樸 (pǔ) - Simple, plain, unadorned & natural, unsophisticated

樸Tone 3

pǔ ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

樸 · pǔ

Simple, plain, unadorned;

natural, unsophisticated;

honest, sincere;

original substance.

Simple, plain, unadornednatural, unsophisticatedhonest, sincere

Usage highlights

Simple and unadornedHonest and sincereSimple and honestRustic and unadornedReturn to simplicitySimple nature

Synonyms

  • 素— plain, simple, unadorned
  • 簡— simple, brief, uncomplicated
  • 質— substantial, plain, unadorned

Antonyms

  • 華— ornate, flowery, splendid
  • 麗— beautiful, gorgeous, elegant
  • 奢— luxurious, extravagant

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He lives a simple and unadorned life (生活樸素).
  • The furniture has a rustic charm (樸實的家具).
  • She has an honest and sincere personality (性格樸實).
  • Return to simplicity and naturalness (返樸歸真).

Collocations

  • Simple and unadorned(樸素)
  • Honest and sincere(樸實)
  • Simple and honest(淳樸)
  • Rustic and unadorned(質樸)
  • Return to simplicity(返樸)
  • Simple nature(樸質)

Idioms

  • Return to simplicity and truth(返樸歸真)
  • Simple and unadorned, frugal and plain(樸素無華)
  • Honest and sincere, simple and unadorned(樸實無華)
  • Simple and honest folkways(民風淳樸)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Daoist philosophy, 樸 represents the original, uncarved state of nature - the ideal of simplicity and authenticity.
  • Confucian values appreciate 樸 as representing honesty, sincerity and lack of pretension in personal character.
  • The character embodies traditional Chinese aesthetic values that prize natural simplicity over artificial ornamentation.

FAQ