About
The character "俗" is etymologically constructed from the semantic component "人" (person) and the phonetic component "谷" (valley), together originally evoking the idea of common customs or habits that are prevalent among people in a particular region. Its early meaning was largely neutral or descriptive, referring to social practices, popular traditions, and the general manners of a populace. Over time, however, the meaning acquired a pronounced pejorative dimension, shifting from merely "common" or "popular" to carrying a judgment of being "vulgar", "unrefined", or "mundane", a contrast to the cultivated elegance denoted by "雅". This semantic shift reflects a historical perspective within literate culture that often distinguished between high, classical art and low, popular expression.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一种习俗。
我不喜欢这种俗气的颜色。
他的笑话有点俗。
我们要尊重当地的风俗。
他的作品雅俗共赏。
这部小说通俗易懂，很受欢迎。
超凡脱俗是很多人的追求。
他脱离了俗务，专心修行。