腐败
fǔbài
Description
腐败常常用来说政府或者官员做坏事，比如收钱、不公平。
"腐败" is often used to describe governments or officials doing bad things, like taking money or being unfair.
这个词也可以说东西坏了、烂了，不能再用了。
This word can also mean that something is spoiled or rotten and can no longer be used.
Meanings
腐败fǔbài
corruption; dishonest and immoral behavior by those in power
政府正在打击腐败。
The government is cracking down on corruption.
腐败fǔbài
corrupt; dishonest and abusing power
这个官员很腐败。
This official is very corrupt.
腐败fǔbài
to rot; to decay (of food or matter)
食物放久了会腐败。
Food will spoil if left for a long time.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
腐 (rotten) + 败 (decay/ruin), literally 'rotten and spoiled', extended to moral corruption.
- Nuance
most common in political contexts (腐败 = corruption); the 'rot' sense is more formal or literary.
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