简陋

• Pinyin: jiǎn lòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 简 = 竹 (bamboo) + 间 — simple; 陋 = 阝 (hill/place) + 丙 (third) — originally meaning a narrow alley, implying humble or crude

Meaning

Crude; simple and crude; shabby. Describing facilities, conditions, or equipment that are basic and lacking in quality.

Usually carries a negative connotation, describing living conditions, equipment, or facilities that are substandard or lacking basic amenities. Often used when contrasting with more developed or better-equipped alternatives. Can evoke sympathy or criticism depending on context.

Examples

1. 创业初期，我们在一间简陋的地下室里办公。 In the early days of our startup, we worked in a crude basement.
2. 山区学校的教学设施十分简陋，急需社会援助。 The teaching facilities in mountain area schools are very rudimentary and urgently need social assistance.
3. 尽管条件简陋，科研团队依然取得了突破性成果。 Despite the crude conditions, the research team still achieved breakthrough results.

Usage Guide

Context: description, reporting, everyday

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 当时的条件很简陋，但大家干劲十足。(The conditions were crude at the time, but everyone was full of enthusiasm.)
• 这家旅馆设施简陋，不太推荐。(This hotel has shabby facilities, not really recommended.)

Don't Say

• 用'简陋'来形容故意极简主义的设计 (Don't use 简陋 for intentionally minimalist design — that carries negative connotations; use 简约 or 极简 for positive minimalism)

Origin & History

Composed of 简 (simple) + 陋 (crude; narrow; humble). The combination emphasizes rough, basic conditions lacking refinement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal