Meaning
淡漠 describes an attitude of indifference, apathy, or emotional coldness toward people or things. It suggests a lack of warmth, interest, or concern, often used to describe someone who is detached or unresponsive in relationships or toward social matters.
Usage
This word carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying that someone should care more but doesn't. Commonly used to describe interpersonal relationships (人际关系淡漠), attitudes toward family or social issues, or emotional distance between people. More formal than casual spoken alternatives.
Examples
- 01现代社会人与人之间的关系越来越淡漠。.Interpersonal relationships in modern society are becoming increasingly indifferent.
- 02他对家人的态度很淡漠，从不关心他们的生活。, .His attitude toward his family is very indifferent; he never cares about their lives.
Characters
Common collocations
- 态度淡漠indifferent attitude
- 感情淡漠emotionally indifferent
- 淡漠的眼神indifferent gaze
- 对...淡漠...indifferent toward...
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters contain the water radical (氵), with 淡 originally meaning 'diluted/thin' and 漠 meaning 'desert' or 'vast emptiness.' Together they metaphorically convey emotional thinness or emptiness—a lack of warmth or depth in feeling.