破旧

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 破旧 (pòjiù) describes objects that are old, worn out, or in poor condition due to age or damage. It often conveys a sense of dilapidation or neglect.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see 破旧 used to describe clothing, houses, vehicles, or furniture that are visibly damaged or very old. It emphasizes the physical state rather than sentimental value.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 破旧衣服 (worn-out clothes): commonly used to describe old garments no longer suitable for wear.
  • 破旧房子 (dilapidated house): often used in social or news contexts to highlight poor living conditions.
  • 破旧不堪 (extremely worn out): a fixed phrase emphasizing severe deterioration.

Usage Notes

破旧 is a neutral to slightly negative descriptive term. It is not used for abstract concepts but strictly for tangible items. Avoid confusing it with (old) alone, which can be neutral or even positive depending on context. 破旧 always implies damage or poor condition.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 破旧 with (pòsǔn), which focuses more on breakage or damage rather than overall worn condition. 破旧 emphasizes the combined effect of age and damage making something look shabby.

Example Sentences

This piece of clothing is both worn-out and dirty; it can't be worn anymore.

They live in a dilapidated house under very harsh conditions.

This car looks very old and worn out; it probably needs repairs.