Chinese word

简陋

Pronunciation

Pinyinjiǎn lòu

Meaning

  • adjectiveshabby

Example

他们住在一间简陋的房子里。tā men zhù zài yì jiān jiǎn lòu de fáng zi lǐ

They live in a shabby house.

Illustration for 简陋 (shabby)

More examples

医院的设施太简陋，改善刻不容缓。yī yuàn de shè shī tài jiǎn lòu gǎi shàn kè bù róng huǎn

The hospital's facilities are too shabby, and improvement cannot wait.

Core concept

Basic in form but lacking the upkeep, equipment, or comfort that makes a setting feel welcoming.

Common phrases

  • 简陋的房子jiǎn lòu de fáng zi

    shabby house

  • 设施简陋shè shī jiǎn lòu

    shabby facilities

  • 条件简陋tiáo jiàn jiǎn lòu

    shabby conditions

Similar words

破旧pò jiù: Damaged by age or use and showing clear signs of wear.
简朴jiǎn pǔ: Plain in style, with little decoration and few facilities.
粗陋cū lòu: Crude in its making or finish, so the quality and appearance are poor.

Definition in Chinese

形容物件或环境条件简单且设施不足，给人不整洁或不舒服的印象。xíng róng wù jiàn huò huán jìng tiáo jiàn jiǎn dān qiě shè shī bù zú gěi rén bù zhěng jié huò bù shū fú de yìn xiàng

Word origin

简 (jiǎn, "simple") + 陋 (lòu, "crude or narrow") together give the word its sense of plainness joined with poor condition or limited space.

Usage tips

  • When describing housing conditions, it often comments on the overall setting, while naming one specific defect gives a more neutral account.

Other meanings

  • simpleadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word