劣

liè

力 + 少

Definitions

liè (adjective) inferior; bad; poor quality

liè (verb) to degenerate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 少 represents the meaning and 力 represents the sound.

Semantic: 少 Phonetic: 力

About

劣 is a phonosemantic compound character meaning 'inferior, bad, or of low quality.' It is formed by 少 (shǎo, 'few, less') on top and 力 (lì, 'strength') below. 少 provides the meaning of 'less,' while 力 serves as the phonetic component. The idea that having less strength leads to an inferior or weaker position is reflected in the character's structure. 劣 describes things that are substandard, poor, disadvantageous, or worse than average. It commonly appears in contexts involving poor performance, low-grade products, or an unfavorable situation in competition.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个产品是劣质的。

Zhè gè chǎn pǐn shì liè zhì de.

This product is of inferior quality.

我们不能买劣质商品。

Wǒ men bù néng mǎi liè zhì shāng pǐn.

We should not buy inferior goods.

他的行为非常恶劣。

Tā de xíng wéi fēi cháng è liè.

His behavior is very bad.

这家公司处于劣势。

Zhè jiā gōng sī chǔ yú liè shì.

This company is at a disadvantage.

低劣的服务让人失望。

Dī liè de fú wù ràng rén shī wàng.

The low-quality service is disappointing.

她指出了计划的拙劣之处。

Tā zhǐ chū le jì huà de zhuō liè zhī chù.

She pointed out the clumsiness of the plan.

政府严厉打击劣质食品。

Zhèng fǔ yán lì dǎ jī liè zhì shí pǐn.

The government strictly cracks down on inferior food.

尽管环境恶劣，他们仍坚持工作。

Jǐn guǎn huán jìng è liè, tā men réng jiān chí gōng zuò.

Despite the harsh environment, they still persevere in their work.

Related Characters

Component: 力

Component: 少

劣