生锈

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Usage and Meaning

The verb 生锈 (shēng xiù) literally means "to rust" or "to corrode," referring to the chemical process where metal oxidizes and forms rust. It is commonly used to describe iron or steel objects exposed to moisture or air over time.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 生锈 used when talking about old tools, bicycles, keys, or any metal items that have been left unused or exposed to the elements. It implies deterioration and often the need for repair or replacement.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 生锈钥匙 (rusty key): describes a key that no longer works smoothly due to rust.
  • 生锈 (chain rusted): common phrase for bicycle or machinery chains.
  • 生锈 (has rusted): past tense indicating the rusting has already occurred.

Notes

生锈 is a straightforward verb without metaphorical uses in everyday speech. It is often paired with objects made of iron or steel. Avoid confusing 生锈 with 腐烂 (fǔlàn), which means "to rot" and is used for organic matter. 生锈 specifically refers to metal corrosion.

Use 生锈 when you want to describe the physical condition of metal objects that have deteriorated due to rust.

Example Sentences

This old key has already rusted and can't open the lock.

Iron products exposed to air for a long time easily rust.

The chain of this bicycle has rusted and needs to be replaced.