The word '废物' refers to useless material or a person deemed worthless, carrying a strong negative meaning.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Waste material, rubbish, or useless person.
- Has both literal and figurative meanings.
- Carries a strong negative connotation.
Overview
“废物”这个词在汉语中主要有两个含义。第一个是物理上的，指那些被丢弃的、没有用处的物质，也就是我们常说的垃圾。第二个是比喻性的，用来形容人或事物毫无价值、能力低下，甚至成为他人的负担。这个词带有强烈的贬义。
作为名词，“废物”可以直接指代垃圾，也可以用来批评人。在形容人的时候，它通常用于口语，表达非常负面的评价。例如，“他是个废物”是非常严重的指责。在描述物品时，可以说“这些是建筑废物”。
在日常生活中，“废物”常出现在谈论垃圾分类、环境保护的语境中。在人际交往中，它可能出现在争吵、批评或表达极度失望的场合。例如，父母可能会生气地对不争气的孩子说“你怎么这么废物？”，或者在描述一个无法使用的旧电器时说“这东西早就变成废物了”。
与“垃圾”相比，“废物”更侧重于“没有用处”的属性，而“垃圾”更侧重于“被丢弃”的状态。例如，厨余垃圾是垃圾，但如果它被处理后可以变成肥料，那么它就不是绝对的废物。比喻意义上，“废物”比“无用之人”的贬义更强，语气更粗鲁。
Examples
请把这些废物扔进垃圾桶。
everydayPlease throw this waste into the trash can.
他觉得自己是个没用的废物，什么事都做不好。
informalHe feels like a useless person who can't do anything right.
建筑工地上堆满了建筑废物。
everydayThe construction site is piled high with construction waste.
这种过时的技术已经成为行业中的废物。
formalThis outdated technology has become obsolete in the industry.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
生活废物
household waste
处理废物
dispose of waste
变成废物
become waste/useless
Often Confused With
'垃圾' primarily refers to discarded items, often implying they are ready to be thrown away. '废物' emphasizes the lack of utility or value, whether discarded or not.
'废料' often refers to scrap material from manufacturing or processing that might have some residual value or be recyclable. '废物' generally implies complete uselessness.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '废物' is predominantly used in informal contexts. When referring to literal waste, it's common in discussions about environmental management. However, applying it to people is highly derogatory and considered very rude in most social situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '废物' in formal settings or when describing items that are simply 'unwanted' rather than truly 'useless'. Applying it to people, even jokingly, can cause significant offense.
Tips
Understand Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that '废物' can refer to actual trash or metaphorically to a person or thing lacking value.
Avoid Calling People '废物'
Using '废物' to describe people is highly offensive and should be avoided in polite conversation.
Societal Value Judgments
The term reflects strong societal judgments about usefulness and contribution, particularly when applied to individuals.
Word Origin
The word '废物' combines '废' (fèi), meaning 'abandoned,' 'worn out,' or 'useless,' and '物' (wù), meaning 'thing' or 'matter.' Together, they literally mean 'useless thing' or 'waste material.'
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, there's a strong emphasis on being useful and contributing to society or family. Calling someone '废物' directly attacks their perceived value and worth, making it a deeply insulting label.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pile of '废' (waste) that is completely '物' (useless) – that's '废物'. Think of it as 'waste stuff' with zero value.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“废物”强调的是“没有用处”，而“垃圾”强调的是“被丢弃的”。很多垃圾本身是有回收利用价值的，但如果完全不能再利用，就可以称为废物。
可以。当物品完全损坏、无法修复或没有使用价值时，可以称之为废物。例如，“这台旧电脑已经是个废物了”。
是的，用“废物”形容人是非常严重的侮辱，带有极强的贬义和攻击性，通常在非常愤怒或绝望的情况下才会使用。
在环保语境中，“废物”通常指那些经过处理也无法再利用、对环境造成污染的废弃物，也就是我们常说的“垃圾”。
Test Yourself
这些旧衣服已经不能穿了，都是_____。
旧衣服如果不能穿也不能再利用，就可以称为废物。
以下哪个句子中“废物”的用法是比喻性的？
这句话用“废物”来形容人，表示感觉自己没有价值，是比喻用法。
请用“废物，处理，这些，需要”组成一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，符合语法，表达了需要对这些废物进行处理的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
The word '废物' refers to useless material or a person deemed worthless, carrying a strong negative meaning.
- Waste material, rubbish, or useless person.
- Has both literal and figurative meanings.
- Carries a strong negative connotation.
Understand Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that '废物' can refer to actual trash or metaphorically to a person or thing lacking value.
Avoid Calling People '废物'
Using '废物' to describe people is highly offensive and should be avoided in polite conversation.
Societal Value Judgments
The term reflects strong societal judgments about usefulness and contribution, particularly when applied to individuals.
Examples
4 of 4请把这些废物扔进垃圾桶。
Please throw this waste into the trash can.
他觉得自己是个没用的废物，什么事都做不好。
He feels like a useless person who can't do anything right.
建筑工地上堆满了建筑废物。
The construction site is piled high with construction waste.
这种过时的技术已经成为行业中的废物。
This outdated technology has become obsolete in the industry.
