薄 (báo) - thin & slight

薄Tone 2

báo ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

薄 · báo

thin;

slight;

weak;

poor;

to approach;

to treat with indifference;

a surname;

also used in words meaning 'thin' or 'superficial'.

thinslightweak

Usage highlights

thin paperweak foundationlight fogslight profitpoor treatmentthin

Synonyms

  • 细— fine, thin
  • 瘦— thin, lean
  • 浅— shallow, superficial

Antonyms

  • 厚— thick, generous
  • 浓— thick, concentrated
  • 深— deep, profound

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This paper is very thin (薄纸).
  • He has a weak foundation in mathematics (基础薄弱).
  • The fog is light this morning (薄雾).
  • She gave a faint smile (薄笑).
  • They treat their guests poorly (薄待).

Collocations

  • thin paper(薄纸)
  • weak foundation(薄弱)
  • light fog(薄雾)
  • slight profit(薄利)
  • poor treatment(薄待)
  • thin-skinned(脸皮薄)

Idioms

  • Like a light veil of smoke(薄雾轻烟)
  • Shallow friendship(交情浅薄)
  • Slight talent and shallow learning(才疏学薄)
  • Fragile as cicada's wings and light as mist(薄如蝉翼，轻如烟雾)
  • Treat with coldness and indifference(薄情寡义)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '薄' often carries negative connotations when describing relationships or character, implying insincerity or lack of depth.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing physical thinness as well as metaphorical poverty or weakness.
  • As a surname, 薄 has historical roots dating back to ancient states and noble families.

FAQ