Meaning
俗 describes things that are common, unsophisticated, or lacking in refinement. It can refer to popular customs and conventions, or carry a negative connotation of being vulgar, tacky, or in poor taste. The character combines 人 (person) and 谷 (valley), suggesting common people or the masses.
Usage
When used as an adjective, 俗 often has a critical tone, suggesting something is too common or lacks elegance (俗气). However, when referring to customs (风俗), it's neutral. Common in phrases like 通俗 (popular, easy to understand) and 习俗 (custom, tradition). The opposite quality of 雅 (refined, elegant).
Examples
- 01俗话说，熟能生巧。, .As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
- 02这个装修太俗气了，一点都不优雅。, .This decoration is too tacky, not elegant at all.
Common collocations
- 俗气tacky, in poor taste
- 俗话说as the saying goes
- 民俗folk custom
- 入乡随俗when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 人 (person) with 谷 (valley), originally suggesting the customs of common people living in valleys, as opposed to the refined culture of the elite.