Definition
变味 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to go bad, to spoil' specifically referring to food that has lost its original flavor due to age or improper storage. The verb 变 ('to change') and the object 味 ('flavor, taste') can be separated: you can insert a measure word or modifier between them, e.g. 变了味 ('has gone bad'), 变过味 ('has spoiled before'). The word is primarily used for food but can extend metaphorically to situations that have 'turned sour' or changed for the worse.
v.o.
to go badto spoil (of food)to taste off or unpleasant
Examples
- 变味，。Zhè niúnǎi yǐjīng biàn wèi le, bù néng hē.This milk has already gone bad — you can't drink it.
- ，。Cài fàng zài wàimiàn tài jiǔ, zǎo jiù biàn le wèi.The food was left out too long and spoiled long ago.
- 变味，。Zhè zhǒng shuǐguǒ róngyì biàn wèi, yào fàng zài bīngxiāng lǐ.This kind of fruit spoils easily — you need to put it in the fridge.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.