Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== pòjiù: 破旧 - Old and Worn-out, Shabby, Dilapidated ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** pojiu, 破旧, what does pojiu mean, dilapidated in Chinese, old and broken in Chinese, shabby Chinese, worn-out Chinese, describe old things in Chinese, Chinese adjective for old. * **Summary:** The Chinese adjective **破旧 (pòjiù)** describes something as being **old and worn-out, shabby, or dilapidated**. It's not just "old," but specifically implies a state of disrepair, damage, or decay from long use. Whether you want to describe a beat-up car, a tattered book, or a run-down building, understanding `pòjiù` is key to vividly expressing the condition of old and broken items in Mandarin Chinese. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** pòjiù * **Part of Speech:** Adjective * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 * **Concise Definition:** Describing something as being old, broken, and in a state of disrepair. * **In a Nutshell:** Think of `pòjiù` as the combination of "old" and "broken." It doesn't just describe age; it describes the //effects// of age and use. A used book from last year is `旧 (jiù)`, but a book with a torn cover, yellowed pages, and a broken spine is `破旧`. It paints a picture of something that has seen better days and is physically falling apart. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **破 (pò):** This character means **"to break," "broken," or "damaged."** It's composed of 石 (shí - stone) and 皮 (pí - skin/leather). You can imagine it as the action of breaking through the "skin" or surface of a stone—a clear image of damage. * **旧 (jiù):** This character means **"old," "former," or "past."** It's typically used to describe the age of inanimate objects, not people. When combined, **破旧 (pòjiù)** literally means "broken and old." The two characters reinforce each other to create a vivid and unambiguous description of something in a state of dilapidation. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In a country like China that has undergone immense and rapid modernization, the concept of `破旧` holds a special significance. It often stands in stark contrast to the `崭新 (zhǎnxīn - brand new)` skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and modern infrastructure. * **Nostalgia vs. Progress:** A `破旧` building might be seen by developers as an obstacle to progress, something to be torn down. However, for artists, photographers, or older generations, that same `破旧` place can evoke a deep sense of nostalgia (怀旧 - huáijiù) for a simpler, past way of life. It represents the visible remnants of history in a landscape that is constantly changing. * **Comparison to "Vintage" or "Antique":** This is a crucial distinction for learners. In English, "vintage" and "antique" often have positive connotations, implying style, value, and desirability. **`破旧` is almost always neutral-to-negative.** It focuses strictly on the //physical condition// of an item—its shabbiness and disrepair. Calling a valuable antique chair `破旧` would be like ignoring its historical worth and pointing out only its scratches and faded fabric. It's not about value; it's about wear and tear. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== `破旧` is a common and practical adjective used to describe the physical condition of tangible objects. It is generally informal but can be used in written descriptions as well. * **Describing Objects:** It's most frequently used for buildings, furniture, vehicles, clothes, and books. * **Connotation:** The connotation is generally negative or, at best, a neutral statement of fact. You would not use it as a compliment. Pointing out that someone's home is `破旧` could be offensive unless you know them very well. However, you might use it to describe your own beloved but worn-out possessions with a sense of affection. ===== Example Sentences ===== **Example 1:** * 这栋**破旧**的房子已经很多年没人住了。 * Pinyin: Zhè dòng **pòjiù** de fángzi yǐjīng hěn duō nián méi rén zhù le. * English: This dilapidated house has been uninhabited for many years. * Analysis: A classic use of `pòjiù` to describe a run-down building. The context implies neglect and decay over time. **Example 2:** * 他开着一辆**破旧**的卡车在乡间小路上行驶。 * Pinyin: Tā kāizhe yí liàng **pòjiù** de kǎchē zài xiāngjiān xiǎolù shàng xíngshǐ. * English: He drove a beat-up old truck along the country roads. * Analysis: `破旧` here perfectly translates to "beat-up" or "clunky," describing a vehicle that is old and in poor condition. **Example 3:** * 虽然家具很**破旧**，但房间被收拾得非常干净。 * Pinyin: Suīrán jiājù hěn **pòjiù**, dàn fángjiān bèi shōushi de fēicháng gānjìng. * English: Although the furniture was old and shabby, the room was kept very clean. * Analysis: This sentence creates a contrast, showing that `破旧` describes the physical state of the furniture, not the overall tidiness or care taken by the owner. **Example 4:** * 在祖母的衣柜里，我找到了一件**破旧**但很漂亮的旗袍。 * Pinyin: Zài zǔmǔ de yīguì lǐ, wǒ zhǎodào le yí jiàn **pòjiù** dàn hěn piàoliang de qípáo. * English: In my grandmother's wardrobe, I found a worn-out but very beautiful qipao. * Analysis: This shows that something can be `破旧` (worn-out) while still holding onto another quality, like beauty. The word describes its condition, not its aesthetic appeal. **Example 5:** * 他从背包里掏出一本**破旧**的笔记本。 * Pinyin: Tā cóng bēibāo lǐ tāochū le yì běn **pòjiù** de bǐjìběn. * English: He took a battered old notebook out of his backpack. * Analysis: "Battered" is an excellent translation for `破旧` in the context of a book, suggesting it has been well-used and carried around a lot. **Example 6:** * 这个城市的新区和**破旧**的老城区形成了鲜明的对比。 * Pinyin: Zhège chéngshì de xīnqū hé **pòjiù** de lǎo chéngqū xíngchéng le xiānmíng de duìbǐ. * English: The city's new district and its dilapidated old town form a sharp contrast. * Analysis: This highlights the theme of modernization vs. history mentioned in the cultural context section. **Example 7:** * 那个流浪汉穿着一身**破旧**的衣服，坐在公园的长椅上。 * Pinyin: Nàge liúlànghàn chuānzhe yì shēn **pòjiù** de yīfu, zuò zài gōngyuán de chángyǐ shàng. * English: The homeless man was wearing shabby clothes, sitting on a park bench. * Analysis: Here, `破旧` describes clothes that are not just old but tattered and in poor condition, fitting the context. **Example 8:** * 我童年最喜欢的玩具是一个**破旧**的泰迪熊。 * Pinyin: Wǒ tóngnián zuì xǐhuān de wánjù shì yí ge **pòjiù** de tàidíxióng. * English: My favorite toy from childhood was a shabby old teddy bear. * Analysis: In this context, `破旧` carries a feeling of affection and nostalgia. The wear and tear on the bear is a sign of how much it was loved. **Example 9:** * 这辆**破旧**的自行车是爷爷留给我的，我舍不得扔。 * Pinyin: Zhè liàng **pòjiù** de zìxíngchē shì yéye liú gěi wǒ de, wǒ shěbude rēng. * English: This worn-out bicycle was left to me by my grandpa; I can't bear to throw it away. * Analysis: This sentence shows the sentimental value that can be attached to a `破旧` object. Its condition doesn't diminish its emotional worth. **Example 10:** * 学校的体育器材大多已经很**破旧**了，需要更换。 * Pinyin: Xuéxiào de tǐyù qìcái dàduō yǐjīng hěn **pòjiù** le, xūyào gēnghuàn. * English: Most of the school's sports equipment is already very worn-out and needs to be replaced. * Analysis: A practical, official-sounding use. `破旧` is used here as a justification for why replacement is necessary. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **`破旧` vs. `旧` (jiù):** This is the most common point of confusion. * `旧 (jiù)` simply means "old" or "used." A `旧手机` (jiù shǒujī) is a "second-hand phone" that could be in perfect working order. * `破旧 (pòjiù)` means "old //and// broken/shabby." A `破旧手机` (pòjiù shǒujī) is a phone that is clearly damaged—cracked screen, won't hold a charge, etc. * **Incorrect:** 我买了一辆**破旧**的二手车，跟新的一样！(Wǒ mǎi le yí liàng **pòjiù** de èrshǒuchē, gēn xīn de yíyàng!) -> "I bought a dilapidated used car, it's just like new!" This is contradictory. You should use `旧` instead. * **`破旧` vs. `老` (lǎo):** * `老 (lǎo)` means "old" in terms of age, and often carries a sense of respect, familiarity, or history (e.g., `老师` teacher, `老朋友` old friend, `老房子` old house). An `老房子` could be a charming, well-maintained historical home. * A `破旧房子` is specifically a run-down, dilapidated house. A house can be both `老` and `破旧`, but the words emphasize different aspects. * **Don't use `破旧` for abstract concepts:** You cannot have a `破旧的观念` (pòjiù de guānniàn - a dilapidated concept). For "outdated" or "old-fashioned" ideas, you should use `陈旧 (chénjiù)`. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[旧]] (jiù) - Old, used. The core "old" component of `破旧` without the "broken" aspect. * [[破烂]] (pòlàn) - Tattered, ragged, junk. A close synonym, but often stronger and more negative, implying something is worthless and ready to be thrown away. * [[陈旧]] (chénjiù) - Outmoded, obsolete, old-fashioned. Describes something that is outdated in style or concept, not necessarily physically broken (e.g., old ideas, old technology). * [[老]] (lǎo) - Old, aged. Broader term for age, often used for people or things with a sense of history or affection. * [[残破]] (cánpò) - Damaged and incomplete; in ruins. More formal and often used to describe ancient ruins, fragmented artifacts, or heavily damaged structures. * [[古老]] (gǔlǎo) - Ancient, age-old. Emphasizes great age and a long history, usually with a neutral or reverent tone. * [[新]] (xīn) - New. The direct antonym of `旧`. * [[崭新]] (zhǎnxīn) - Brand new, pristine. A strong antonym that emphasizes something is completely new and untouched.