Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== dīsú: 低俗 - Vulgar, Unrefined, Low-class ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** dīsú, di su, 低俗, vulgar Chinese, what does disu mean, crude, unrefined, low-class, tacky, Chinese censorship, Chinese internet slang, low taste, poor taste * **Summary:** "低俗" (dīsú) is a common Chinese adjective used to describe something as vulgar, unrefined, crude, or in poor taste. It's a powerful term of criticism applied to everything from jokes and behavior to TV shows and online content. In modern China, "低俗" is not just a matter of personal opinion; it's a key concept in official media censorship, used by the government to justify crackdowns on content that is deemed morally harmful or lacking in artistic value. This page will break down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** dīsú * **Part of Speech:** Adjective * **HSK Level:** N/A * **Concise Definition:** Describes something as vulgar, crude, unrefined, or in poor taste. * **In a Nutshell:** Think of `低俗` as the label for anything "low-brow" or "tacky." It goes beyond just being offensive or obscene. Something is `低俗` if it lacks elegance, panders to the lowest common denominator, or is generally considered classless. It's the direct opposite of `高雅` (gāoyǎ), which means "elegant" or "refined." Whether it's a crude joke, a sensationalist TV show, or gaudy decorations, `低俗` is the word used to express disapproval of its lack of quality and taste. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **低 (dī):** This character means "low," "to lower," or "beneath." Pictorially, it originally showed a person bowing their head, representing a low position. It implies a lack of height, status, or quality. * **俗 (sú):** This character means "common," "vulgar," or "custom." It's composed of the "person" radical (亻, a variant of 人) and `谷` (gǔ), meaning "valley." The combination suggests the customs or ways of the common people in the valley, as opposed to the refined culture of scholars or the imperial court. When combined, **低俗 (dīsú)** literally means "low and common." The term carries the strong implication that something is not just common, but of a low quality, beneath a standard of cultural or moral decency. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== The term `低俗` holds significant weight in modern Chinese society, particularly in the realm of media and public morality. It's more than just a casual insult; it's a tool for social and political regulation. In China, the government, through bodies like the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), frequently launches campaigns to "clean up the internet" by removing `低俗` content. This is framed as a necessary action to protect minors and uphold "Core Socialist Values." What falls under the `低俗` umbrella is broad and can include: * Sexually suggestive content (but not necessarily explicit pornography). * Crude humor or "unhealthy" trends. * Content that promotes wealth-flaunting or "money worship." * Sensationalist or "clickbait" news. This contrasts with the Western concept of "tacky" or "low-brow." In the West, calling a reality TV show "tacky" is a matter of personal aesthetic judgment. It rarely leads to official government action. In China, however, a show being labeled `低俗` by the public and authorities can lead to it being fined, reprimanded, or pulled off the air entirely. Therefore, `低俗` operates not just as an aesthetic descriptor but as a powerful moral and political judgment with real-world consequences. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== `低俗` is a versatile word used in various situations, from formal government decrees to informal chats between friends. **1. Official Censorship and Media Regulation:** This is its most serious usage. News reports and government announcements will state that they are cracking down on `低俗` livestreams, online games, or short videos to "purify the cultural environment." **2. Art and Media Criticism:** Both professional critics and ordinary people use `低俗` to critique creative works. A movie might be called `低俗` if it relies on cheap gags and sensationalism instead of a good story. **3. Everyday Social Judgment:** In daily conversation, it's used to criticize behavior or expression. If someone tells an inappropriate joke at a family dinner, another person might mutter, "太低俗了" (That's so crude). It can also be applied to fashion choices or home decor that are considered gaudy or tasteless. **Connotation:** `低俗` is almost exclusively negative. It is a word of criticism, judgment, and disapproval. ===== Example Sentences ===== **Example 1:** 这个笑话太**低俗**了，别在孩子面前说。 Pinyin: Zhège xiàohuà tài dīsú le, bié zài háizi miànqián shuō. English: This joke is too vulgar, don't say it in front of the children. Analysis: A common, everyday use of `低俗` to criticize inappropriate humor. It implies the joke is crude and not suitable for a general audience. **Example 2:** 很多观众抱怨那个电视节目内容**低俗**，充满了不雅的语言。 Pinyin: Hěnduō guānzhòng bàoyuàn nàge diànshì jiémù nèiróng dīsú, chōngmǎnle bùyǎ de yǔyán. English: Many viewers complained that the TV show's content was vulgar, filled with indecent language. Analysis: This shows how `低俗` is used in media criticism. "Indecent language" (不雅的语言) is given as a reason for why the show is considered `低俗`. **Example 3:** 网络监管机构正在打击**低俗**内容，以净化网络环境。 Pinyin: Wǎngluò jiānguǎn jīgòu zhèngzài dǎjī dīsú nèiróng, yǐ jìnghuà wǎngluò huánjìng. English: The internet regulatory authorities are cracking down on vulgar content to purify the online environment. Analysis: This is a formal, official usage. It demonstrates the term's role in government censorship and policy. **Example 4:** 他在派对上的行为很**低俗**，让大家都很尴尬。 Pinyin: Tā zài pàiduì shàng de xíngwéi hěn dīsú, ràng dàjiā dōu hěn gāngà. English: His behavior at the party was very low-class, making everyone feel awkward. Analysis: Here, `低俗` describes behavior, not content. It suggests the person was acting crudely, perhaps by being too loud, telling off-color jokes, or having poor manners. **Example 5:** 一些批评家认为他的艺术作品只是为了博眼球，品味**低俗**。 Pinyin: Yīxiē pīpíngjiā rènwéi tā de yìshù zuòpǐn zhǐshì wèile bó yǎnqiú, pǐnwèi dīsú. English: Some critics believe his artwork is just to attract attention and is in poor taste. Analysis: `品味低俗` (pǐnwèi dīsú) is a common collocation meaning "(to have) poor taste." This example applies it to art criticism. **Example 6:** 比起高雅音乐，他更喜欢那些被认为是**低俗**的流行歌曲。 Pinyin: Bǐqǐ gāoyǎ yīnyuè, tā gèng xǐhuān nàxiē bèi rènwéi shì dīsú de liúxíng gēqǔ. English: Compared to classical music, he prefers those pop songs that are considered low-brow. Analysis: This sentence sets up a direct contrast between `高雅` (gāoyǎ - elegant) and `低俗`, a very common pairing. **Example 7:** 政府发布新规，旨在遏制**低俗**网络直播的蔓延。 Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ fābù xīnguī, zhǐ zài èzhì dīsú wǎngluò zhíbò de mànyán. English: The government issued new regulations aimed at curbing the spread of vulgar online live-streaming. Analysis: Another example of the term's formal, political usage. It shows `低俗` as a problem to be "curbed" (遏制). **Example 8:** 不要用这么**低俗**的手段去竞争。 Pinyin: Búyào yòng zhème dīsú de shǒuduàn qù jìngzhēng. English: Don't use such low-class tactics to compete. Analysis: `低俗` can also describe methods or tactics, implying they are cheap, unethical, or underhanded. **Example 9:** 我承认我的品味有点**低俗**，就喜欢看这种无脑喜剧。 Pinyin: Wǒ chéngrèn wǒ de pǐnwèi yǒudiǎn dīsú, jiù xǐhuān kàn zhè zhǒng wú nǎo xǐjù. English: I admit my taste is a bit low-brow; I just like watching these kinds of brainless comedies. Analysis: A rare but possible use in a self-deprecating or humorous way. The speaker is acknowledging that their preference might not be considered "high culture." **Example 10:** 这种**低俗**的广告只会损害品牌形象。 Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng dīsú de guǎnggào zhǐ huì sǔnhài pǐnpái xíngxiàng. English: This kind of vulgar advertising will only damage the brand's image. Analysis: `低俗` is frequently used to describe marketing or advertising that is seen as tasteless or overly sensational. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== **`低俗` is not always "Obscene."** A crucial mistake for learners is to equate `低俗` with the English word "obscene" or the Chinese word for pornography, `[[色情]] (sèqíng)`. * **`色情 (sèqíng)`** specifically refers to sexually explicit, pornographic content. * **`低俗 (dīsú)`** is a much broader category. While all `色情` content is considered `低俗`, not all `低俗` content is `色情`. For example, a slapstick comedy full of fart jokes and people slipping on banana peels could be called `低俗` because it's unsophisticated, but it is not `色情`. A livestreamer begging for money in an annoying way could be called `低俗`, but it has nothing to do with sex. `低俗` is about a lack of taste, refinement, or class. **Incorrect Usage:** * **Mistake:** 这个菜的味道很**低俗**。(Zhège cài de wèidào hěn dīsú.) * **Why it's wrong:** `低俗` applies to abstract things like content, behavior, art, and humor. It does not describe the physical taste of food. To say food tastes bad, you would use `难吃 (nánchī)`. * **Correct:** 这个菜很难吃。(Zhège cài hěn nánchī.) - This dish tastes bad. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[高雅]] (gāoyǎ) - Elegant, refined. The direct antonym of `低俗`. * [[庸俗]] (yōngsú) - Vulgar, philistine, tacky. A very close synonym. While often interchangeable, `庸俗` can sometimes focus more on a tacky, materialistic, or uncultured mindset. * [[下流]] (xiàliú) - Obscene, lewd, dirty. Stronger and more specific than `低俗`, focusing on sexually inappropriate remarks or behavior. A specific type of `低俗`. * [[粗俗]] (cūsú) - Coarse, crude, boorish. Similar to `低俗`, but often emphasizes rough manners and unrefined language rather than content. * [[色情]] (sèqíng) - Pornographic, erotic. Refers specifically to sexually explicit material, which is always considered a form of `低俗` content. * [[三俗]] (sānsú) - "The Three Vulgars": an abbreviation for `庸俗` (vulgarity), `低俗` (crudeness), and `媚俗` (pandering to popular taste). A political catchphrase used in official campaigns against undesirable culture. * [[品味]] (pǐnwèi) - (Aesthetic) taste. Something described as `低俗` is considered to be of low `品味`.