腐化

• Pinyin: fǔ huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 腐 = 广 + 肉 + 府 (putrid, decay); 化 = 亻 + 匕 (transform, change, become)

Meaning

To corrupt; to become morally depraved; to deteriorate in morals or character. Also used to describe organic decay.

Describes the process of moral corruption, especially of officials or institutions. More dynamic than 腐败 — focuses on the process of change rather than the state. Often appears in the phrase 腐化堕落 (become corrupt and degenerate).

Examples

1. 长期沉溺于奢靡的生活方式使这名官员逐渐腐化堕落。 A long-term indulgence in a lavish lifestyle gradually led this official into corruption and moral ruin.
2. 这名曾经廉洁奉公的干部，在糖衣炮弹的侵蚀下慢慢腐化变质。 This cadre, once honest and dutiful, slowly became corrupted under the lure of sweetened bribes.
3. 社会道德风气的恶化，往往从少数人的腐化开始蔓延。 A decline in society’s moral climate often spreads starting with the corruption of a few people.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, social-commentary

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 权力如果缺乏有效监督，极易导致掌权者腐化堕落。(Power without effective oversight can very easily lead those in power to become corrupt and degenerate.)
• 他腐化的生活作风最终断送了自己多年积累的政治前途。(His corrupt lifestyle ultimately ruined the political career he had built up over many years.)

Don't Say

• 食物腐化了 — for food spoiling, use 腐烂 or 变质; 腐化 in modern usage is primarily used for moral corruption

Origin & History

腐 (rot/decay) + 化 (transform/change)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal