About
The character 渣, composed of the water radical 氵 and the phonetic component 查, etymologically relates to residual sediments or dregs from liquids, such as those found in brewed beverages or industrial processes. Its structure consistently reflects this association with leftover matter, where the water element hints at a liquid origin and 查 provides sound. Initially representing tangible refuse, the term's meaning broadened over centuries to encompass metaphorical uses, including descriptions of inferior quality objects and, notably, derogatory labels for people considered morally deficient, as seen in formations like 人渣. This semantic shift from concrete residue to abstract condemnation occurred without alteration to the character's form, demonstrating a common linguistic pattern where physical terms acquire social and evaluative dimensions.
Example Sentences Hide
咖啡里有很多渣。
他喜欢吃豆渣。
清理炉子里的煤渣。
不要做社会的人渣。
果汁过滤后没有渣。
这些渣滓必须处理掉。
工厂排放的废渣污染环境。
尽管他行为恶劣，但不应简单地称其为渣。