Meaning and Usage
The word "裸" (luǒ) primarily means "naked" or "bare," referring to the state of being without clothes or covering. It is often used literally to describe physical nudity but can also be used metaphorically to express bluntness or exposure without concealment.
Common Collocations
- 裸泳 (luǒ yǒng): naked swimming, often in natural settings.
- 裸露 (luǒ lù): exposed or uncovered, used for both physical and abstract contexts.
- 赤裸裸 (chì luǒ luǒ): an emphatic form meaning "barefaced" or "bluntly," often describing speech or facts.
Usage Notes
When using 裸 to describe people, it usually refers to nudity in a neutral or natural context, such as art or nature. The phrase 赤裸裸 is common in spoken and written Chinese to emphasize honesty or harsh reality without any disguise. Avoid using 裸 in formal or polite contexts when referring to people’s clothing status, as it can be too direct or impolite.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse 裸 with 光 (guāng), which also means "bare" or "naked" but is more often used in idiomatic expressions like 光脚 (barefoot). 裸 specifically emphasizes the absence of clothing or covering.