Meaning and Usage
"腐敗" (ふはい) primarily refers to physical decay, such as food rotting, but it is also widely used metaphorically to describe moral or political corruption. It is a formal noun often seen in news, academic, or official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will encounter "腐敗" when talking about spoiled food, decayed organic matter, or when discussing corruption in politics, organizations, or society. It conveys a strong negative judgment.
Collocations and Patterns
- 腐敗する: to decay or become corrupt
- 腐敗した政治: corrupt politics
- 腐敗防止: prevention of decay or corruption
- 腐敗臭: the smell of rot
Register and Nuance
"腐敗" is formal and not used in casual conversation. For everyday talk about food going bad, people might say "腐る" (くさる). When referring to corruption, "腐敗" carries a serious tone and is often used in written or formal speech.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "腐敗" with "腐る". Remember, "腐敗" is a noun describing the state or process of decay or corruption, while "腐る" is a verb meaning "to rot" or "to go bad." Use "腐敗" when emphasizing the concept or condition, especially in formal contexts.