Meaning
腐败 primarily means corruption in a moral, political, or institutional sense, referring to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power. It can also literally mean physical decay or rotting. In modern usage, it most commonly describes official corruption, bribery, and abuse of power.
Usage
This word is frequently used in political and social contexts when discussing government corruption, official misconduct, or systemic dishonesty. It carries a strongly negative connotation and is commonly seen in news reports, anti-corruption campaigns, and formal discussions. The literal meaning of physical decay is less common in everyday speech.
Examples
- 01政府正在严厉打击腐败行为。.The government is cracking down severely on corrupt behavior.
- 02他因为腐败问题被调查了。.He was investigated for corruption issues.
Characters
Common collocations
- 反腐败anti-corruption
- 政治腐败political corruption
- 腐败分子corrupt elements, corrupt officials
- 腐败现象corrupt practices, corruption phenomena
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to decay and deterioration. 腐 originally referred to rotten meat, while 败 meant defeat or ruin. Together they create a compound that extends from physical rot to moral decay.