锈 (xiù) - Rust — the reddish-brown coating that forms on & to become rusty.

锈Tone 4

xiù ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

锈 · xiù

Rust — the reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel when exposed to moisture and air;

to become rusty.

Rust — the reddish-brown coating that forms onto become rusty.

Usage highlights

RustTo rustRust removalRust preventionRust spotRusty

Synonyms

  • 腐蚀— corrosion; to corrode

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The old bicycle had a lot of rust (锈).
  • Iron tools will rust (生锈) if left in the rain.
  • They used a chemical to remove the rust (除锈).
  • The car's body was covered in rust spots (锈斑).

Collocations

  • Rust(铁锈)
  • To rust(生锈)
  • Rust removal(除锈)
  • Rust prevention(防锈)
  • Rust spot(锈斑)
  • Rusty(锈蚀的)

Idioms

  • To be rusty from disuse(锈迹斑斑)
  • Rotten to the core; thoroughly corrupt(锈蚀不堪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese thought, rust symbolizes decay, neglect, and the passage of time.
  • It is often used metaphorically to describe skills that have deteriorated from lack of practice.
  • In agriculture, 'rust' also refers to a type of plant fungal disease.

FAQ