疎 (shū) - Sparse, thin, scattered, distant & to neglect, to be negligent

疎Tone 1

shū ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

姝树

疎 · shū

Sparse, thin, scattered, distant;

to neglect, to be negligent;

also used in names to imply openness, clarity, or detachment.

Sparse, thin, scattered, distantto neglect, to be negligentalso used in names to imply openness, clarity,

Usage highlights

Sparse and scatteredNeglect one's dutyDistant relationshipBrief explanationUnfamiliar withDrainage and dredging

Synonyms

  • 稀— sparse, rare
  • 散— scattered, dispersed
  • 远— distant, far

Antonyms

  • 密— dense, thick
  • 亲— close, intimate
  • 勤— diligent, industrious

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The trees are sparse in the forest (林木稀疏).
  • He is negligent in his duties (他工作疏于职守).
  • Please provide a brief explanation (请做简要的疏解).
  • The relationship between them is distant (他们关系疏远).

Collocations

  • Sparse and scattered(疏疏落落)
  • Neglect one's duty(疏于职守)
  • Distant relationship(疏远)
  • Brief explanation(疏解)
  • Unfamiliar with(疏于)
  • Drainage and dredging(疏浚)

Idioms

  • Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors(远亲不如近邻)
  • Neglecting the near and seeking the far(疏近求远)
  • Clear and sparse(疏朗)
  • To advise and guide(疏而不漏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese thought, '疏' can carry positive connotations of clarity, openness, and non-attachment, valued in Daoist and scholarly contexts.
  • The character appears in historical texts related to governance, referring to memorials or advice presented to the emperor.
  • In naming, it might suggest a personality that is thoughtful, clear-minded, or detached from worldly clutter.

FAQ