Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
朴素(樸素)pǔsù(pu3su4)
朴素 (pǔ sù) describes something that is plain, simple, and unadorned, often reflecting a lifestyle that values simplicity over extravagance. This term can be used to describe both physical appearances, such as clothing or decor, and abstract concepts, like thoughts or lifestyles, emphasizing a lack of frivolity or excess.
Frequency#20429DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 朴素 is often associated with traditional values that prioritize humility and practicality over materialism, reflecting Confucian teachings on living a modest life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a simple, plain wooden table (朴) that holds only essential items. '朴' (pǔ) looks like a tree (木) with its natural, unpolished form, representing simplicity. '素' (sù) resembles the unembellished fabric of a simple garment, reinforcing the idea of plainness and purity.
Meanings of 朴素
pǔsù(pu3su4)
1plain and simple
2unadorned
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 朴素
朴素Simplified
樸素Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#20429Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 朴素
Podcast: 朴素
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 朴素
Quick Contrast
质朴 (zhìpǔ) - use 朴素 for describing simplicity in style or appearance, while 质朴 emphasizes naturalness and sincerity in character or behavior.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a simple, plain wooden table (朴) that holds only essential items. '朴' (pǔ) looks like a tree (木) with its natural, unpolished form, representing simplicity. '素' (sù) resembles the unembellished fabric of a simple garment, reinforcing the idea of plainness and purity.
Usage Notes
朴素 is often used in both everyday and literary contexts to praise simplicity. Be cautious of using it in overly formal situations, as it may come off as too simplistic. Common collocations include '朴素的生活' (simple living) and '朴素的思想' (simple thoughts).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 朴素 is part of a vocabulary set that encourages learners to express complex ideas succinctly. Students should focus on contrasting it with more ornate terms, such as 华丽 (huá lì), which means 'gorgeous' or 'luxurious.'
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 朴素 is often associated with traditional values that prioritize humility and practicality over materialism, reflecting Confucian teachings on living a modest life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 朴素 with 复杂 (fù zá, complex), leading to incorrect usage in describing simple concepts. For example, saying '她的想法很复杂' (Her thoughts are very simple) should instead be '她的想法很朴素.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 朴素
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 朴素 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 朴素 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 朴素
朴素 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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 4
Complete the Sentence
她脱下了____的套装，换上了一身古怪的少女装。
She swapped her plain suit for an absurdly girlie dress.
Example Sentences for 朴素 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她脱下了朴素的套装，换上了一身古怪的少女装。
tā tuō xià le pǔ sù de tào zhuāng， ， huàn shàng le yī shēn gǔ guài de shǎo nǚ。
She swapped her plain suit for an absurdly girlie dress.
2
尽管张东家境比较富裕, 但是他的穿着却十分朴素.
jìn guǎn zhāng dōng jiā jìng bǐ jiào fù yù, , dàn shì tā de chuān zháo què shí fēn pǔ.
Though Zhang Dong 's family is wealthy, he is usually simply dressed.
3
他个子很高，衣着朴素。
tā gè zǐ hěn gāo， ， yī zháo pǔ。
He was very tall and plainly dressed.
4
用镶边、系带和流苏装饰朴素的床罩和窗帘。
yòng xiāng biān、 、 xì dài hé liú sū zhuāng shì pǔ sù de chuáng zhào hé chuāng。
Embellish basic covers and curtains with borders, ties and fringing.
5
他身穿一件朴素的制服，上面满是泥点。
tā shēn chuān yī jiàn pǔ sù de zhì fú， ， shàng miàn mǎn shì ní。
He was attired in a plain, mud-flecked uniform.
6
她穿了身朴素的浅灰色两件式套装。
tā chuān le shēn pǔ sù de qiǎn huī sè liǎng jiàn shì tào zhuāng。
She was wearing a simple light-grey two-piece suit.
Cultural Notes for 朴素
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 朴素 is often associated with traditional values that prioritize humility and practicality over materialism, reflecting Confucian teachings on living a modest life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 朴素
Synonyms include 简朴 (jiǎn pǔ, simple and plain) and 质朴 (zhì pǔ, rustic and unpretentious).
Yes, you can describe food as 朴素 if it is made simply, without fancy presentations or elaborate ingredients.
朴素 is generally a positive term, signifying virtue in simplicity and practicality.
