Definition
干瘪 (gān biě) is a stative verb that describes something that has become dry, shrunken, and lacking moisture or vitality — like fruit that has withered or skin that is wrinkled from dehydration. It can also be used figuratively to describe writing or speech that is dry, dull, and lacking substance. The literal sense emphasizes physical shriveling, while the figurative sense critiques a lack of liveliness or interest.
s.v.
(stative verb) shriveledwizeneddry and shrunken (of fruit, skin, plants)(stative verb) drydulllacking interest (of writing, speech)
Examples
- 干瘪，。Zhèxiē píngguǒ yǐjīng gān biě le, bù néng chī le.These apples have become shriveled and are no longer edible.
- 干瘪。Lǎonián rén de pífū róngyì gān biě.Elderly people's skin tends to become dry and shriveled.
- 干瘪，。Tā de wénzhāng tài gān biě, dú qǐlái hěn wúliáo.His writing is too dry and dull — it's boring to read.
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