朴素

pǔ sù

plain and simple

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"朴素" describes something or someone that is plain, simple, and unadorned. It often refers to appearance, style, or personality that avoids extravagance or decoration.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to describe clothing, home decor, lifestyle, or character traits emphasizing modesty and simplicity.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 朴素衣服 (plain clothes): emphasizes simplicity in dress.
  • 朴素生活 (simple life): refers to a modest, unpretentious lifestyle.
  • 朴素 (a simple person): describes someone honest and unpretentious.

Usage Notes

When using "朴素," the tone is generally positive or neutral, highlighting sincerity or practicality rather than dullness. Avoid confusing it with "简单," which means simple but can imply lack of complexity rather than modesty or plainness.

Summary

Use "朴素" to praise or neutrally describe simplicity and modesty in appearance, lifestyle, or character, especially when emphasizing naturalness and lack of artificial embellishment.

Example Sentences

她的穿着非常朴素,没有任何装饰。

Tā de chuānzhuó fēicháng pǔsù, méiyǒu rènhé zhuāngshì.

Her clothing is very plain, without any decoration.

这座房子设计得很朴素,但非常实用。

Zhè zuò fángzi shèjì de hěn pǔsù, dàn fēicháng shíyòng.

This house is designed very simply, but it is very practical.

他为人朴素,待人真诚。

Tā wéirén pǔsù, dàirén zhēnchéng.

He is a simple person and treats others sincerely.