏的一项技能。

描述一次你和很久没见的朋友见面，感到生疏的经历。

讨论一下为什么现代人虽然有社交媒体，但邻里关系却越来越生疏。

如果你要重新捡起一项生疏的技能，你会制定什么样的计划？

反思一下，在你的生活中，哪些关系的生疏让你感到遗憾？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '陌生' (mòshēng) for someone you just met and don't know at all. '生疏' implies that you either knew them before and grew distant, or the interaction itself feels unpracticed and awkward.

It is generally neutral but can have a slightly negative connotation because it implies a loss of skill or a loss of intimacy. However, it's often used as a humble way to manage expectations.

'手生' (shǒushēng) is a more colloquial, informal version of '生疏' specifically used for physical or manual skills (like sports, cooking, or typing). You wouldn't use '手生' for a relationship.

You can say '我的汉语生疏了' (Wǒ de Hànyǔ shēngshū le) or '我的汉语变得生疏了' (Wǒ de Hànyǔ biànde shēngshū le).

No, it is primarily an adjective. However, it can follow verbs like '变得' (become) or '感到' (feel) to describe a state.

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly acceptable in both formal writing and daily casual conversation.

Yes, you can. '我对这个城市很生疏' means you are unfamiliar with the city, perhaps because you are new there or haven't visited in a long time.

Not necessarily. It usually means you still have the knowledge but you aren't 'fluent' or 'smooth' in using it. It's about a lack of fluidity, not total memory loss.

The opposite is '熟悉' (shúxī) for familiarity/relationships and '熟练' (shúliàn) for skills.

No. For food that is not cooked, use '生' (shēng). For food that is well-cooked, use '熟' (shú). '生疏' is only for metaphorical 'unfamiliarity.'