Definition
腐朽 (fǔ xiǔ) describes both literal rot (e.g., wood) and figurative decadence or corruption (of systems, morals). It is more literary and formal than 腐烂 (fǔ làn), the everyday word for organic decay, and overlaps with 腐败 (fǔ bài), but 腐败 is the standard term for political/institutional corruption. 腐朽 emphasizes a state of being decayed or degenerate, often with a sense of being outdated or rotten to the core.
adjective
rottendecayed (literal)decadentdegeneratecorrupt (figurative)
verb
to rotto decayto become corrupt
Examples
- 腐朽。Zhè kuài mùtou kāishǐ fǔ xiǔ le.This piece of wood is starting to rot.
- 腐朽。fǔ xiǔ de zhìdù dǎozhì le guójiā de shuāiluò.The decadent system caused the decline of the country.
- 腐朽。Nàge dìguó zhújiàn fǔ xiǔ le.That empire gradually decayed.
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