Table of Contents

shǒujiù: 守旧 - Conservative, Old-fashioned

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

In Chinese culture, particularly in the context of the last several decades of rapid modernization and reform, 守旧 (shǒujiù) has become a strongly critical term. Progress (进步, jìnbù) and innovation (创新, chuàngxīn) are highly valued social goals. Therefore, being 守旧 is often seen as an obstacle to individual and national development. A helpful Western comparison is the difference between “traditional” and “old-fashioned.”

Practical Usage in Modern China

守旧 (shǒujiù) is primarily used to express disapproval. It's a common word in conversations about generational differences, business practices, and social norms.

The connotation is consistently negative. You would rarely, if ever, use 守旧 to praise someone. It implies a lack of flexibility and foresight.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for English speakers is to use 守旧 (shǒujiù) as a neutral equivalent for “conservative” or “traditional.”