This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

废物

fèiwù Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 废物 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 废物 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '废物' (fèiwù) means 'trash' or 'junk.' It is made of two parts: '废' (broken/useless) and '物' (thing). You might see it on signs about keeping the environment clean. For beginners, it's enough to know it refers to things you don't need anymore. For example, '这是废物' means 'This is junk.' Don't worry about the complicated grammar yet; just remember it's a noun for 'rubbish.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '废物' in more complete sentences. You should learn the phrase '废物利用' (fèiwù lìyòng), which means 'to reuse waste' or 'recycling.' You can also use it to describe old, broken objects like '废旧物品' (fèijiù wùpǐn). Be aware that calling a person '废物' is a very mean thing to say, like calling them 'useless' or 'trash.' Stick to using it for objects for now.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss environmental issues using '废物.' You should know collocations like '处理废物' (to handle/dispose of waste) and '减少废物' (to reduce waste). You might encounter this word in news articles about pollution. You should also understand the nuance between '废物' and '垃圾' (everyday trash). '废物' is often used in more formal or industrial contexts, like '工业废物' (industrial waste).

At the B2 level, you should understand the metaphorical and cultural uses of '废物.' You might encounter it in literature or movies where characters express extreme self-doubt by calling themselves a '废物.' You should also be familiar with compound terms like '有毒废物' (toxic waste) and '放射性废物' (radioactive waste). You can explain why '废物利用' is important for the environment using more complex sentence structures like '通过...来...' (by means of...).

At the C1 level, you should be comfortable with the technical and legal terminology surrounding '废物.' This includes '固体废物污染环境防治法' (Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste). You should also understand the social implications of '废物文化' (waste culture) in modern China and how it relates to the 'lying flat' (躺平) movement. You can use the word in formal debates about sustainability and social pressure.

At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '废物.' This includes understanding its use in classical-style idioms or modern internet slang with all its sarcasm. You can analyze the etymology of the character '废' and how its meaning has evolved from 'collapsed house' to 'useless.' You can also navigate the most subtle social situations where the word might be used ironically or as a powerful rhetorical tool in political or social critiques.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

废物 in 30 Seconds

废物 (fèiwù) is a noun meaning 'waste' or 'rubbish.'
It is used both for physical trash and as a harsh personal insult.
The phrase '废物利用' means 'recycling' or 'upcycling.'
It is more formal than '垃圾' when referring to industrial waste.

The Chinese word 废物 (fèiwù) is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'waste material,' 'rubbish,' or 'junk.' At its most literal level, it refers to items that have lost their original utility and are ready to be discarded. However, like many words in Chinese, its meaning expands significantly depending on the context, ranging from environmental science to harsh social critiques.

Literal Definition: In a physical sense, 废物 refers to solid, liquid, or gaseous materials that are the byproducts of human activity. This includes household trash, industrial scraps, and chemical waste. It is the standard term used in ecological discussions regarding sustainability.

我们需要减少生产过程中的工业废物。 (We need to reduce industrial waste in the production process.)

Beyond the physical, 废物 carries a heavy metaphorical weight. When applied to people, it becomes a sharp insult, meaning a 'good-for-nothing' or a 'useless person.' This usage is common in informal settings, such as heated arguments or internet slang, where someone is being criticized for a perceived lack of talent, effort, or contribution to society. It is important for learners to distinguish between these two registers to avoid unintended offense.

Environmental Context: In the phrase '废物利用' (fèiwù lìyòng), the word takes on a positive environmental connotation, referring to the 'utilization of waste' or 'upcycling.' This is a common slogan in China's green initiatives.

这件艺术品是用废物制作的。 (This piece of art is made from waste materials.)

Social Context: In modern internet culture, particularly in gaming or competitive environments, '废物' is used to belittle opponents. It implies the person is completely incapable of performing a task.

他觉得自己是个废物，因为他没有找到工作。 (He feels like a loser because he hasn't found a job.)

处理化学废物需要专门的设备。 (Handling chemical waste requires specialized equipment.)

别把我当成废物，我也有我的强项。 (Don't treat me like a good-for-nothing; I have my strengths too.)

Using 废物 (fèiwù) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its specific collocations. It can act as the subject, object, or part of a compound noun phrase. The word is often paired with verbs related to disposal, creation, or transformation.

As a Direct Object: Common verbs that take 废物 as an object include 处理 (chǔlǐ - to handle/dispose), 产生 (chǎnshēng - to produce), and 回收 (huíshōu - to recycle). When you are talking about cleaning up or managing trash, this is the standard structure.

工厂每天都会产生大量的工业废物。 (The factory produces a large amount of industrial waste every day.)

In its metaphorical sense, 废物 is often preceded by '是个' (shì gè - is a) or '变成了' (biàn chéng le - became). This usage is highly descriptive and often emotive. For example, describing an old machine that no longer works as a '废物' is common, just as it is used to describe a person who has lost their social standing.

Compound Phrases: The term is frequently combined with other nouns to specify the type of waste. Examples include 有毒废物 (yǒudú fèiwù - toxic waste), 放射性废物 (fàngshèxìng fèiwù - radioactive waste), and 电子废物 (diànzǐ fèiwù - e-waste).

政府正在制定新的政策来管理电子废物。 (The government is formulating new policies to manage electronic waste.)

Another important pattern is '把...当成废物' (bǎ... dāngchéng fèiwù), which means 'to treat/regard something or someone as waste.' This pattern is useful for expressing feelings of being undervalued or seeing something as useless.

他总是把我的建议当成废物。 (He always treats my suggestions as rubbish.)

通过废物利用，我们可以节约资源。 (By utilizing waste, we can save resources.)

Negative Usage: In literature or drama, a character might lament '我真是个废物!' (I am truly a useless person!) to show deep self-loathing or a moment of crisis. This is a very strong expression of despair.

这些旧机器已经成了废物，不能再用了。 (These old machines have become junk and can no longer be used.)

You will encounter 废物 (fèiwù) in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, from the nightly news to casual gaming sessions. Understanding these contexts helps you navigate the word's dual nature as both a technical term and a social slur.

News and Policy: In reports about environmental protection (环保 - huánbǎo), journalists frequently use '废物' to discuss garbage classification (垃圾分类), pollution control, and the circular economy. You'll hear phrases like '固体废物' (solid waste) in official government broadcasts.

新闻报道：该市计划在明年实现废物零排放。 (News report: The city plans to achieve zero waste emissions next year.)

In the classroom or workplace, particularly in fields like engineering, chemistry, or manufacturing, '废物' is the standard way to refer to scrap materials. It lacks the 'gross' connotation of '垃圾' (trash) and focuses more on the lack of utility or the need for systematic disposal.

Internet Slang and Gaming: This is where learners must be most cautious. In online forums, social media, and competitive gaming (like League of Legends or Honor of Kings), '废物' is a common insult thrown at teammates who play poorly. It is similar to calling someone 'trash' or a 'scrub' in English.

在游戏中，如果表现不好，可能会被队友骂作“废物”。 (In games, if you perform poorly, you might be called 'trash' by teammates.)

In domestic settings, you might hear parents scolding children who are lazy by calling them '废物,' though this is considered quite harsh and indicative of a strained relationship. In movies and TV dramas, particularly those involving crime or business rivalry, the word is used to emphasize a character's failure or lack of value to the organization.

电影对白：“我不需要废物，我需要能解决问题的人。” (Movie dialogue: 'I don't need good-for-nothings; I need people who can solve problems.')

Sustainability Workshops: In DIY workshops or art classes, you'll hear '废物利用' constantly. It's the positive side of the word, encouraging people to see the potential in things others have thrown away.

老师说：“今天我们要学习如何把废物变成宝贝。” (The teacher said: 'Today we are going to learn how to turn waste into treasure.')

While 废物 (fèiwù) seems straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its tone, its synonym choice, and its usage in social contexts.

Mistake 1: Overusing it as an insult: In English, calling someone 'trash' can be a lighthearted joke between friends. In Chinese, calling someone '废物' is much heavier and more dehumanizing. It implies the person has zero value as a human being. Avoid using it unless you intend to be extremely offensive or are in a very specific gaming subculture where this is normalized (and even then, be careful).

错误用法：对好朋友说“你是废物”。 (Wrong usage: Saying 'You are a loser' to a good friend in a light way.)

Another common error is confusing '废物' with '垃圾' (lājī). While they both mean waste, '垃圾' is what you put in your kitchen bin. '废物' is a broader, often more technical or abstract category. You wouldn't usually say '扔废物' (throw away waste) for a small piece of paper; you would say '扔垃圾'.

Mistake 2: Confusing with '废品' (fèipǐn): '废品' specifically refers to items that are discarded but still have some economic value (like scrap metal or old newspapers for recycling). '废物' is more general and often implies the item is truly useless. If you are selling old cardboard, you are dealing with '废品', not '废物'.

那个老人靠收集废品（不是废物）为生。 (That old man makes a living by collecting recyclables [not waste].)

Mistake 3: Grammar in 'Waste Utilization': Students often try to translate 'reusing waste' as '再用废物'. While understandable, the standard four-character idiom is '废物利用'. Using the idiom makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

我们应该提倡废物利用。 (We should promote the utilization of waste.)

To truly master 废物 (fèiwù), you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of related Chinese terms. Depending on whether you are talking about household trash, industrial byproducts, or a useless person, there are better words to use.

废物 (fèiwù) vs. 垃圾 (lājī): '垃圾' is the everyday word for 'garbage' or 'trash.' It's what you see in the street or in a bin. '废物' is more abstract and covers a wider range of 'things that are no longer useful,' including industrial and chemical materials. As an insult, '垃圾' is common but '废物' is more cutting and personal.
废物 (fèiwù) vs. 废品 (fèipǐn): '废品' refers to 'recyclable waste' or 'scrap.' It implies the item still has value to someone else (like a scrap yard). '废物' implies the item is truly useless or has become a burden. You sell '废品,' but you pay to have '废物' removed.
废物 (fèiwù) vs. 废料 (fèiliào): '废料' specifically means 'waste material' or 'scrap' resulting from a manufacturing process (like wood shavings or metal filings). It is a technical term used in factories. '废物' is much broader.

When it comes to describing people, there are several alternatives that vary in intensity:

窝囊废 (wōnangfèi): A more colorful version of '废物,' this specifically refers to someone who is cowardly, incompetent, and constantly bullied or pushed around. It is a very specific kind of 'useless' person.
庸才 (yōngcái): A more polite, literary way to say someone is mediocre or lacks talent. It's not as offensive as '废物' but still critical of one's abilities.

与其做一个废物，不如努力学习。 (Instead of being a loser, it's better to study hard.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '废' contains the radical for 'shelter' or 'building' (广), suggesting that its earliest meaning was specifically about a ruined or abandoned building.

Pronunciation Guide

UK fèi wù

US fay-woo

Equal stress on both syllables as they are both fourth tones.

Rhymes With

对 (duì) 贵 (guì) 睡 (shuì) 退 (tuì) 路 (lù) 库 (kù) 物 (wù) 助 (zhù)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fei' as 'fee'. It should sound like 'fay'.
Using the third tone (falling-rising) instead of the fourth tone.
Pronouncing 'wu' as 'woo' with a long vowel; it should be short and forceful.
Mixing up the tones, making it sound like 'feiwú' (which is not a common word).
Not emphasizing the downward pitch enough, making it sound flat.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but '废' has many strokes.

Writing 3/5

Writing '废' (fèi) requires attention to stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are simple (4-4) but must be distinct.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

物垃圾没用东西用

Learn Next

废除利用环境污染回收

Advanced

减量化无害化资源化循环经济消解

Grammar to Know

The '把' construction with 废物

请把这些废物扔掉。

Resultative complements with 废物

废物清理干净了。

Compound nouns with 废物

工业废物污染了环境。

Using 废物 as a metaphorical predicate

他觉得自己是个废物。

Idiomatic four-character phrases

废物利用是好事。

Examples by Level

这是废物。

This is junk.

Simple Subject + Verb + Noun structure.

那里有很多废物。

There is a lot of waste there.

Using '很多' to quantify the noun.

不要扔废物。

Don't throw away junk.

Imperative sentence using '不要'.

废物在箱子里。

The waste is in the box.

Locational phrase using '在...里'.

这些是废物吗？

Are these junk?

Question form using '吗'.

我没有废物。

I don't have any junk.

Negative possession using '没有'.

我们要清理废物。

We need to clean up the waste.

Using the modal verb '要' (need/want).

那个旧钟是废物。

That old clock is junk.

Noun as a predicate with '是'.

我们可以进行废物利用。

We can carry out waste utilization.

Using the idiom '废物利用'.

这个工厂产生很多废物。

This factory produces a lot of waste.

Verb '产生' (produce) + Object.

别把那个旧电脑当成废物。

Don't treat that old computer as junk.

The '把...当成...' construction.

他觉得那本书是废物。

He thinks that book is rubbish.

Expressing an opinion with '觉得'.

这里有很多工业废物。

There is a lot of industrial waste here.

Compound noun '工业废物'.

我们要学会处理废物。

We must learn to handle waste.

Verb phrase '学会处理'.

这些废物可以回收吗？

Can these waste materials be recycled?

Passive potential using '可以...吗'.

他把旧衣服看作废物。

He regards old clothes as junk.

Using '看作' (regard as).

政府正在努力减少城市废物。

The government is working hard to reduce urban waste.

Present progressive '正在' with a complex object.

我们要提高废物处理的效率。

We need to improve the efficiency of waste treatment.

Noun phrase '废物处理的效率'.

这些化学废物对环境有害。

These chemical wastes are harmful to the environment.

Adjective phrase '对...有害'.

他不想成为一个社会废物。

He doesn't want to become a social 'good-for-nothing'.

Metaphorical use of '废物' for a person.

废物利用是一种环保的生活方式。

Waste utilization is an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Abstract noun phrase as a subject.

工厂必须严格遵守废物排放标准。

Factories must strictly abide by waste emission standards.

Using the adverb '严格' (strictly) and verb '遵守' (abide by).

这种材料被认为是工业废物。

This material is considered industrial waste.

Passive voice '被认为' (is considered).

他把所有的旧零件都当成废物扔了。

He threw away all the old parts as junk.

The '把...都...扔了' structure.

处理放射性废物是一个巨大的挑战。

Disposing of radioactive waste is a huge challenge.

Gerund-like subject '处理放射性废物'.

由于管理不善，这里堆满了废物。

Due to poor management, this place is piled high with waste.

Causal link '由于' (due to).

他在失败后感到自己像个废物。

He felt like a loser after the failure.

Simile using '像...一样' or just '像'.

废物分类是每个公民的责任。

Waste sorting is the responsibility of every citizen.

Topic-comment structure.

这种新型设备可以将废物转化为能源。

This new equipment can convert waste into energy.

The '将...转化为...' (convert A into B) structure.

我们不能任由废物污染我们的河流。

We cannot allow waste to pollute our rivers.

Using '任由' (allow/let) in a negative context.

他通过废物利用创造了独特的艺术品。

He created unique artworks through waste utilization.

Prepositional phrase '通过...' (through...).

这些电子废物如果不妥善处理会造成污染。

If these electronic wastes are not handled properly, they will cause pollution.

Conditional sentence '如果...就...'.

法律对危险废物的运输有严格规定。

The law has strict regulations on the transport of hazardous waste.

Subject '法律' + Prepositional object '对...运输' + Predicate.

这种“废物文化”反映了青年一代的焦虑。

This 'waste culture' reflects the anxiety of the younger generation.

Using quotes to indicate a specific cultural concept.

该项目旨在实现工业废物的循环利用。

The project aims to achieve the circular utilization of industrial waste.

Formal verb '旨在' (aims to).

他被这种失败主义的情绪折磨，觉得自己是个彻头彻尾的废物。

He was tortured by this defeatist emotion, feeling like an utter good-for-nothing.

Use of the idiom '彻头彻尾' (from head to toe/utter).

固体废物的减量化、资源化和无害化是环保的目标。

The reduction, recycling, and harmless treatment of solid waste are environmental goals.

Technical terms ending in '-化' (-ization).

如果不从源头控制废物，环境问题将难以解决。

If waste is not controlled from the source, environmental problems will be hard to solve.

The '如果不...将难以...' structure.

他不仅没有贡献，反而成了团队的废物。

Not only did he not contribute, but he also became the team's 'dead weight'.

Correlative conjunction '不仅没有...反而...'.

这种废物的降解过程极其缓慢。

The degradation process of this waste is extremely slow.

Technical noun '降解' (degradation).

在某些语境下，“废物”一词被赋予了消解权威的政治含义。

In certain contexts, the word 'waste' has been endowed with a political meaning of deconstructing authority.

Passive construction '被赋予' (be endowed with).

企业应当承担起废物处理的社会责任，而非转嫁成本。

Enterprises should take on the social responsibility of waste disposal rather than shifting the costs.

Formal contrast '应当...而非...' (should... instead of...).

庄子哲学中关于“无用之用”的讨论，为我们重新审视“废物”提供了视角。

Zhuangzi's discussion of the 'usefulness of the useless' provides a perspective for us to re-examine 'waste'.

Complex subject involving philosophical reference.

跨境废物转移已成为国际环境法关注的焦点。

Transboundary waste transfer has become a focus of international environmental law.

Compound technical term '跨境废物转移'.

他那番尖酸刻薄的话，无非是想把对方贬低为废物。

His sarcastic remarks were nothing more than an attempt to disparage the other party as a loser.

Using '无非是' (nothing more than) and '贬低为' (disparage as).

我们要警惕那些打着环保旗号却非法倾倒废物的行为。

We must be vigilant against actions that claim environmental protection but illegally dump waste.

Idiom '打着...旗号' (under the banner of).

这种废物的化学性质极其不稳定。

The chemical properties of this waste are extremely unstable.

Scientific register.

他的人生轨迹仿佛一段被遗弃的废物，充满了支离破碎的遗憾。

His life trajectory was like a piece of abandoned junk, full of fragmented regrets.

Highly metaphorical and literary usage.

Common Collocations

处理废物

工业废物

废物利用

减少废物

有毒废物

固体废物

电子废物

变成废物

清除废物

生产废物

Common Phrases

废物利用

— To make use of waste materials; recycling.

废物利用是环保的重要环节。

变废为宝

— To turn waste into something valuable.

通过创意，我们可以变废为宝。

工业废物

— Industrial waste materials.

工厂需要处理工业废物。

生活废物

— Domestic or household waste.

生活废物分类已经开始实施。

危险废物

— Hazardous waste.

危险废物需要特殊处理。

像个废物

— To feel or act like a useless person.

他觉得自己像个废物。

垃圾废物

— A general term for trash and waste.

到处都是垃圾废物。

电子废物

— E-waste (old phones, computers, etc.).

电子废物处理不当会释放重金属。

化学废物

— Chemical waste.

化学废物严禁排入下水道。

你这个废物

— You good-for-nothing (strong insult).

你这个废物，什么都做不好！

Often Confused With

废物 vs 垃圾 (lājī)

Everyday trash vs. general/technical waste.

废物 vs 废品 (fèipǐn)

Recyclable scrap vs. useless waste.

废物 vs 废料 (fèiliào)

Manufacturing scraps vs. general waste.

Idioms & Expressions

"变废为宝"

— Turning scrap into treasure; finding value in the useless.

我们要学会变废为宝，节约资源。

Positive/Common

"废话连篇"

— Full of nonsense (uses the same '废' character).

他的报告真是废话连篇。

Negative

"半途而废"

— To give up halfway (uses '废' as in 'abandoned').

做事不能半途而废。

Neutral

"废寝忘食"

— To forget to eat and sleep (uses '废' as in 'neglect').

他废寝忘食地工作。

Positive

"百废待兴"

— Many things are waiting to be done/rebuilt (uses '废' for 'ruined things').

战后百废待兴。

Formal

"废旧物资"

— Old and discarded materials.

回收废旧物资。

Neutral

"残渣余孽"

— The dregs and remnants (often of a defeated group).

清除敌人的残渣余孽。

Negative/Formal

"朽木不可雕"

— Rotten wood cannot be carved (describes a '废物' person).

他真是朽木不可雕也。

Literary/Insulting

"一无是处"

— To have no redeeming qualities (often used with '废物').

他觉得自己一无是处，是个废物。

Negative

"废而不匮"

— Wasted but not exhausted (rare literary use).

虽有废而不匮之理。

Archaic

Easily Confused

废物 vs 废话

Both start with '废'.

废物 is junk/waste; 废话 is nonsense/useless talk.

别说废话，快点处理这些废物。

废物 vs 废墟

Both start with '废'.

废物 is objects; 废墟 is a place (ruins).

在废墟中发现了很多废物。

废物 vs 放弃

Related to 'abandoning'.

放弃 is a verb (to give up); 废物 is a noun (waste).

他放弃了这些废物。

废物 vs 废除

Both start with '废'.

废除 is to abolish a law/system; 废物 is physical waste.

政府废除了关于废物排放的旧法律。

废物 vs 废旧

Both describe useless things.

废旧 is an adjective (old and useless); 废物 is the noun (the waste itself).

这些废旧物品是废物。

Sentence Patterns

这是[废物]。

这是废物。

不要把 A 当成[废物]。

不要把旧书当成废物。

我们要学会[废物利用]。

我们要学会废物利用。

[废物]对环境有害。

工业废物对环境有害。

通过...处理[废物]。

通过新技术处理废物。

[废物]的减量化是目标。

废物的减量化是我们的目标。

不仅...反而成了[废物]。

他不仅没帮忙，反而成了废物。

旨在实现[废物]的循环利用。

该项目旨在实现废物的循环利用。

Word Family

Nouns

废品 (fèipǐn - recyclables)

废料 (fèiliào - scrap material)

废墟 (fèixū - ruins)

废话 (fèihuà - nonsense)

Verbs

废除 (fèichú - to abolish)

废弃 (fèiqì - to discard)

作废 (zuòfèi - to become invalid)

Adjectives

废旧 (fèijiù - old and useless)

荒废 (huāngfèi - neglected/desolate)

垃圾 (lājī)

污染 (wūrǎn)

回收 (huíshōu)

处理 (chǔlǐ)

利用 (lìyòng)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both environmental and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '废物' for daily kitchen trash. → 垃圾 (lājī)
In daily life, the trash in your bin is '垃圾'. '废物' is more general or technical.
Using '废物' as a light joke with friends. → 笨蛋 (bèndàn) or 傻瓜 (shǎguā)
'废物' is too heavy and offensive for a lighthearted joke.
Saying '再用废物' for recycling. → 废物利用 (fèiwù lìyòng)
'废物利用' is the set idiomatic expression.
Confusing '废物' with '废话'. → 废物 (waste) vs. 废话 (nonsense)
They share a character but refer to different things (objects vs. speech).
Using '废物' as a verb. → 浪费 (làngfèi - to waste)
'废物' is only a noun.

Tips

Be Careful with Insults

Never use '废物' to describe a person unless you are prepared for a serious conflict. It is a very strong word.

Learn the Idiom

Memorize '废物利用' (fèiwù lìyòng). It's a very common and useful phrase for A2-B1 learners.

Measure Words

When referring to waste as a material, it's often uncountable. When referring to a person, use '个' (gè).

Context Clues

If you hear '工业' (gōngyè - industry) before it, it's a technical term. If you hear '你这个...' (you this...), it's an insult.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the '广' radical in '废'. It sets the structure for the whole character.

Environmentalism

China is very focused on '垃圾分类'. Knowing '废物' helps you understand local signs and news.

Tone Accuracy

Both syllables are 4th tone. Make them short and sharp for the most natural sound.

Waste vs. Scrap

Remember '废品' is for things with value (recyclables), '废物' is for things without value.

Compound Recognition

Look for '废物' in compound words like '有毒废物' (toxic waste) in news headlines.

Faded Wood

Use the 'Faded Wood' mnemonic to remember the pronunciation 'Fèi Wù'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Faded' (fèi) 'Wood' (wù) board that is rotten and useless. It's a 'fèiwù'.

Visual Association

Imagine a rusty, broken robot sitting on top of a trash heap. The robot is a '废物'.

Word Web

Trash Junk Industrial waste Loser Recycling Pollution Scrap Useless

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that are '废物' and describe why they are useless using Chinese.

Word Origin

The character '废' (fèi) originally depicted a collapsed house (广 means building, and the inner part related to falling). It evolved to mean 'useless,' 'abandoned,' or 'discarded.' The character '物' (wù) means 'thing' or 'object.' Together, they literally mean 'discarded thing.'

Original meaning: A discarded or useless object.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Extremely high when used for people. Use with caution.

In English, 'trash' can be used as a verb (to trash a room) or an adjective (trashy movies). In Chinese, '废物' is strictly a noun.

Zhou Xingchi (Stephen Chow) movies often feature '废物' characters who eventually find their worth. Modern 'Light Novel' titles often use '废物' to describe a protagonist who starts weak.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Environmental Protection

废物分类
处理废物
减少废物
废物利用

Manufacturing

工业废物
产生废物
废物排放
废物回收

Daily Life

清理废物
变成废物
把...当成废物
到处是废物

Social/Insults

是个废物
你这个废物
社会废物
像个废物

Science/Chemistry

化学废物
有毒废物
放射性废物
固体废物

Conversation Starters

"你觉得我们应该如何更好地进行废物利用？"

"在你的国家，人们是如何处理电子废物的？"

"你认为“废物利用”对环境保护有多大帮助？"

"你见过用废物制作的最酷的艺术品是什么？"

"我们该如何减少日常生活中的废物产生？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对“变废为宝”的看法，并举一个你生活中的例子。

描述一次你清理家里废物的经历，你当时的心情是怎样的？

如果你发现工厂在非法排放废物，你会怎么做？

讨论一下现代社会中“电子废物”带来的挑战。

反思一下，为什么“废物”这个词在社交媒体上变得如此流行？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when used as an insult. Calling someone '垃圾' is like calling them 'trash,' which is bad, but '废物' implies they have absolutely no capability or use, which is more dehumanizing.

Usually, for food waste, we say '厨余垃圾' (chúyú lājī). '废物' is rarely used for organic kitchen scraps unless in a technical environmental report.

Recycling (回收) is the process of collecting materials. '废物利用' is the broader concept of finding a new use for waste, often involving creativity (upcycling).

It can be. In scientific and environmental contexts, it is the standard formal term. In social contexts, it is informal and rude.

It has 8 strokes. Start with the '广' radical (dot, horizontal, left-falling), then the inside part.

No, it is strictly a noun. To say 'to waste,' you would use '浪费' (làngfèi).

Only when talking about environmental protection, like '废物处理' or '废物利用'.

It includes old computers, mobile phones, batteries, and any discarded electronic devices.

Yes, you can say '这辆车已经是废物了' (This car is already junk).

It's a modern internet subculture where young people self-identify as 'waste' to express a lack of motivation or desire to compete in society.