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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character (chǒu) primarily means "ugly" or "unpleasant" when used as an adjective. It can describe physical appearance, colors, behavior, or anything considered unattractive or displeasing. Additionally, is a Chinese surname pronounced "Chou".

Common Contexts

  • Describing something visually unattractive: e.g., (ugly painting), 衣服 (ugly clothes).
  • Expressing dislike or disgust toward someone's behavior or attitude.
  • Referring to the surname in formal or casual introductions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (ugly duckling): a common phrase symbolizing transformation from unattractive to beautiful.
  • 行为 (ugly behavior): used to criticize someone's conduct.
  • (very ugly): a frequent collocation to emphasize ugliness.

Usage Notes

When using to describe people or things, it often carries a strong negative tone and can be offensive if used directly about a person. It is more polite to avoid using directly for people unless in a literary or humorous context. For surnames, is neutral and simply a proper noun.

Common Confusion

is sometimes confused with 难看 (nánkàn), which also means "ugly" but is more colloquial and less harsh. tends to be stronger and more formal or literary in tone.

Example Sentences

He thinks that painting is ugly and doesn't want to hang it on the wall.

The ugly duckling eventually turned into a beautiful swan.

Mr. Chou is the new classmate in our class.

The color of this piece of clothing is ugly; I don't like it.

His ugly behavior made everyone feel disgusted.