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March 24, 2026
生锈(生銹)shēngxiù(sheng1xiu4)
The verb 生锈 (shēngxiù) means 'to rust' and refers to the process where metals corrode and develop a reddish-brown coating due to oxidation. It is commonly used in contexts related to metal objects, tools, and machinery that are exposed to moisture. The term can also metaphorically describe skills or knowledge that have deteriorated due to lack of use.
Frequency#11698DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rusting is often associated with neglect and the passage of time, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for maintenance and care in daily life and traditional crafts. Rust can symbolize decay, which is contrary to the value placed on preservation and longevity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rusty old bicycle sitting in the rain. The character 生 (shēng) resembles a sprouting plant, representing growth, while 锈 (xiù) combines the metal radical 钅 (related to metals) and the character for 'show' (见), suggesting that the metal is 'showing' signs of rust. Together, they evoke the image of metal growing rusty over time.
Meanings of 生锈
shēngxiù(sheng1xiu4)
1to rust
2to grow rusty
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 生锈
生锈Simplified
生銹Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11698Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 生锈
Podcast: 生锈
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AI Study Notes for 生锈
Quick Contrast
生锈 (shēngxiù) vs 腐蚀 (fǔshí) — use 生锈 specifically for metal oxidation, while 腐蚀 refers to broader corrosion processes affecting various materials.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rusty old bicycle sitting in the rain. The character 生 (shēng) resembles a sprouting plant, representing growth, while 锈 (xiù) combines the metal radical 钅 (related to metals) and the character for 'show' (见), suggesting that the metal is 'showing' signs of rust. Together, they evoke the image of metal growing rusty over time.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 生锈 with similar terms like 腐蚀 (fǔshí), which means 'to corrode' in a broader sense. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious of using 生锈 in a metaphorical sense, as it may not always be understood. Typical collocations include '铁生锈' (iron rusts) and '工具生锈' (tools rust).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 生锈 connects to other vocabulary related to materials, maintenance, and deterioration. Students should focus on understanding its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, as well as its implications in discussions about preservation and care of items.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rusting is often associated with neglect and the passage of time, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for maintenance and care in daily life and traditional crafts. Rust can symbolize decay, which is contrary to the value placed on preservation and longevity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 生锈 to describe all types of deterioration, while it is specifically for rust. For example, saying '木头生锈' (wood rust) is incorrect; instead, you should use 腐烂 (fǔlàn) for wood decay.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 生锈
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Grammar Patterns of 生锈
生锈 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈____的熟铁栅栏。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
Example Sentences for 生锈 (9)
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1
不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生锈的熟铁栅栏。
bù dà de jiào táng mù dì zhōu biān wéi zháo yī quān shēng xiù de shú tiě zhà lán。
The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.
2
我们多年来都开着一辆生锈的旧货车四处旅行。
wǒ mén duō nián lái dū kāi zháo yī liàng shēng xiù de jiù huò chē sì chǔ lǚ háng。
We spent years travelling around in a rusty old van.
Copper nails are better than iron nails because the iron rusts.
Cultural Notes for 生锈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of rusting is often associated with neglect and the passage of time, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for maintenance and care in daily life and traditional crafts. Rust can symbolize decay, which is contrary to the value placed on preservation and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 生锈
While 生锈 specifically refers to rust on metal, you can use it metaphorically to describe skills or knowledge that have deteriorated.
生锈 specifically means 'to rust' and applies to metals, while 腐蚀 refers to 'corrosion' in a broader sense, including non-metal materials.
