Chinese word

素

Pronunciation

Pinyinsù

Meaning

  • adjectiveplain

Example

她穿得很素。tā chuān de hěn sù

She is dressed very plainly.

Illustration for 素 (plain)

More examples

这个菜很素，没有太多调料。zhè ge cài hěn sù méi yǒu tài duō tiáo liào

This dish is very plain and does not have much seasoning.

Core concept

A natural, low-key appearance that avoids excess and lets simplicity stand out.

Common phrases

  • 朴素的生活pǔ sù de shēng huó

    a simple life

  • 素净的面容sù jìng de miàn róng

    a plain-looking face

  • 打扮得很素dǎ bàn de hěn sù

    dress very plainly

Similar words

朴素pǔ sù: Modest and plainly dressed or living, without an elaborate or eye-catching style.
简朴jiǎn pǔ: Made or lived simply and economically, using only what is needed.
低调dī diào: Restrained in speech, actions, or attitude so as not to attract notice.
素净sù jìng: Simple and tidy in appearance, with a clean and uncluttered look.

Definition in Chinese

朴素、不追求华丽或夸张的外在表现，常用来描述穿着、妆容或生活风格的低调与自然。pǔ sù bù zhuī qiú huá lì huò kuā zhāng de wài zài biǎo xiàn cháng yòng lái miáo shù chuān zhe zhuāng róng huò shēng huó fēng gé de dī diào yǔ zì rán

Word origin

The character 素 (sù, "plain") is linked to plain, uncolored silk, so its later meaning extends from an undecorated material to an unshowy style.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear frugal as a lack of money, but this word can describe deliberate restraint in appearance or daily habits without suggesting hardship.

Other meanings

  • simpleadjective
  • frugaladjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word