Meaning
淡薄 describes something that is weak, thin, or diluted in intensity. It commonly refers to emotional states (like feelings or interest being lukewarm or indifferent) or physical qualities (like flavor, color, or atmosphere being faint or thin). The word carries a sense of something lacking in strength or concentration.
Usage
淡薄 is often used in formal or written contexts to describe weak emotions, especially indifference toward relationships, responsibilities, or concepts. Common phrases include 感情淡薄 (emotionally distant), 意识淡薄 (weak awareness), and 兴趣淡薄 (little interest). It can also describe weak flavors or diluted substances in everyday speech.
Examples
- 01他对名利一向很淡薄。.He has always been indifferent to fame and fortune.
- 02现在年轻人的环保意识还比较淡薄。.Young people nowadays still have relatively weak environmental awareness.
Characters
Common collocations
- 感情淡薄emotionally indifferent
- 意识淡薄weak awareness/consciousness
- 兴趣淡薄little interest
- 淡薄的印象faint impression
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters contribute to the meaning of 'weakness' or 'thinness.' 淡 originally referred to pale or tasteless water, while 薄 means physically thin or lacking substance. Together they intensify the concept of something being diluted or lacking in strength.