废纸篓
废纸篓 em 30 segundos
- 废纸篓 (fèizhǐlǒu) is a noun meaning 'wastepaper basket,' composed of 'waste' (废), 'paper' (纸), and 'basket' (篓).
- It is primarily used in offices and study rooms specifically for dry paper waste, distinct from general trash cans (垃圾桶).
- Commonly paired with the verb 扔 (rēng - throw) and the measure word 个 (gè) or 只 (zhī).
- Metaphorically, it represents the act of discarding ideas, drafts, or failed plans in professional and creative contexts.
The term 废纸篓 (fèizhǐlǒu) is a compound noun that translates literally to 'waste paper basket.' In the hierarchy of waste disposal in a Chinese household or office, this specific item occupies a niche role. Unlike a general 垃圾桶 (lājītǒng - trash can), which might hold food waste, liquids, or general refuse, a 废纸篓 is traditionally reserved for dry paper products. This distinction is crucial in both physical organization and linguistic precision. When you use this word, you are evoking a sense of the office environment, a study, or a creative workspace where drafts are discarded and ideas are filtered. The character 废 (fèi) implies something discarded, useless, or abandoned; 纸 (zhǐ) is the ubiquitous paper; and 篓 (lǒu) refers to a basket, often made of woven bamboo or wicker, though modern versions are plastic or metal mesh.
- Environmental Context
- In modern urban China, waste sorting (垃圾分类) has become a strict social requirement. The 废纸篓 is often the primary vessel for 'recyclable waste' (可回收物) in an office setting, specifically for clean, dry paper that hasn't been contaminated by oils or organic matter.
请把那些没用的草稿扔进废纸篓里,保持桌面整洁。(Please throw those useless drafts into the wastepaper basket to keep the desk tidy.)
Historically, the 篓 (lǒu) was a handcrafted item. In traditional Chinese culture, paper was a precious commodity, and the disposal of paper with writing on it was sometimes treated with ritualistic care (惜字宫 - 'Respect the characters' shrines). Today, the 废纸篓 is a mundane object, yet it remains a symbol of the intellectual process—the physical site where failed attempts and finished tasks are laid to rest. In a professional context, if you ask for a 废纸篓, you are specifically indicating that you have paper to discard, which prevents others from accidentally throwing food or wet waste into a container intended for recyclables.
- Cultural Nuance
- The word carries a slightly more 'literary' or 'intellectual' weight than the common trash can. It suggests a space where writing, drawing, or planning occurs. You wouldn't find a 废纸篓 in a kitchen; you find it next to a desk.
他的书房里到处是装满废纸的废纸篓,可见他为了这篇小说费了不少心血。(His study is full of wastepaper baskets overflowing with discarded paper, showing how much effort he put into this novel.)
In the digital age, the icon on your computer desktop for 'Trash' or 'Recycle Bin' in Chinese is often referred to as 垃圾桶, but in older versions or specific software localizations, the concept of the 'wastebasket' (废纸篓) was frequently used. This metaphorical extension helps learners understand that the word isn't just about bamboo and paper—it's about the act of 'discarding the old to make room for the new.' Whether you are in a high-tech office in Shanghai or a quiet library in Beijing, knowing when to use 废纸篓 instead of 垃圾桶 marks you as a speaker who understands the categories of objects and the specific functions they serve in Chinese daily life.
Using 废纸篓 correctly requires an understanding of its placement in a sentence and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a noun, it functions as a direct object, a subject, or a location within a prepositional phrase. The most common verb used with it is 扔 (rēng - to throw), often followed by the directional complement 进 (jìn - into) or the prepositional construction '扔到...里' (rēng dào... lǐ - throw into... inside).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 扔 (throw), 倒 (empty/pour out), 满 (to be full), 清空 (to clear/empty). For example, '清空废纸篓' means 'to empty the wastepaper basket.'
别把果皮扔进废纸篓,那是放废纸的地方。(Don't throw fruit peels into the wastepaper basket; that is a place for waste paper.)
In terms of grammar, 废纸篓 often appears in '把' (bǎ) sentences, which are used to describe an action performed on a specific object that results in a change of state or location. For instance: '把你手里的废纸扔进废纸篓里' (Take the waste paper in your hand and throw it into the wastepaper basket). Here, '把' introduces the object (waste paper), and '废纸篓' serves as the destination. This is the most natural way to express the action of tidying up in Chinese.
- Descriptive Usage
- You can use adjectives to describe the state of the basket: 满得溢出来的 (overflowing), 空的 (empty), 破旧的 (worn out), 塑料制的 (made of plastic).
这个废纸篓已经满了,谁能去把它倒一下?(This wastepaper basket is already full; who can go and empty it?)
Furthermore, 废纸篓 can be used metaphorically in more advanced sentences to describe something that is being ignored or discarded as useless. For example, '他的建议被扔进了废纸篓' (His suggestions were thrown into the wastepaper basket) implies that the suggestions were completely dismissed. This usage is common in business and political commentary. When constructing sentences, remember that '废纸' (waste paper) is the modifier for '篓' (basket). If you remove '废' (waste), '纸篓' (zhǐlǒu) is also a common and slightly shorter way to say the same thing, though '废纸篓' is more explicit about the contents.
In real-life scenarios, 废纸篓 is heard most frequently in environments where administrative work, education, or artistic creation takes place. If you are working in a Chinese office, you will hear it during the end-of-day cleaning routines or when someone is decluttering their desk. Office managers might say, '请大家下班前清空各自的废纸篓' (Everyone please empty your own wastepaper baskets before leaving work). This is a standard part of the 'office etiquette' (办公礼仪) in many Chinese workplaces.
- Office Environment
- In a corporate setting, the 废纸篓 is part of the 'office supplies' (办公用品) category. You might hear it when talking to the procurement department: '我们需要再买几个废纸篓' (We need to buy a few more wastepaper baskets).
清洁工每天晚上都会来倒废纸篓。(The cleaner comes every night to empty the wastepaper baskets.)
In schools and universities, teachers often use the word when instructing students to clean up after a craft project or an exam. '考完试后,请把废草稿纸都扔进废纸篓里' (After the exam, please throw all the waste scratch paper into the wastepaper basket). It is also a common word in the vocabulary of parents teaching children about hygiene and organization at home. You might hear a mother telling her child, '写错的作业纸不要乱丢,要扔进废纸篓' (Don't throw away messed-up homework paper randomly; throw it into the wastepaper basket).
- Digital Interfaces
- On older Chinese operating systems or specific document management software, the 'Trash' icon is labeled as 废纸篓. When you delete a file, a prompt might say '确定要将文件移至废纸篓吗?' (Are you sure you want to move the file to the wastepaper basket?).
Finally, in the context of environmental protection and recycling campaigns in China, the 废纸篓 is often mentioned as a tool for 'source separation' (源头分类). Public service announcements might encourage people to '让废纸回归废纸篓' (Let waste paper return to the wastepaper basket) to facilitate easier recycling. Hearing this word in these contexts emphasizes its role as a specialized container, distinct from the 'wet trash' (湿垃圾) or 'hazardous waste' (有害垃圾) bins that have become part of the modern Chinese waste-management lexicon.
For English speakers learning Chinese, the most common mistake with 废纸篓 is overusing it or confusing it with the more general term 垃圾桶 (lājītǒng). While in English, 'trash can' and 'wastebasket' are often used interchangeably, in Chinese, the distinction between a 'basket' (篓) and a 'bucket/bin' (桶) is more pronounced. A 废纸篓 is usually open-topped, often made of mesh or woven material, and specifically for paper. Using it for food scraps or liquid containers is not just a physical mistake but a linguistic one that might cause confusion.
- Mistake 1: Measure Word Errors
- Learners often use the wrong measure word. While '一个' is acceptable, using '把' (bǎ) or '张' (zhāng) is incorrect. '把' is for tools with handles, and '张' is for flat objects. The correct measure words are 个 (gè) or 只 (zhī).
Incorrect: 我买了一把废纸篓。
Correct: 我买了一个废纸篓。
Another frequent error is the mispronunciation of the character 篓 (lǒu). Because it looks somewhat like other characters with the 'lou' radical, students sometimes misread it as 'shù' or 'lóu' (second tone). It is always the third tone (lǒu). Also, the character 废 (fèi) is often confused with 发 (fā) or 费 (fèi) in writing, though the latter has the same sound but a different meaning (cost/fee).
- Mistake 2: Contextual Misplacement
- Using 废纸篓 in a kitchen or bathroom context. In these areas, waste is usually wet or hygiene-related, so 垃圾桶 is the only appropriate term. 废纸篓 is strictly for dry, clean areas like studies and offices.
Incorrect: 厨房里的废纸篓满了。(The wastepaper basket in the kitchen is full.)
Correct: 厨房里的垃圾桶满了。(The trash can in the kitchen is full.)
Lastly, learners sometimes forget the '里' (lǐ) when indicating that something is inside the basket. In English, we say 'in the basket,' but in Chinese, the 'in' is expressed by the localizer following the noun. Saying '扔进废纸篓' is okay, but '扔在废纸篓里' is more common for describing the state of an object being inside. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Chinese sound more natural and contextually appropriate.
Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 废纸篓 helps you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 纸篓 (zhǐlǒu), which is simply a shortened version. It is very common in spoken Chinese and carries the same meaning but feels slightly less formal than the full three-character version.
- Comparison: 废纸篓 vs. 垃圾桶
- 废纸篓: Specifically for paper, usually mesh/open, indoor use (office/study).
垃圾桶: General purpose, usually has a lid, can be used anywhere (kitchen, street, bathroom).
办公桌下放个纸篓很方便,但厨房必须用带盖的垃圾桶。(It's convenient to have a paper basket under the desk, but the kitchen must use a trash can with a lid.)
Another related term is 垃圾篓 (lājìlǒu). This is a bit of a hybrid term. It refers to a basket-style container used for general light trash. It's common in casual settings or in rural areas where woven baskets are used for many purposes. However, in a modern city like Shanghai or Beijing, 垃圾桶 is much more common for general waste. For high-end office settings, you might encounter 碎纸机 (suìzhǐjī), which is a paper shredder. While not a basket, it serves a similar purpose but for sensitive documents.
- Specific Alternatives
-
- 果皮箱 (guǒpíxiāng): Literally 'fruit peel box,' often found in parks or on streets for light public waste.
- 收纳筐 (shōunàkuāng): A storage basket. Not for trash, but often made of the same materials as a 废纸篓.
- 废纸箱 (fèizhǐxiāng): A waste paper box, usually a larger cardboard box used to collect paper for recycling.
When choosing between these, consider the material and the intent. If it's for 'disposing' of 'paper' in a 'basket,' use 废纸篓. If it's for 'storing' 'anything' in a 'bin,' use 垃圾桶. If you are being concise in a conversation about your desk setup, 纸篓 is your best friend. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to navigate Chinese environments with the precision of a native speaker, ensuring that your requests and descriptions are always clear and culturally accurate.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
In ancient China, paper with writing was so respected that people wouldn't just throw it in a 废纸篓; they would take it to a special 'Respect the Character Burner' (惜字炉) to be ritually burned.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'fei' as 'fi' (like 'fly').
- Using the wrong tone for 'lou' (e.g., saying 'lóu' instead of 'lǒu').
- Merging 'zhi' and 'lou' into one syllable.
- Pronouncing 'zhi' like English 'zee'. It should be a retroflex 'zh' sound.
- Forgetting the third tone dip in 'lǒu', making it sound like 'low' in English.
Nível de dificuldade
Characters are moderately complex but recognizable. '篓' is the hardest.
Writing '废' and '篓' requires many strokes and correct radical placement.
Pronunciation is straightforward once the third tone of 'lǒu' is mastered.
Distinctive sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Measure words for containers
一个废纸篓 (One wastepaper basket)
Directional complements with '扔'
扔进 (throw into), 扔掉 (throw away)
Localizers (里, 下, 旁)
在废纸篓里 (Inside the wastepaper basket)
'把' constructions for disposal
把他扔进废纸篓 (Throw it into the wastepaper basket)
Adjective + '的' noun
满的废纸篓 (A full wastepaper basket)
Exemplos por nível
这是一个废纸篓。
This is a wastepaper basket.
Basic 'Subject + 是 + Object' structure.
废纸篓在这里。
The wastepaper basket is here.
Using '在' to indicate location.
那是我的废纸篓。
That is my wastepaper basket.
Possessive '的' used with a noun.
废纸篓里有纸。
There is paper in the wastepaper basket.
Noun + 里 (inside) to show position.
请看废纸篓。
Please look at the wastepaper basket.
Imperative sentence with '请'.
废纸篓是小的。
The wastepaper basket is small.
Adjective description with '是...的'.
我有一个废纸篓。
I have a wastepaper basket.
Using the verb '有' (to have).
废纸篓在桌子下面。
The wastepaper basket is under the table.
Location phrase '在...下面'.
把纸扔进废纸篓里。
Throw the paper into the wastepaper basket.
Standard '把' sentence for moving an object.
这个废纸篓是蓝色的。
This wastepaper basket is blue.
Color description.
桌子旁有一个废纸篓。
There is a wastepaper basket beside the table.
Existence sentence with '有'.
废纸篓已经满了。
The wastepaper basket is already full.
Using '已经...了' for completed state.
请帮我买一个废纸篓。
Please help me buy a wastepaper basket.
Request with '帮我'.
我每天都倒废纸篓。
I empty the wastepaper basket every day.
Adverb '每天' showing frequency.
废纸篓不贵。
The wastepaper basket is not expensive.
Negative description with '不'.
别把垃圾扔在废纸篓外面。
Don't throw trash outside the wastepaper basket.
Negative imperative '别'.
办公室的废纸篓需要清空了。
The office wastepaper basket needs to be cleared.
Noun phrase as subject + '需要'.
这种废纸篓是用竹子编的。
This kind of wastepaper basket is woven from bamboo.
'用...编的' (woven with...).
他在废纸篓里找那封信。
He is looking for that letter in the wastepaper basket.
Verb '找' (look for) with location.
我把没用的报纸都扔进了废纸篓。
I threw all the useless newspapers into the wastepaper basket.
Complex '把' sentence with '都' and resultative '进'.
废纸篓的盖子坏了。
The lid of the wastepaper basket is broken.
Possessive structure with '的'.
这个废纸篓的设计很现代。
The design of this wastepaper basket is very modern.
Abstract noun '设计' as subject.
请问最近的废纸篓在哪儿?
Excuse me, where is the nearest wastepaper basket?
Superlative '最近的' (nearest).
我刚才把废纸篓倒干净了。
I just emptied the wastepaper basket completely.
Resultative complement '干净' (clean).
他的初稿最终还是进了废纸篓。
His first draft ended up in the wastepaper basket after all.
Metaphorical usage; '进了' implies the result.
为了环保,我们应该在废纸篓里只放纸张。
For the sake of environmental protection, we should only put paper in the wastepaper basket.
'为了' (for the sake of) + '应该' (should).
他随手一扔,纸团准确地落入了废纸篓。
With a casual toss, the paper ball landed accurately in the wastepaper basket.
Descriptive '准确地' (accurately).
这个废纸篓是网格状的,透气性好。
This wastepaper basket is mesh-like and has good breathability.
Technical description '网格状' (mesh-like).
由于废纸篓太小,纸张很快就溢出来了。
Because the wastepaper basket was too small, the papers soon overflowed.
'由于...就...' (because... then...).
他在清理书房时,发现废纸篓里有一张重要的收据。
While cleaning the study, he found an important receipt in the wastepaper basket.
Time clause '在...时'.
这款废纸篓带有脚踏功能,非常方便。
This wastepaper basket has a foot pedal function, which is very convenient.
'带有...功能' (features... function).
不要把湿垃圾和废纸篓里的纸混在一起。
Don't mix wet trash with the paper in the wastepaper basket.
'把...和...混在一起' (mix A with B).
那项提议因缺乏可行性而被束之高阁,最终扔进了废纸篓。
That proposal was shelved due to a lack of feasibility and eventually thrown into the wastepaper basket.
Passive voice '被' and metaphorical usage.
他审视着装满废弃方案的废纸篓,陷入了沉思。
He stared at the wastepaper basket full of abandoned plans and fell into deep thought.
Participial-like structure '审视着...'.
废纸篓虽小,却折射出一个人的办公习惯。
Although a wastepaper basket is small, it reflects a person's office habits.
'虽...却...' (although... yet...).
在这个数字化办公的时代,废纸篓的使用频率大大降低了。
In this era of digital offices, the frequency of wastepaper basket use has greatly decreased.
'在...的时代' (in the era of...).
他自嘲说,自己的文字只配待在废纸篓里。
He mocked himself, saying his writing only deserved to stay in the wastepaper basket.
Indirect speech '说...' and '只配' (only deserve).
清理废纸篓的过程,有时也是整理思绪的过程。
The process of clearing the wastepaper basket is sometimes also the process of organizing one's thoughts.
Parallel structure '...的过程也是...的过程'.
由于管理不善,大量的机密文件竟然出现在了废纸篓中。
Due to poor management, a large number of confidential documents actually appeared in the wastepaper basket.
'竟然' (unexpectedly) used for emphasis.
她把那张写满痛苦回忆的信纸撕碎,扔进了废纸篓。
She tore the letter filled with painful memories into pieces and threw it into the wastepaper basket.
Descriptive modifier '写满痛苦回忆的'.
文学史上许多被视为瑰宝的作品,最初都曾险些沦落到废纸篓的命运。
Many works regarded as gems in literary history narrowly escaped the fate of the wastepaper basket at first.
Complex noun phrase as subject; '沦落到...的命运' (fall to the fate of).
废纸篓不仅是废弃物的终点,更是新创意诞生的无声见证者。
The wastepaper basket is not only the end point for discarded items but also a silent witness to the birth of new ideas.
'不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).
在那个官僚主义盛行的年代,民众的诉求往往被直接投进废纸篓。
In that era of rampant bureaucracy, the people's demands were often directly tossed into the wastepaper basket.
Social/Political commentary context.
他试图从废纸篓的残片中拼凑出事情的真相。
He tried to piece together the truth of the matter from the fragments in the wastepaper basket.
'从...中' (from within...).
当最后一份手稿被投入废纸篓时,他感到了前所未有的释然。
When the final manuscript was tossed into the wastepaper basket, he felt an unprecedented sense of relief.
'当...时' (when...) and '前所未有的' (unprecedented).
废纸篓里的层层叠叠,记录了他无数次推倒重来的艰辛。
The layers in the wastepaper basket recorded the hardships of his countless attempts to start over.
Abstract usage of '层层叠叠' (layers upon layers).
这种对废纸篓的依赖,反映了人类在创造过程中对物质载体的执着。
This reliance on the wastepaper basket reflects humanity's persistence with physical mediums during the creative process.
High-level academic vocabulary (物质载体, 执着).
他将那些虚伪的辞令统统扫进废纸篓,决定以诚待人。
He swept all those hypocritical rhetoric into the wastepaper basket and decided to treat people with sincerity.
Metaphorical '扫进' (sweep into).
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— To empty the wastepaper basket. This is a common household or office chore.
轮到你倒废纸篓了。
— To fill up the wastepaper basket. Often used to show how much work was done.
他写了一上午,装满了两个废纸篓。
— Placed beside the wastepaper basket. Indicates proximity.
把剪刀放在废纸篓旁。
— To kick over the wastepaper basket. Usually implies an accident or anger.
他不小心踢翻了废纸篓,纸撒了一地。
— Staring at the wastepaper basket. Often used in stories to show a character's regret or thought.
他盯着废纸篓里的情书,叹了口气。
— To pick something back up from the wastepaper basket. Implies changing one's mind.
我又把那张纸从废纸篓里捡回来了。
— The wastepaper basket is full. A common observation.
废纸篓满了,快去倒一下。
— Office wastepaper basket. Specifies the location.
办公室废纸篓里通常只有纸。
— Small wastepaper basket. Describes the size.
我桌子下面放了一个小废纸篓。
— Looking for a wastepaper basket. A common action in public spaces.
他在走廊里寻找废纸篓。
Frequentemente confundido com
General trash bin. 废纸篓 is only for paper.
Cardboard box. A 废纸篓 is a permanent bin, a 纸箱 is often temporary packaging.
Storage basket. Used for keeping things, not throwing them away.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To tie up and put on a high shelf; to shelf something and ignore it. Often synonymous with throwing something into the 废纸篓.
他的建议被束之高阁,最终进了废纸篓。
Literary— To cast away like a pair of worn-out shoes. Describes the action of throwing something into the 废纸篓 with disdain.
他把这些珍贵的资料弃若敝屣,全扔进了废纸篓。
Literary— To scrap everything and start over. The 废纸篓 is the physical manifestation of this process.
他不满意这个方案,决定推倒重来,废纸篓很快就满了。
Neutral— A piece of waste paper. Refers to something that has become worthless, like a contract that isn't honored.
如果没有信誉,这份协议就是废纸一张。
Neutral— An old term for a basket for papers with writing on them. Similar to 废纸篓 but more traditional.
在旧式书房里,总会有一个精致的字纸篓子。
Archaic— Garbage piled up like a mountain. Can describe a 废纸篓 that hasn't been emptied.
他太懒了,房间里的废纸篓已经垃圾成堆了。
Informal— To regard as worthless as weeds. Similar to how one treats items destined for the 废纸篓.
他视这些名利如草芥,随手扔进了记忆的废纸篓。
Literary— To vanish into thin air. Describes what happens to plans when they are 'thrown into the 废纸篓'.
一场大火让所有的草稿都化为乌有,只剩下空空的废纸篓。
Literary— Not worth a penny. The status of anything in a 废纸篓.
这些过时的报纸现在已经一文不值了。
Neutral— To start fresh. Metaphorically 'emptying the 废纸篓' of one's mind.
他决定洗心革面,把过去的坏习惯都扔进废纸篓。
LiteraryFácil de confundir
Both hold waste.
垃圾桶 is for all waste and usually has a lid; 废纸篓 is for paper and is often open mesh.
厨房用垃圾桶,书房用废纸篓。
Both involve paper.
纸盒 is a small paper box (like a tissue box); 废纸篓 is a waste basket.
从纸盒里拿纸,把废纸扔进废纸篓。
Same root character.
篓子 is any deep basket; 废纸篓 is specific to paper waste.
背篓是背东西的,废纸篓是装纸的。
Both sit on or near desks.
烟灰缸 is for cigarette ash; 废纸篓 is for paper. Never mix them!
别把烟头扔进废纸篓,会起火的。
Both deal with waste paper.
碎纸机 is a machine that shreds; 废纸篓 is just a container.
重要文件用碎纸机,普通废纸用废纸篓。
Padrões de frases
这是 [Noun]。
这是废纸篓。
把 [Object] 扔进 [Noun] 里。
把纸扔进废纸篓里。
[Noun] 已经 [Adjective] 了。
废纸篓已经满了。
由于 [Reason],[Object] 进了废纸篓。
由于没写好,草稿进了废纸篓。
[Object] 被视为 [Noun],最终被扔进废纸篓。
他的计划被视为垃圾,最终被扔进废纸篓。
[Noun] 见证了 [Abstract Noun]。
废纸篓见证了他的艰辛历程。
请 [Verb] 一下 [Noun]。
请倒一下废纸篓。
[Noun] 在 [Location]。
废纸篓在桌子下。
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Common in office/educational contexts; less common in domestic kitchen contexts.
-
Using 废纸篓 for a kitchen bin.
→
垃圾桶
Kitchens have wet waste; 废纸篓 is for dry paper only.
-
Saying '一枝废纸篓'.
→
一个废纸篓
枝 is for flowers/pens; 个 is the correct measure word.
-
Pronouncing 篓 as 'lóu'.
→
lǒu
The second tone sounds like 'building' (楼). Use the third tone.
-
Writing 废 as 发.
→
废
发 means to send/hair; 废 means waste. They look very different.
-
Omitting '里' when saying 'in the basket'.
→
在废纸篓里
Chinese requires a localizer after the noun to indicate 'inside'.
Dicas
Waste Sorting
In cities like Shanghai, putting anything other than paper in a 废纸篓 can lead to a fine if the bin is designated for recyclables. Always check the local rules!
Pronunciation
The 'lǒu' sound is similar to 'low' in English but with a distinct dip. Practice by nodding your head down and then up while saying it.
Stroke Order
The character '废' starts with the 'dot' at the top. The '篓' character has many strokes, so write the bamboo part first, then the middle, then the bottom 'woman' (女) radical.
Office Etiquette
In a Chinese office, it's polite to empty your own 废纸篓 if it's full, rather than waiting for the cleaning staff, especially in smaller companies.
Synonym Choice
Use '纸篓' when speaking casually with colleagues. Use '废纸篓' in written reports or when being very specific.
Fire Hazard
Because 废纸篓 are full of paper, Chinese safety posters often warn against throwing lit cigarettes or matches into them.
Mesh vs. Solid
If you see a mesh bin, call it a 废纸篓. If it's a solid plastic bucket, 垃圾桶 might be safer.
Software
If you change your computer language to Chinese, look for the 废纸篓 icon to practice recognizing the word daily.
Buying One
On Taobao or JD.com, search for '办公废纸篓' to see the variety of styles available.
Helping Out
Asking '需要我帮你倒废纸篓吗?' is a very kind gesture in a shared workspace.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Fèi' as 'Fail' (the paper failed), 'Zhǐ' as 'Just' (it's just paper), and 'Lǒu' as 'Low' (the basket is low on the floor). Fail-Just-Low.
Associação visual
Imagine a tall bamboo basket (篓) overflowing with white sheets of paper (纸) that have big red 'X' marks on them (废).
Word Web
Desafio
Try to find three different things made of paper in your room and '扔' them into a real or imaginary 废纸篓 while saying the word aloud.
Origem da palavra
The word is a modern compound. '废' (fèi) dates back to ancient Chinese meaning 'to collapse' or 'to abandon.' '纸' (zhǐ) was invented during the Han Dynasty. '篓' (lǒu) refers to a deep basket, originally made of bamboo.
Significado original: A bamboo basket specifically used to collect discarded pieces of paper.
Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).Contexto cultural
No specific sensitivities; a neutral, everyday object word.
Equivalent to 'wastepaper basket' or 'wastebasket.' In the US, 'trash can' is more common, but 'wastebasket' is understood as the smaller, office-type bin.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Office
- 清空废纸篓
- 碎纸机
- 回收纸张
- 办公桌下
Study Room
- 草稿纸
- 纸篓满了
- 整理桌面
- 没用的笔记
Classroom
- 值日生
- 倒垃圾
- 保持卫生
- 手工课
Digital Desktop
- 清空废纸篓
- 还原文件
- 移至废纸篓
- 彻底删除
Furniture Store
- 不锈钢废纸篓
- 塑料纸篓
- 价格优惠
- 家居用品
Iniciadores de conversa
"你的办公室里有几个废纸篓?"
"你觉得网格状的废纸篓好用吗?"
"在你的国家,废纸篓里的纸会被回收吗?"
"如果废纸篓满了,你会马上倒掉它吗?"
"你曾经在废纸篓里找回过重要的东西吗?"
Temas para diário
描述一下你书桌下面的废纸篓是什么样子的。
写一段话,描述一个作家不断把稿纸扔进废纸篓的情景。
你认为在未来的无纸化办公中,废纸篓还会存在吗?
记录一次你不小心把重要文件扔进废纸篓的经历。
谈谈你对垃圾分类和废纸篓之间关系的看法。
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTechnically you can, but it's not recommended. In Chinese culture and modern waste sorting, a 废纸篓 is for dry paper. Putting wet food waste in it might make the basket dirty or attract bugs, especially if it's a mesh basket. Use a 垃圾桶 for food.
They are essentially the same. 纸篓 is a more casual, shorter version. 废纸篓 is the full, formal name. Both are used frequently.
Yes, especially on Apple (macOS) systems, the icon is called 废纸篓. On Windows, it is more commonly called 回收站 (Recycle Bin).
The most common measure word is 个 (gè). You can also use 只 (zhī) for smaller, object-like baskets. Example: 一个废纸篓.
Historically, yes. The character 篓 has the bamboo radical. However, modern ones are usually plastic or metal mesh. The name hasn't changed.
You say '倒废纸篓' (dào fèizhǐlǒu) or '清空废纸篓' (qīngkōng fèizhǐlǒu).
Yes, it often means an idea or a plan has been rejected or discarded. '他的建议进了废纸篓' means his suggestion was ignored.
Yes, it typically appears around the HSK 4 or 5 level (CEFR B2), as it's a common office and household object.
Usually under a desk (桌子下面) or in the corner of a room (墙角).
No. Street bins are 垃圾桶 or 果皮箱. A 废纸篓 is almost always a small, indoor container.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Write a sentence using '废纸篓' and '扔'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the location of a 废纸篓 in an office.
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Write a short dialogue about emptying a full wastepaper basket.
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Use '废纸篓' in a metaphorical sense.
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Translate: 'The wastepaper basket is full of discarded drafts.'
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Explain why we use a 废纸篓 instead of a 垃圾桶 for paper.
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Write a reminder for colleagues to clean their baskets.
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Describe a traditional bamboo wastepaper basket.
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Write a sentence using the measure word '个' with '废纸篓'.
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Translate: 'Empty the trash bin on your computer.'
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Write a sentence about finding something in a 废纸篓.
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Describe a modern metal mesh 废纸篓.
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Use the word '纸篓' in a casual sentence.
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Write a sentence about waste sorting and 废纸篓.
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Translate: 'Don't throw fruit peels into the paper basket.'
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Write a sentence about a writer's struggle using '废纸篓'.
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Describe the state of a room with many full baskets.
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Write a sentence about buying office supplies.
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Translate: 'The cleaner empties the baskets every night.'
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Use '废纸篓' in a sentence about environmental protection.
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Pronounce '废纸篓' with correct tones.
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Say 'Throw the paper into the basket' in Chinese.
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Ask a colleague where the wastepaper basket is.
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Tell someone that the basket is full.
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Ask someone to help you empty the basket.
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Describe what a 废纸篓 is used for in 3 sentences.
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Explain the difference between 废纸篓 and 垃圾桶.
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Use 废纸篓 metaphorically in a sentence.
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Say 'I need to buy a new wastepaper basket' in Chinese.
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Say 'Empty the computer's trash' in Chinese.
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Practice the word '纸篓' (shorter version).
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Tell a child to put their scrap paper in the basket.
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Say 'The basket is under the desk' in Chinese.
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Describe the material of your basket (e.g., plastic).
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Say 'Don't throw fruit peels in here' in Chinese.
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Talk about the importance of recycling paper.
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Say 'The cleaner is emptying the basket' in Chinese.
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Describe an overflowing basket.
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Say 'I found the key in the wastepaper basket' in Chinese.
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Explain '垃圾分类' (trash sorting) briefly.
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Listen and identify the object: '桌子下面那个装纸的篓子叫什么?'
Listen to the instruction: '请把废纸扔进废纸篓,谢谢。' What should you do?
Listen: '废纸篓满了,你去倒一下吧。' Who needs to do the chore?
Listen: '别把垃圾扔在废纸篓外面。' What is the speaker complaining about?
Listen: '我在废纸篓里找了半天也没找到。' Did the person find what they were looking for?
Listen: '这个废纸篓是金属网格的。' What is the material/style mentioned?
Listen: '清空废纸篓可以保护隐私。' Why empty the basket?
Listen: '他的初稿进了废纸篓。' What happened to the draft?
Listen: '这个纸篓是竹编的,很漂亮。' What is the adjective used?
Listen: '办公室需要采购五个新的废纸篓。' How many are needed?
Listen: '把湿垃圾和废纸篓里的纸分开。' What is the instruction?
Listen: '废纸篓在墙角。' Where is the basket?
Listen: '这个废纸篓带盖子吗?' What is the question asking?
Listen: '废纸篓里的纸已经堆成小山了。' How much paper is in there?
Listen: '请问最近的废纸篓在哪儿?' What is the person looking for?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 废纸篓 specifically refers to a basket for paper waste. Unlike the general term 垃圾桶, it implies a cleaner, dryer environment like an office. Example: 请把废纸扔进废纸篓 (Please throw the waste paper into the wastepaper basket).
- 废纸篓 (fèizhǐlǒu) is a noun meaning 'wastepaper basket,' composed of 'waste' (废), 'paper' (纸), and 'basket' (篓).
- It is primarily used in offices and study rooms specifically for dry paper waste, distinct from general trash cans (垃圾桶).
- Commonly paired with the verb 扔 (rēng - throw) and the measure word 个 (gè) or 只 (zhī).
- Metaphorically, it represents the act of discarding ideas, drafts, or failed plans in professional and creative contexts.
Waste Sorting
In cities like Shanghai, putting anything other than paper in a 废纸篓 can lead to a fine if the bin is designated for recyclables. Always check the local rules!
Pronunciation
The 'lǒu' sound is similar to 'low' in English but with a distinct dip. Practice by nodding your head down and then up while saying it.
Stroke Order
The character '废' starts with the 'dot' at the top. The '篓' character has many strokes, so write the bamboo part first, then the middle, then the bottom 'woman' (女) radical.
Office Etiquette
In a Chinese office, it's polite to empty your own 废纸篓 if it's full, rather than waiting for the cleaning staff, especially in smaller companies.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de daily_life
朝九晚五
B2Das nove às cinco; horário de trabalho regular.
未免
B2Um pouco demais; realmente (implica excesso). 'Este preço é um pouco exagerado.'
废弃
B2Abandonar ou deixar de usar algo permanentemente (como fábricas ou leis).
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2O tempo está muito anormal hoje. (Descreve um desvio do padrão regular.)
充裕
B2Abundante; amplo. É frequentemente usado para tempo ou dinheiro.
充沛
B2Abundante; cheio de energia. Por exemplo: 'Ele é cheio de energia (精力充沛)'.
门禁卡
B2Um cartão de acesso usado para abrir portas eletrônicas em edifícios.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.