破旧 describes an object that is worn out, dilapidated, or shabby due to long-term use.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes items that are both old and damaged.
- Commonly used for buildings, clothes, and furniture.
- Conveys a sense of wear and tear over time.
Overview
- 1概览：破旧是一个形容词，由“破”（损坏）和“旧”（不新）两个语素组成。它不仅指物品的外观不再崭新，往往还暗示物品的功能性可能有所下降或外观显得不整洁。2) 用法模式：在句子中，它通常作定语（破旧的房子）或谓语（这件衣服太破旧了）。它带有一种客观的陈述色彩，有时也含有怀旧或感叹物是人非的意味。3) 常见语境：最常用于形容建筑物（如：破旧的校舍）、交通工具（如：破旧的自行车）、衣物（如：破旧的棉袄）以及室内陈设。在文学描写中，常用来营造一种凄凉或贫困的氛围。4) 同义词辨析：“陈旧”侧重于时间久远，不一定损坏；“破烂”侧重于严重损坏，近乎废弃；“破旧”则处于两者之间，强调“既旧又破”的综合状态。
Examples
他住在一间破旧的小屋里。
everydayHe lives in a dilapidated small hut.
这些破旧的设备已被淘汰。
formalThese worn-out devices have been phased out.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
破旧不堪
dilapidated beyond repair
Often Confused With
Refers to things that are outdated or old-fashioned, but not necessarily physically broken.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word to describe physical objects that show significant wear. It is neutral in tone but often implies that the object needs replacement or repair. Do not use it for abstract concepts like ideas or theories.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe people, which is incorrect. Another error is using it for brand-new items that are simply unfashionable; use '过时' for that.
Tips
Focus on the combined meaning
Remember that '破' means broken and '旧' means old. Combining them creates the image of a dilapidated object.
Avoid using for people
Never use this word to describe a person's character or physical appearance directly; it is strictly for inanimate objects.
Cultural nuance in literature
In Chinese literature, describing a house as '破旧' often sets a tone of poverty or nostalgia for the past.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of two characters: 破 (broken/torn) and 旧 (old/past). It evolved to represent the physical state of objects that have aged and suffered damage.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, describing one's home as '破旧' can be a way to express humility or emphasize the need for improvement.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'broken' (破) and 'old' (旧) chair that is about to collapse. That is the perfect mental image for 破旧.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“陈旧”侧重于年代久远，不一定有损坏；而“破旧”强调物品不仅旧，而且已经出现了破损或残缺。
通常不可以。形容人时我们一般使用“邋遢”或“衣衫褴褛”来描述外表，而不直接用“破旧”。
非常常用。它是一个基础词汇，适合在描述生活环境或物品状况时使用。
Test Yourself
这间___的教室需要重新装修了。
根据语义，需要装修的教室通常是破损陈旧的。
Score: /1
Summary
破旧 describes an object that is worn out, dilapidated, or shabby due to long-term use.
- Describes items that are both old and damaged.
- Commonly used for buildings, clothes, and furniture.
- Conveys a sense of wear and tear over time.
Focus on the combined meaning
Remember that '破' means broken and '旧' means old. Combining them creates the image of a dilapidated object.
Avoid using for people
Never use this word to describe a person's character or physical appearance directly; it is strictly for inanimate objects.
Cultural nuance in literature
In Chinese literature, describing a house as '破旧' often sets a tone of poverty or nostalgia for the past.
Examples
2 of 2他住在一间破旧的小屋里。
He lives in a dilapidated small hut.
这些破旧的设备已被淘汰。
These worn-out devices have been phased out.
