Definitions
(adjective)
ugly; unsightly
(adjective)
low; humble; mean
Etymology phono-semantic
village
Semantic:
阝
About
The character "陋" is structured with the radical "阝" on the left, historically associated with terrain or elevation, and a phonetic component on the right that guides its pronunciation. Etymologically, it originated from concepts of narrowness or confinement, initially describing physical spaces that were cramped or restrictive. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass qualities of crudeness, simplicity, or poor construction in objects and conditions. This semantic extension further led to abstract applications, where the character came to denote vulgarity, inferiority, or a lack of sophistication in cultural and moral contexts, while its written form has remained largely consistent.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个房子很简陋。
他的房间非常简陋。
她认为这幅画很丑陋。
简陋的教室需要维修。
他们决定改造陋习。
虽然设备简陋，但工作效果很好。
在那个陋旧的街区，人们依然生活得很快乐。
克服长期形成的陋俗，需要全社会的共同努力。