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March 24, 2026
俗sú(su2)
The character 俗 (sú) refers to customs, conventions, or practices that are common within a society. It can imply something that is popular or widely accepted but may also carry connotations of being vulgar or unrefined. It is often used in contexts discussing social norms and cultural practices.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#8274DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 俗 is often discussed in relation to traditional customs and practices, especially during festivals where old customs may clash with modern values. The tension between 俗 and refined tastes is a recurring theme in literature and social discourse.
Memory Tip
Imagine a crowd (人) gathered around a loudspeaker, where loud and coarse music (俗) is playing. This represents the common and popular customs that everyone follows, but also hints at their potential vulgarity. The pronunciation 'sú' sounds like 'sue,' as in suing someone for bad taste in music.
Meanings of 俗
sú(su2)
1custom
2convention
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 俗
俗Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#8274Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 俗
Podcast: 俗
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AI Study Notes for 俗
Quick Contrast
俗 (sú) vs 平常 (píngcháng) — use 俗 when emphasizing cultural or social customs, while 平常 focuses on the common or ordinary nature of something without the connotation of vulgarity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a crowd (人) gathered around a loudspeaker, where loud and coarse music (俗) is playing. This represents the common and popular customs that everyone follows, but also hints at their potential vulgarity. The pronunciation 'sú' sounds like 'sue,' as in suing someone for bad taste in music.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 俗 with its synonyms, as it can imply a lack of refinement. It is often used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in overly formal writing. Common collocations include 俗话 (súhuà, 'common saying') and 俗气 (súqì, 'vulgar').
HSK Study Tips
Although 俗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for level 3 learners who are expanding their understanding of social interactions. Focus on recognizing its usage in phrases related to customs and practices, as well as its antonyms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 俗 is often discussed in relation to traditional customs and practices, especially during festivals where old customs may clash with modern values. The tension between 俗 and refined tastes is a recurring theme in literature and social discourse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 俗 in formal contexts, thinking it carries a neutral meaning. For example, saying '这个建议很俗' (This suggestion is very vulgar) in a business meeting would be inappropriate. Instead, use a term like 普通 (pǔtōng, 'common') for a more neutral tone.
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Pronunciation of 俗
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Grammar Patterns of 俗
俗 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The character '俗' can have negative connotations, often referring to something vulgar or coarse. Learners should be cautious of its usage in formal contexts.
1
他的行为很俗
His behavior is very vulgar.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
他的行为很____
His behavior is very vulgar.
Example Sentences for 俗 (10)
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1
这篇课文把相当复杂的主题讲述得深入浅出、通俗易懂。
zhè piān kè wén bǎ xiāng dāng fù zá de zhǔ tí jiǎng shù dé shēn rù qiǎn chū、 、 tōng sú yì。
The text is approachable, coping well with quite complicated subjects.
2
正如一位愤世嫉俗的旧主顾所说的那样，“他很可能把差额塞进了自己的腰包！”
zhèng rú yī wèi fèn shì jí sú de jiù zhǔ gù suǒ shuō de nà yàng，“ ，“ tā hěn kě néng bǎ chà é sāi jìn le zì jǐ de yāo！”
As one former customer said cynically, "He's probably pocketed the difference!"
3
通俗报纸的内页都有照片专栏.
tōng sú bào zhǐ de nèi yè dū yǒu zhào piàn zhuān lán.
The popular papers all have photo features on their inside pages.
4
劳森写得很好：英文通俗易懂，朴实无华又不矫揉造作。
láo sēn xiě dé hěn hǎo： ： yīng wén tōng sú yì， dǒng ， pǔ shí wú huá yòu bù jiǎo róu。
Lawson writes so well: in plain English, without fuss or affectation.
5
他对那些人很有看法，看不起他们粗俗的举止。
tā duì nà xiē rén hěn yǒu kàn fǎ， ， kàn bù qǐ tā mén cū sú de jǔ。
He was critical of the people, disparaging of their crude manners.
6
古罗马人征服英国的时候也带来了这个风俗。
gǔ luó mǎ rén zhēng fú yīng guó de shí hòu yě dài lái le zhè gè fēng sú。
When they conquered Britain, the Romans brought this custom with them.
7
那人野蛮粗俗。
nà rén yě mán cū sú。
The man was brutish and coarse.
8
弗雷德不停地和客人们开着粗俗的玩笑。
fú léi dé bù tíng dì hé kè rén mén kāi zháo cū sú de wán xiào。
Fred keeps cracking rude jokes with the guests.
9
她说话声音很小，但是用了些特别粗俗的字眼儿。
tā shuō huà shēng yīn hěn xiǎo， ， dàn shì yòng le xiē tè bié cū sú de zì yǎn。
She spoke in a quiet voice but used remarkably coarse expressions.
10
俗话说得好,老狗学不会新把戏.
sú huà shuō dé hǎo, , lǎo gǒu xué bù huì xīn bǎ.
Can't learn an old dog new tricks, as the saying is.
Cultural Notes for 俗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 俗 is often discussed in relation to traditional customs and practices, especially during festivals where old customs may clash with modern values. The tension between 俗 and refined tastes is a recurring theme in literature and social discourse.
Word Family of 俗
Words Containing This Character20
俗súcustom
习俗xísúcustom習俗
粗俗vulgar
世俗profane
民俗mínsúpopular custom
不俗impressive
俗话súhuàproverb俗話
愤世嫉俗to be cynical憤世嫉俗
风俗fēngsúsocial custom風俗
俗称common term俗稱
低俗vulgar
通俗tōngsúcommon
俗气tacky俗氣
庸俗yōngsúvulgar
俗语súyǔproverb俗語
俗套cliché
俗话说súhuàshuōas the proverb says俗話說
脱俗refined脫俗
惊世骇俗universally shocking驚世駭俗
入乡随俗When in Rome, do as the Romans do入鄉隨俗
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 俗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 俗
While 俗 refers to common customs and may imply vulgarity, 风俗 (fēngsú) specifically denotes social customs and traditions, often with a more positive connotation.
Generally, 俗 is more informal and may not be suitable for formal writing or speeches. It's better to use more refined terms in such contexts.
