湈 (méi) - To rot & to decay

湈Tone 2

méi ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

湈 · méi

To rot;

to decay;

to become putrid or spoiled;

refers to the process of decomposition or deterioration.

To rotto decayto become putrid or spoiled

Usage highlights

To rotRotten woodPutrid smellDecaying matterSpoiled foodDecomposition process

Synonyms

  • 腐— rotten; decayed
  • 烂— rotten; spoiled
  • 败— decay; deteriorate

Antonyms

  • 鲜— fresh; new
  • 新— new; fresh
  • 生— raw; unspoiled

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The food has spoiled (食物湈了).
  • Wood decays when exposed to moisture (木头遇湿会湈).
  • The ancient documents were rotting away (古籍正在湈坏).

Collocations

  • To rot(湈坏)
  • Rotten wood(湈木)
  • Putrid smell(湈臭)
  • Decaying matter(湈物)
  • Spoiled food(湈食)
  • Decomposition process(湈化过程)

Idioms

  • Rotten to the core(根深湈固)
  • Beyond repair(湈不可收)
  • Complete decay(彻底湈败)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • This character is relatively rare in modern usage, primarily appearing in classical texts or specialized contexts.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, it might describe pathological states of decay or putrefaction in the body.
  • The character carries negative connotations of deterioration and loss of original quality or function.

FAQ