Definition
腐蚀 (fǔ shí) means 'to corrode/erode' — literally (acid on metal) and figuratively (gradually corrupt someone). It is a transitive process that eats away at something. Contrast with 腐败 (fǔ bài), which describes a state of corruption/rot, and 腐烂 (fǔ làn), for physical decomposition only.
verb
to corrodeto erode (chemically)to corruptto deprave (morally or mentally)
Easily confused
- 服饰fú shìsound-alikeclothing and accessories; apparel
- 俯视fǔ shìsound-aliketo look down at (from above), to overlook
Examples
- 腐蚀。Suānyǔ huì fǔ shí jīnshǔ hé jiànzhùwù.Acid rain corrodes metal and buildings.
- 腐蚀。Fǔbài de guānyuán bèi xiǎnglèzhǔyì fǔ shí le línghún.Corrupt officials have had their souls corroded by hedonism.
- 腐蚀。Zhè zhǒng sīxiǎng huì fǔ shí qīngshàonián de jiàzhíguān.This kind of thinking will corrupt young people's values.
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