Meaning
废墟 refers to the remains of buildings or structures that have been destroyed, abandoned, or fallen into severe disrepair. It evokes images of collapsed buildings, archaeological sites, or areas devastated by war, natural disasters, or time. The word carries a sense of desolation and loss.
Usage
This word is commonly used in news reports about disasters, historical descriptions of ancient civilizations, or literary works describing destruction and decay. It typically appears in more formal or written contexts rather than everyday conversation. Often used with verbs like 变成 (to become), 化为 (to turn into), or 沦为 (to be reduced to).
Examples
- 01地震后，整个城市变成了一片废墟。, .After the earthquake, the entire city was reduced to ruins.
- 02考古学家们在这片废墟中发现了许多古代文物。.Archaeologists discovered many ancient artifacts in these ruins.
Characters
Measure words
- 片一片废墟
- 处几处废墟
Common collocations
- 一片废墟a scene of ruins
- 化为废墟to be reduced to ruins
- 沦为废墟to fall into ruins
- 废墟中in/among the ruins
Antonyms
Origin
废 originally meant 'to abandon or discard,' while 墟 refers to a site or mound, often where buildings once stood. Together they literally mean 'abandoned site,' creating the modern meaning of ruins or rubble.