Meaning
混杂 describes things of different kinds mixed or mingled together, often in a disorderly or confused way. It emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of the mixture, where distinct elements coexist without full integration. The word can function as a verb (to mix together) or as an adjective (mixed, jumbled).
Usage
混杂 is commonly used to describe crowds of different types of people, mixed feelings or emotions, or various objects intermingled together. It often carries a slightly negative connotation of disorder or confusion, though it can also be neutral. Frequently appears in written Chinese and formal speech more than casual conversation.
Examples
- 01人群中混杂着各种口音。.Various accents were mixed in the crowd.
- 02这个地区的建筑风格混杂，既有现代的高楼，也有传统的民居。, , .The architectural styles in this area are mixed, with both modern high-rises and traditional residences.
Characters
Common collocations
- 混杂在一起mixed together
- 混杂着mingled with
- 鱼龙混杂good and bad mixed together (idiom)
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the concept of mixing: 混 originally meant muddy water where things are stirred together, while 杂 depicts various items combined. Together they intensify the meaning of heterogeneous mixture.