Understanding the Meaning of 臭 (Chòu)
The Chinese character 臭 (chòu) translates primarily to “smelly” or “stinky” in English. It is often used to describe unpleasant odors, whether they come from food, garbage, or other sources. This character can carry both literal and metaphorical meanings, making it a uniquely versatile word in the Chinese language.
Literal Usage
In its most straightforward application, 臭 is used to describe something that emits a bad smell. For instance, when referring to garbage, one might say 这个垃圾太臭了 (zhè ge lājī tài chòu le), meaning “This garbage is too smelly.”
Metaphorical Connotations
In a more figurative sense, 臭 can also refer to negative traits or situations. For example, someone might describe a bad reputation with the phrase 臭名昭著 (chòu míng zhāo zhù), which means “infamous” or “notorious.”
Grammatical Structure of 臭 (Chòu)
In terms of grammatical structure, 臭 can function both as a verb and an adjective, providing flexibility in its application within sentences. When used as an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it modifies, similar to how adjectives are used in English. As a verb, it conveys the act of emitting a foul smell.
Adjective Form
As an adjective, 臭 modifies nouns. For instance:
- 臭豆腐 (chòu dòufu) – “stinky tofu”
- 臭味 (chòu wèi) – “bad smell”
In both examples, 臭 describes the nature of the tofu and the smell, respectively.
Verb Form
As a verb, it can be used as follows:
这个鱼发臭了 (zhè ge yú fā chòu le), which means “This fish has gone bad.” Here, 臭 conveys the action of smelling bad, highlighting its versatility as a word.
Example Sentences Using 臭 (Chòu)
Common Expressions
To better showcase the usage of 臭, here are some common sentences:
- 这个地方真的很臭 (zhè ge dìfāng zhēn de hěn chòu) – “This place really stinks.”
- 我不能吃臭掉的食物 (wǒ bù néng chī chòu diào de shíwù) – “I can’t eat spoiled food.”
- 他对我有臭名 (tā duì wǒ yǒu chòu míng) – “He has a bad reputation with me.”
Idiomatic Expressions
Moreover, 臭 can be found in various idioms:
- 臭不要脸 (chòu bù yào liǎn) – “shameless” (literally “stinking and not wanting a face”).
- 臭头 (chòu tóu) – “a stinky person” (used to describe an unpleasant character).
Conclusion: The Versatility of 臭 (Chòu)
In conclusion, the character 臭 (chòu) serves as an excellent example of the rich nuances present in the Chinese language. Its ability to convey both literal and metaphorical meanings provides speakers with the tools to express a range of concepts related to bad odors and unfavorable characteristics. Mastering the use of 臭 can greatly enhance your Chinese vocabulary and communication skills.
Whether you’re a language learner or a native speaker, understanding the implications of 臭 can deepen your appreciation for the complexity of Chinese lexicon.

Sứ mệnh của Chuyên là giúp đỡ và truyền cảm hứng cho các bạn trẻ Việt Nam sang Đài Loan học tập, sinh sống và làm việc. Là cầu nối để lan tỏa giá trị tinh hoa nguồn nhân lực Việt Nam đến với Đài Loan và trên toàn cầu.
CÓ THỂ BẠN QUAN TÂM
Du học Đài Loan
Lao Động Đài Loan
Việc Làm Đài Loan
Đơn Hàng Đài Loan
Visa Đài Loan
Du Lịch Đài Loan
Tiếng Đài Loan
KẾT NỐI VỚI CHUYÊN
Zalo: https://zalo.me/0936126566
Website: www.dailoan.vn