HSK · Level 30
135 words
Chinese word
朴实
Pronunciation
Pinyinpǔ shí
Meaning
- adjectivedown-to-earth
Example
他为人很朴实。tā wéi rén hěn pǔ shí
He is very down-to-earth.
More examples
他的文章语言朴实，很容易理解。tā de wén zhāng yǔ yán pǔ shí hěn róng yì lí jiě
The language in his writing is plain, so it is easy to understand.
Core concept
A plain, genuine manner that feels natural in both speech and conduct.
Common phrases
为人朴实wéi rén pǔ shí
a down-to-earth personality
朴实的风格pǔ shí de fēng gé
unadorned style
Similar words
朴素pǔ sù: Simple in appearance or decoration, without showy or flashy features.
质朴zhì pǔ: Plain and straightforward in speech or manner, without affected behavior.
诚实chéng shí: Truthful and honest, without telling lies or deceiving others.
真诚zhēn chéng: Genuine and heartfelt, with true feelings shown in words or actions.
Definition in Chinese
形容人的性格或言行自然、不做作，待人诚恳、实在。xíng róng rén de xìng gé huò yán xíng zì rán bú zuò zuò dài rén chéng kěn shí zài
Word origin
朴 (pǔ, "unadorned") + 实 (shí, "real") join to present a person whose natural simplicity is backed by genuine substance.
Usage tips
- English speakers may hear "plain" as criticism, but this adjective usually presents natural sincerity as a positive social quality.
Other meanings
- straightforwardadjective
- sincereadjective
Opposites
- 花哨huā shàoshowyadjective
Related words
- 朴实无华pǔ shí wú huásimple and unadornedidiom