About
The character 苟 is a phono-semantic compound, with the upper radical 艹 (grass) indicating its botanical category and the lower component 句 providing the phonetic element. It originally denoted a specific type of herb, a meaning now largely obsolete. In modern usage, 苟 primarily functions as an adverb or conjunction. As an adverb, it conveys negligence or impropriety (e.g., "careless", "illicit"). As a conjunction in classical and formal writing, it means "if" or "supposing that". It is also a recognized Chinese surname.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
苟且偷生是不负责任的表现。
他绝不会苟同这种荒谬的观点。
在原则问题上，我们不能有一丝苟且。
那种苟延残喘的生活毫无尊严。
他宁愿清白地死，也不愿苟活于世。
科学研究需要严谨，容不得半点苟且。
这种苟合的利益联盟注定不会长久。
面对强权，他从未苟且偷安，而是奋起抗争。