Definition
土里土气 is a four-character set phrase (成语) used to describe someone or something as unfashionable, rustic, or unsophisticated — often with a mildly derogatory tone. The literal meaning is 'earth in, earth out' (full of earth), but it's used figuratively to criticize a lack of style or refinement. It's commonly applied to clothing, behavior, or appearance that seems outdated or countrified.
r.f.
(derogatory) rusticunsophisticatedunfashionable
Examples
- 土里土气，。Tā chuān de yīfu yǒudiǎn tǔ lǐ tǔ qì, bú tài shìhé jīntiān de chǎnghé.His clothes are a bit unsophisticated, not quite suitable for today's occasion.
- ，土里土气。Suīrán tā shì cóng nóngcūn lái de, dàn yìdiǎn yě bú tǔ lǐ tǔ qì.Although she is from the countryside, she is not rustic at all.
- 土里土气，。Zhè tào jiājù tài tǔ lǐ tǔ qì le, fàng zài kètīng lǐ xiǎnde hěn guòshí.This set of furniture is too unsophisticated; it looks very outdated in the living room.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.