Meaning
陈旧 describes something that is old, outdated, or no longer current. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something has become obsolete or irrelevant due to the passage of time. This word is commonly used for ideas, concepts, equipment, or thinking that needs updating.
Usage
陈旧 is used in formal and informal contexts to criticize or describe things that are behind the times. It's frequently paired with nouns like 观念 (concepts), 设备 (equipment), 思想 (thinking), or 方法 (methods). The word emphasizes that something is not just old, but outdated to the point of being impractical or ineffective.
Examples
- 01这些设备太陈旧了，需要更换。, .This equipment is too outdated and needs to be replaced.
- 02我们不能用陈旧的观念来解决新问题。.We can't use outdated concepts to solve new problems.
Characters
Common collocations
- 陈旧观念outdated concepts
- 陈旧设备obsolete equipment
- 陈旧思想outdated thinking
- 陈旧的方法outdated methods
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to age and the past. 陈 originally meant 'to arrange' or 'to display,' and came to mean 'stale' (like old displayed goods). 旧 directly means 'old' or 'former.' Together they emphasize outdatedness.