This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 adjective 8 min read

庸俗

yongsu
Examples 庸俗 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 庸俗 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '庸俗' (yōngsú) is a very difficult word because it deals with abstract social judgments. However, you can think of it as a way to say 'not nice' or 'bad taste.' Imagine someone who only likes things that are loud and expensive but not beautiful. In Chinese, we might say that is 'yōngsú.' For a beginner, just remember that this word is used to describe things that are not elegant. If you see a movie that has a lot of silly, rude jokes, that is 'yōngsú.' You won't need to use this word often in basic conversation, but if you hear someone say it with a look of disapproval, they are saying that something is low-class or trashy. It is the opposite of 'good' or 'refined.' Focus on the sound 'yōng' and 'sú' and associate it with a 'thumbs down' for quality or behavior.
Sign up free to read full explanation
By A2, you are learning more adjectives to describe people and things. '庸俗' (yōngsú) is an adjective used to criticize things that are 'vulgar' or 'tacky.' While '普通' (pǔtōng) means 'normal,' '庸俗' is a negative word. It is like saying something is 'cheap' in spirit. For example, if a person only cares about money and doesn't care about being a good person or learning new things, people might call their ideas 'yōngsú.' You can use it in simple sentences like '这个电影很庸俗' (This movie is very vulgar). It helps you express a deeper level of dislike than just saying '不好' (not good). It specifically points to a lack of class or a lack of high-level thinking. Try to notice it in movie reviews or when people talk about TV shows they don't like.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you can start to use '庸俗' (yōngsú) to discuss social values. This word is essential for talking about why you might dislike certain trends. It describes a 'philistine' attitude—someone who is only interested in material gain and lacks any spiritual or intellectual interests. You might use it to describe a '庸俗的趣味' (vulgar taste) or '庸俗的关系' (relationships based only on money). It is more formal than '俗气' (súqi), which usually just means 'tacky' in appearance. When you use '庸俗,' you are making a stronger statement about someone's character. You can also use it to describe the 'vulgarization' of art or culture. For example, if a serious book is turned into a silly, action-packed movie just to make money, you can say the story has become '庸俗化' (yōngsúhuà).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '庸俗' (yōngsú) to engage in more complex debates about culture and society. It is a key term in Chinese intellectual life, used to criticize the negative effects of commercialism. You should understand that '庸俗' is the opposite of '高雅' (refined/elegant). In your writing, you can use it to critique social phenomena, such as the obsession with celebrity gossip or the pursuit of wealth at any cost. For example, '现代社会中，庸俗主义的盛行令人担忧' (In modern society, the prevalence of vulgarism is worrying). You should also be able to distinguish it from '通俗' (popular/accessible), which is usually neutral. '庸俗' implies a moral or aesthetic failure, while '通俗' just means something is easy for everyone to enjoy. Mastering this word allows you to express sophisticated opinions on art, literature, and human behavior.
For C1 learners, '庸俗' (yōngsú) is a versatile tool for social and literary analysis. You should be familiar with its use in historical and philosophical contexts. For instance, '庸俗唯物主义' (vulgar materialism) is a specific term used in Marxist theory to describe a crude, non-dialectical form of materialism. You can use the word to analyze characters in literature who represent the 'small-minded' or 'philistine' segments of society. It often carries a nuance of 'spiritual emptiness.' In your essays, you might discuss how the '庸俗化' of language reflects a deeper decline in cultural standards. You should also be comfortable using it in four-character expressions like '庸俗不堪' (unbearably vulgar) or '庸俗之辈' (a vulgar person). At this level, you aren't just using the word to say you dislike something; you are using it to categorize a specific type of cultural or moral deficiency.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, '庸俗' (yōngsú) becomes a lens through which you can examine the complexities of modern Chinese identity and the tensions between traditional values and modern consumerism. You can discuss the 'aesthetics of the vulgar' (庸俗美学) and how some artists intentionally use vulgarity to subvert traditional norms. You should be able to perceive the subtle shifts in the word's meaning across different eras—from the early 20th-century critiques of the 'old society' to contemporary critiques of neoliberalism. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight in the 'Ya-Su' (Refined-Vulgar) dialectic that has shaped Chinese aesthetics for centuries. Whether you are discussing the 'philistinism' of the middle class or the 'vulgarization' of academic research, your use of '庸俗' should demonstrate a deep sensitivity to the cultural and social hierarchies it reinforces or challenges.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

庸俗 in 30 Seconds

  • 庸俗 (yōngsú) is a negative adjective meaning 'vulgar,' 'tacky,' or 'philistine,' used to criticize a lack of refinement or a focus on materialism.
  • It is commonly used to describe low-brow entertainment, shallow social relationships, or a person's materialistic worldview and unrefined tastes.
  • Grammatically, it functions as a predicate or an attribute, often modified by '很' (very) or '太' (too), and is the opposite of '高雅' (refined).
  • Learners should distinguish it from '通俗' (popular/accessible) and '俗气' (tacky), as 庸俗 carries a stronger intellectual and moral judgment.

The term 庸俗 (yōngsú) is a powerful adjective in Chinese that describes something or someone as vulgar, philistine, or lacking in refinement. It is not merely a description of being 'common' or 'ordinary,' but rather a value judgment that implies a person's tastes, interests, or behaviors are low-brow, materialistic, or intellectually shallow. When you call something 庸俗, you are suggesting that it lacks spiritual depth or aesthetic elevation, focusing instead on the most basic or superficial aspects of life. This word is frequently used in literary criticism, social commentary, and personal evaluations of character.

Etymological Breakdown
The character 庸 (yōng) originally relates to the idea of the mediocre or the common, often associated with things that are unremarkable or average. The character 俗 (sú) refers to customs, the mundane world, or popular habits. When combined, they create a term that specifically targets the 'mediocrity of the masses' or the 'vulgarity of common customs' that lack higher aspiration.
Cultural Connotations
In Chinese culture, there is a long-standing dichotomy between the 'Ya' (雅 - elegant/refined) and the 'Su' (俗 - common/vulgar). While 'Su' isn't always negative (it can mean folk culture), yōngsú sits firmly on the negative end of the spectrum. It implies a person who is obsessed with money, fame, and physical pleasure at the expense of moral or intellectual growth.

追求物质享受并没有错，但如果只剩下这种追求，那就显得太庸俗了。

Translation: There is nothing wrong with pursuing material enjoyment, but if that is all one pursues, it appears too vulgar.

You will encounter this word in contexts where people are discussing art, entertainment, or lifestyle choices. For instance, a movie that relies solely on cheap jokes and over-the-top violence might be labeled as 庸俗. Similarly, a person who only talks about their wealth and looks down on those who value education or art might be described as having a 庸俗的趣味 (yōngsú de qùwèi - vulgar taste).

他那种讨好观众的做法被批评为庸俗化。

Translation: His way of pandering to the audience was criticized as vulgarization.
Modern Usage
In the era of social media, 庸俗 is often used to describe 'clickbait' content or influencers who engage in scandalous behavior just for views. It reflects a societal anxiety about the decline of traditional values and high culture in the face of commercialization.

Using 庸俗 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. It primarily functions as an adjective, but it can also be used in noun phrases or modified by adverbs of degree like '很' (hěn - very), '非常' (fēicháng - extremely), or '太' (tài - too).

As a Predicate Adjective
When used as a predicate, it describes the subject directly. This is the most common way to express that a situation or a person's behavior is vulgar. For example: '这种谈话内容太庸俗了' (This conversation topic is too vulgar).

他的生活方式虽然奢华，但给人一种极其庸俗的感觉。

Translation: Although his lifestyle is luxurious, it gives off an extremely vulgar feeling.

It is also frequently used to modify nouns using the particle '的' (de). Common pairings include 庸俗的趣味 (vulgar taste), 庸俗的作品 (vulgar works), and 庸俗的关系 (philistine relationships - often referring to networking based purely on mutual material benefit).

Modification of Nouns
When you say '庸俗的人' (yōngsú de rén), you aren't just saying someone is poor or uneducated; you are saying they lack class and spiritual elevation. It is a criticism of their worldview.

我们应当抵制那些庸俗的社会风气。

Translation: We should resist those vulgar social trends.

In formal writing, 庸俗 can be part of four-character idioms or fixed expressions. For example, '庸俗不堪' (yōngsú bùkān) means 'unbearably vulgar,' and '庸俗化' (yōngsúhuà) means 'to vulgarize' or 'vulgarization.'

不要把这件严肃的事情庸俗化。

Translation: Do not vulgarize this serious matter.
Degrees of Vulgarity
You can use '有点' (yǒudiǎn - a bit) for a milder critique, or '极其' (jíqí - extremely) for a harsh condemnation. For instance, '这件衣服的设计有点庸俗' (The design of this dress is a bit vulgar) implies the style is somewhat tacky.

The word 庸俗 is ubiquitous in Chinese intellectual discourse, media reviews, and everyday conversations about social status and taste. If you listen to Chinese news or read editorials, you will often hear it used to criticize contemporary culture.

In Media and Entertainment
Film critics often use 庸俗 to describe movies that rely on low-brow humor or sensationalist plots to attract audiences. A critic might say, '这部电影充满了庸俗的笑话' (This movie is full of vulgar jokes), indicating that the humor is not clever or sophisticated.

网络直播中不乏一些庸俗的内容，我们应该加强监管。

Translation: There is no shortage of vulgar content in live streaming; we should strengthen supervision.

In academic settings, especially in sociology or philosophy, 庸俗 is used to describe a philistine worldview—one that values only utility and physical comfort. You might hear a professor talk about '庸俗唯物主义' (yōngsú wéiwù zhǔyì - vulgar materialism), which is a simplified and crude version of materialistic philosophy.

In Workplace and Social Circles
In the workplace, 庸俗 can describe 'office politics' that are based on flattery and sycophancy rather than merit. If someone says, '我讨厌这种庸俗的人际关系' (I hate these vulgar interpersonal relationships), they are complaining about the shallow, transactional nature of their social environment.

他那种唯利是图的商人本色显得非常庸俗。

Translation: His nature as a profit-seeking merchant appears very vulgar.

Literature is another place where this word shines. Authors like Lu Xun often used similar concepts to critique the narrow-mindedness of the petite bourgeoisie. When reading modern Chinese novels, you'll find characters described as 庸俗 to highlight their lack of moral backbone or their obsession with mundane trivialities.

这种为了流量而不择手段的行为是典型的庸俗主义。

Translation: This behavior of using any means necessary for traffic is typical vulgarism.

While 庸俗 is a common word, learners often struggle with its specific nuances compared to other words that mean 'common' or 'bad.' Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving a native-like grasp of Chinese.

Mistake 1: Using it for 'Ordinary'
A common error is using 庸俗 when you simply mean 'ordinary' or 'common' (普通 - pǔtōng). If you say a person is '普通,' you are saying they are average. If you say they are '庸俗,' you are insulting their character. Never use 庸俗 to describe a regular person unless you intend to criticize their lack of refinement.

错误：他是一个庸俗的学生。(He is a vulgar student - unless he is actually vulgar.)
正确：他是一个普通的学生。(He is an ordinary student.)

Another mistake is confusing 庸俗 with 俗气 (súqi). While they are related, 俗气 is often used for physical appearance or fashion sense (tacky, kitsch), whereas 庸俗 is a more comprehensive judgment of one's soul, intellect, and social behavior.

Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Erotic'
Sometimes learners use 庸俗 to mean 'obscene' or 'pornographic' (淫秽 - yínhuì). While something 庸俗 might be suggestive or 'low,' it doesn't necessarily mean it is sexually explicit. It's more about being 'trashy' or 'crass.'

不要混淆“庸俗”和“通俗”。“通俗”是易懂、大众化的，通常是褒义或中性。

Translation: Do not confuse 'yōngsú' with 'tōngsú'. 'Tōngsú' means popular and easy to understand, usually positive or neutral.

Lastly, be careful with the word 通俗 (tōngsú). It sounds similar but means 'popular' or 'accessible.' For example, 通俗读物 (tōngsú dúwù) means 'popular reading material' (like a best-selling novel), which is a neutral or positive term. Calling the same book 庸俗读物 would be a harsh criticism.

To truly master the concept of 庸俗, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. This will help you choose the precise word for the context you are in.

庸俗 (yōngsú) vs. 俗气 (súqi)
庸俗 is more formal and critical of character/ideology. 俗气 is more informal and often refers to aesthetics, fashion, or behavior that is tacky or lacks 'style.' You might call a gaudy dress 俗气, but you call a person's materialistic worldview 庸俗.
庸俗 (yōngsú) vs. 粗俗 (cūsú)
粗俗 specifically emphasizes 'coarseness' or 'rudeness.' If someone is swearing and has no manners, they are 粗俗. 庸俗 is more about the 'low-brow' nature of one's interests. A person can be polite but still be 庸俗 if they only care about money and gossip.

他的言谈举止非常粗俗，而他的思想却很庸俗。

Translation: His speech and behavior are very coarse (crude), and his thoughts are very vulgar (philistine).

Other alternatives include 鄙俗 (bǐsú), which is even more derogatory and implies 'base' or 'mean' vulgarity, and 低级 (dījí), which literally means 'low-level' and is often used to describe low-brow humor (低级趣味).

Positive Alternatives (Antonyms)
The direct opposite of 庸俗 is 高雅 (gāoyǎ), meaning elegant and refined. Another strong antonym is 脱俗 (tuōsú), which means 'transcending the mundane' or 'refined beyond common customs.' If someone has unique, artistic tastes, you would call them 脱俗.

我们要追求高尚的精神生活，远离庸俗。

Translation: We should pursue a noble spiritual life and stay away from vulgarity.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

这个电影有点庸俗。

This movie is a bit vulgar.

Subject + Adverb (有点) + Adjective (庸俗).

2

我不喜欢庸俗的东西。

I don't like vulgar things.

Using 庸俗 to modify the noun 东西.

3

他的笑话很庸俗。

His jokes are very vulgar.

庸俗 describes the nature of the jokes.

4

那是庸俗的行为。

That is vulgar behavior.

庸俗 modifying the noun 行为.

5

不要做庸俗的人。

Don't be a vulgar person.

Imperative sentence using 庸俗的人.

6

这种音乐太庸俗了。

This music is too vulgar.

Using 太...了 for emphasis.

7

她觉得这件衣服很庸俗。

She thinks this dress is very vulgar.

Expressing an opinion with 觉得.

8

庸俗是不好的。

Vulgarity is not good.

庸俗 used as a subject here (vulgarity).

1

他只关心钱，非常庸俗。

He only cares about money; he's very vulgar.

Linking a specific behavior (caring only about money) to the adjective 庸俗.

2

这种庸俗的趣味不适合你。

This vulgar taste doesn't suit you.

庸俗的趣味 (vulgar taste) is a common phrase.

3

我不想参加这种庸俗的聚会。

I don't want to attend this kind of vulgar party.

Using 这种 (this kind of) to specify the type of party.

4

这个故事的内容很庸俗。

The content of this story is very vulgar.

庸俗 describing the abstract 'content' (内容).

5

追求名利会让一个人变得庸俗。

Pursuing fame and wealth will make a person become vulgar.

变得 (become) + Adjective.

6

他说话的方式有点庸俗。

His way of speaking is a bit vulgar.

Modifying the 'way of speaking' (说话的方式).

7

我们应该远离那些庸俗的书籍。

We should stay away from those vulgar books.

远离 (stay away from) + Object.

8

这种看法太庸俗了，我不赞成。

This view is too vulgar; I don't agree.

Using 庸俗 to criticize an opinion (看法).

1

很多电视节目为了收视率而变得越来越庸俗。

Many TV programs are becoming more and more vulgar for the sake of ratings.

为了...而... (for the sake of... thus...).

2

他虽然富有，但谈吐却十分庸俗。

Although he is wealthy, his manner of speech is very vulgar.

虽然...但... (although... but...).

3

这种庸俗的社会风气必须得到改变。

This vulgar social atmosphere must be changed.

社会风气 (social atmosphere/trends) modified by 庸俗.

4

他被批评为一个庸俗的市侩。

He was criticized as a vulgar philistine.

市侩 (shìkuài) is a strong word for a philistine/shrewd merchant.

5

艺术不应该走向庸俗化。

Art should not move towards vulgarization.

庸俗化 (vulgarization) used as a noun/process.

6

这种电影纯粹是庸俗的娱乐。

This movie is purely vulgar entertainment.

纯粹是 (is purely) + Noun phrase.

7

他拒绝参与任何庸俗的商业竞争。

He refused to participate in any vulgar commercial competition.

商业竞争 (commercial competition) modified by 庸俗.

8

由于缺乏教育，他的审美观非常庸俗。

Due to a lack of education, his aesthetic sense is very vulgar.

审美观 (aesthetic sense/view) as the subject.

1

在金钱至上的社会里，人们很容易变得庸俗。

In a society where money is supreme, people easily become vulgar.

金钱至上 (money is supreme) as a situational context.

2

作家应该引导读者，而不是迎合庸俗的口味。

Writers should lead readers, not cater to vulgar tastes.

迎合 (cater to) + 庸俗的口味 (vulgar tastes).

3

这种对成功的庸俗定义误导了年青一代。

This vulgar definition of success has misled the younger generation.

庸俗的定义 (vulgar definition).

4

他那副庸俗的嘴脸让人感到厌恶。

His vulgar countenance (look) makes people feel disgusted.

嘴脸 (countenance/look) often carries a negative connotation.

5

我们不能让庸俗主义占领我们的精神阵地。

We cannot let vulgarism occupy our spiritual high ground.

庸俗主义 (vulgarism) as an abstract 'ism'.

6

这篇评论深刻地揭露了当代文化的庸俗性。

This review deeply exposed the vulgarity of contemporary culture.

庸俗性 (vulgarity/the quality of being vulgar).

7

他总是说一些庸俗的话来博取关注。

He always says vulgar things to gain attention.

博取关注 (to gain/seek attention).

8

摆脱庸俗，追求高尚，是人生的重要课题。

To break free from vulgarity and pursue nobility is an important life task.

摆脱 (break free from/shake off) + 庸俗.

1

这种庸俗的唯物论完全忽视了人的主观能动性。

This vulgar materialism completely ignores human subjective initiative.

Technical term: 庸俗唯物论 (vulgar materialism).

2

文学作品一旦失去了灵魂，就会堕落为庸俗的商品。

Once a literary work loses its soul, it degenerates into a vulgar commodity.

堕落为 (degenerate into) + Object.

3

他那套庸俗的哲学在真正的学者面前显得破绽百出。

His vulgar philosophy appears full of holes in front of real scholars.

破绽百出 (full of holes/flaws).

4

网络语言的庸俗化趋势引起了社会各界的广泛担忧。

The trend of vulgarization in internet language has caused widespread concern across society.

庸俗化趋势 (trend of vulgarization).

5

这种庸俗的人际关系网阻碍了社会的公平竞争。

This vulgar network of interpersonal relationships hinders fair competition in society.

人际关系网 (network of interpersonal relationships).

6

他的一生都在与庸俗作斗争，试图保持内心的纯净。

He spent his whole life fighting against vulgarity, trying to keep his heart pure.

与...作斗争 (to fight against...).

7

这种创作手法虽然能吸引眼球，但本质上是庸俗的。

Although this creative technique can catch the eye, it is essentially vulgar.

本质上 (essentially/in essence).

8

她那超凡脱俗的气质与这个庸俗的环境格格不入。

Her extraordinary and refined temperament is completely out of place in this vulgar environment.

格格不入 (completely out of place/incompatible).

1

在后现代主义的语境下，‘庸俗’与‘高雅’的界限变得模糊不清。

In the context of postmodernism, the boundary between 'vulgar' and 'refined' has become blurred.

语境 (context) and 模糊不清 (blurred/unclear).

2

他深刻地剖析了小资产阶级那种平庸而又庸俗的精神世界。

He deeply analyzed the mediocre and vulgar spiritual world of the petite bourgeoisie.

剖析 (deeply analyze/dissect).

3

这种庸俗的实用主义导致了人文精神的严重缺失。

This vulgar pragmatism has led to a serious lack of humanistic spirit.

实用主义 (pragmatism) modified by 庸俗.

4

艺术家通过对庸俗意象的解构，传达了对现实社会的批判。

Through the deconstruction of vulgar imagery, the artist conveyed a critique of real society.

解构 (deconstruct) and 意象 (imagery).

5

这种庸俗的官场文化是滋生腐败的温床。

This vulgar bureaucratic culture is a breeding ground for corruption.

滋生 (to breed/grow) and 温床 (breeding ground).

6

他拒绝被庸俗的时代潮流所裹挟，始终坚守着自己的理想。

He refused to be swept away by the vulgar trends of the times, always sticking to his ideals.

被...所裹挟 (to be swept away/carried along by...).

7

这部作品对人性中庸俗的一面进行了淋漓尽致的刻画。

This work provides a vivid and thorough portrayal of the vulgar side of human nature.

淋漓尽致 (vividly and thoroughly) and 刻画 (portrayal/depiction).

8

庸俗并非大众文化的必然属性，而是缺乏审美引导的结果。

Vulgarity is not an inevitable attribute of mass culture, but rather the result of a lack of aesthetic guidance.

必然属性 (inevitable attribute).

Common Collocations

庸俗的趣味
庸俗化
庸俗不堪
庸俗关系
庸俗唯物论
庸俗的笑话
显得庸俗
远离庸俗
庸俗之见
追求庸俗

Common Phrases

庸俗的小市民

— A vulgar, narrow-minded townsperson or philistine.

他表现得像个庸俗的小市民。

庸俗的社会学

— A simplistic or crude way of applying sociological concepts.

这种分析属于庸俗的社会学。

庸俗的感官享受

— Low-brow physical pleasures.

他沉溺于庸俗的感官享受中。

庸俗的实用主义

— Philistine pragmatism that ignores ethics or beauty.

庸俗的实用主义正在流行。

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

vulgar Portuguese
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!