糟

• Pinyin: zāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 糟 = 米 (rice) + 曹, fermented grains/dregs, extended to mean bad

Meaning

Terrible; awful; messy. Expressing that something is in a bad state.

Used to describe poor conditions, situations, or quality. Also means dregs or fermented grains (糟粕). Common phrases: 糟糕 (terrible), 一团糟 (a complete mess), 糟蹋/糟践 (to waste, to ruin).

Examples

1. 今天的天气真糟，一直在下雨。 The weather today is terrible — it's been raining nonstop.
2. 他的房间乱得一团糟。 His room is a complete mess.
3. 糟了，我忘带钥匙了！ Oh no, I forgot my keys!

Usage Guide

Context: complaints, problems, exclamations

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 糟了！我迟到了！(Oh no! I'm late!)
• 情况很糟。(The situation is terrible.)

Don't Say

• 糟人 (Not used to describe people directly — use 坏人 or specific adjectives)

Origin & History

Originally meant fermented grains or dregs. Extended to mean something in poor condition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal