Definitions
(adjective)
ugly; unsightly
(adjective)
low; humble; mean
Etymology phono-semantic
village
Semantic:
阝
About
The character "陋" structurally integrates the radical "阝", which categorically associates it with terrain or confines, and the phonetic component "㔷", originally indicating its sound. Its early usage referred concretely to narrow or restricted physical spaces, such as a tight passage or a secluded area. Over time, the meaning expanded beyond spatial constraints to describe qualitative deficiencies, including ugliness, crudeness, or meanness, as evident in compounds denoting plainness or unattractiveness. This shift from a literal to a figurative sense allowed the character to apply to abstract concepts like inferior knowledge or humble conditions, while its structural components remained consistent in form.
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。