pòjiù: 破旧 - Old and Worn-out, Shabby, Dilapidated

• Keywords: pojiu, 破旧, what does pojiu mean, dilapidated in Chinese, old and broken in Chinese, shabby Chinese, worn-out Chinese, describe old things in Chinese, Chinese adjective for old.
• Summary: The Chinese adjective 破旧 (pòjiù) describes something as being old and worn-out, shabby, or dilapidated. It's not just “old,” but specifically implies a state of disrepair, damage, or decay from long use. Whether you want to describe a beat-up car, a tattered book, or a run-down building, understanding `pòjiù` is key to vividly expressing the condition of old and broken items in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): pòjiù
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Describing something as being old, broken, and in a state of disrepair.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `pòjiù` as the combination of “old” and “broken.” It doesn't just describe age; it describes the effects of age and use. A used book from last year is `旧 (jiù)`, but a book with a torn cover, yellowed pages, and a broken spine is `破旧`. It paints a picture of something that has seen better days and is physically falling apart.

• 破 (pò): This character means “to break,” “broken,” or “damaged.” It's composed of 石 (shí - stone) and 皮 (pí - skin/leather). You can imagine it as the action of breaking through the “skin” or surface of a stone—a clear image of damage.
• 旧 (jiù): This character means “old,” “former,” or “past.” It's typically used to describe the age of inanimate objects, not people.

When combined, 破旧 (pòjiù) literally means “broken and old.” The two characters reinforce each other to create a vivid and unambiguous description of something in a state of dilapidation.

In a country like China that has undergone immense and rapid modernization, the concept of `破旧` holds a special significance. It often stands in stark contrast to the `崭新 (zhǎnxīn - brand new)` skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and modern infrastructure.

• Nostalgia vs. Progress: A `破旧` building might be seen by developers as an obstacle to progress, something to be torn down. However, for artists, photographers, or older generations, that same `破旧` place can evoke a deep sense of nostalgia (怀旧 - huáijiù) for a simpler, past way of life. It represents the visible remnants of history in a landscape that is constantly changing.
• Comparison to “Vintage” or “Antique”: This is a crucial distinction for learners. In English, “vintage” and “antique” often have positive connotations, implying style, value, and desirability. `破旧` is almost always neutral-to-negative. It focuses strictly on the physical condition of an item—its shabbiness and disrepair. Calling a valuable antique chair `破旧` would be like ignoring its historical worth and pointing out only its scratches and faded fabric. It's not about value; it's about wear and tear.

`破旧` is a common and practical adjective used to describe the physical condition of tangible objects. It is generally informal but can be used in written descriptions as well.

• Describing Objects: It's most frequently used for buildings, furniture, vehicles, clothes, and books.
• Connotation: The connotation is generally negative or, at best, a neutral statement of fact. You would not use it as a compliment. Pointing out that someone's home is `破旧` could be offensive unless you know them very well. However, you might use it to describe your own beloved but worn-out possessions with a sense of affection.

Example 1:

• 这栋破旧的房子已经很多年没人住了。
• Pinyin: Zhè dòng pòjiù de fángzi yǐjīng hěn duō nián méi rén zhù le.
• English: This dilapidated house has been uninhabited for many years.
• Analysis: A classic use of `pòjiù` to describe a run-down building. The context implies neglect and decay over time.

Example 2:

• 他开着一辆破旧的卡车在乡间小路上行驶。
• Pinyin: Tā kāizhe yí liàng pòjiù de kǎchē zài xiāngjiān xiǎolù shàng xíngshǐ.
• English: He drove a beat-up old truck along the country roads.
• Analysis: `破旧` here perfectly translates to “beat-up” or “clunky,” describing a vehicle that is old and in poor condition.

Example 3:

• 虽然家具很破旧，但房间被收拾得非常干净。
• Pinyin: Suīrán jiājù hěn pòjiù, dàn fángjiān bèi shōushi de fēicháng gānjìng.
• English: Although the furniture was old and shabby, the room was kept very clean.
• Analysis: This sentence creates a contrast, showing that `破旧` describes the physical state of the furniture, not the overall tidiness or care taken by the owner.

Example 4:

• 在祖母的衣柜里，我找到了一件破旧但很漂亮的旗袍。
• Pinyin: Zài zǔmǔ de yīguì lǐ, wǒ zhǎodào le yí jiàn pòjiù dàn hěn piàoliang de qípáo.
• English: In my grandmother's wardrobe, I found a worn-out but very beautiful qipao.
• Analysis: This shows that something can be `破旧` (worn-out) while still holding onto another quality, like beauty. The word describes its condition, not its aesthetic appeal.

Example 5:

• 他从背包里掏出一本破旧的笔记本。
• Pinyin: Tā cóng bēibāo lǐ tāochū le yì běn pòjiù de bǐjìběn.
• English: He took a battered old notebook out of his backpack.
• Analysis: “Battered” is an excellent translation for `破旧` in the context of a book, suggesting it has been well-used and carried around a lot.

Example 6:

• 这个城市的新区和破旧的老城区形成了鲜明的对比。
• Pinyin: Zhège chéngshì de xīnqū hé pòjiù de lǎo chéngqū xíngchéng le xiānmíng de duìbǐ.
• English: The city's new district and its dilapidated old town form a sharp contrast.
• Analysis: This highlights the theme of modernization vs. history mentioned in the cultural context section.

Example 7:

• 那个流浪汉穿着一身破旧的衣服，坐在公园的长椅上。
• Pinyin: Nàge liúlànghàn chuānzhe yì shēn pòjiù de yīfu, zuò zài gōngyuán de chángyǐ shàng.
• English: The homeless man was wearing shabby clothes, sitting on a park bench.
• Analysis: Here, `破旧` describes clothes that are not just old but tattered and in poor condition, fitting the context.

Example 8:

• 我童年最喜欢的玩具是一个破旧的泰迪熊。
• Pinyin: Wǒ tóngnián zuì xǐhuān de wánjù shì yí ge pòjiù de tàidíxióng.
• English: My favorite toy from childhood was a shabby old teddy bear.
• Analysis: In this context, `破旧` carries a feeling of affection and nostalgia. The wear and tear on the bear is a sign of how much it was loved.

Example 9:

• 这辆破旧的自行车是爷爷留给我的，我舍不得扔。
• Pinyin: Zhè liàng pòjiù de zìxíngchē shì yéye liú gěi wǒ de, wǒ shěbude rēng.
• English: This worn-out bicycle was left to me by my grandpa; I can't bear to throw it away.
• Analysis: This sentence shows the sentimental value that can be attached to a `破旧` object. Its condition doesn't diminish its emotional worth.

Example 10:

• 学校的体育器材大多已经很破旧了，需要更换。
• Pinyin: Xuéxiào de tǐyù qìcái dàduō yǐjīng hěn pòjiù le, xūyào gēnghuàn.
• English: Most of the school's sports equipment is already very worn-out and needs to be replaced.
• Analysis: A practical, official-sounding use. `破旧` is used here as a justification for why replacement is necessary.

• `破旧` vs. `旧` (jiù): This is the most common point of confusion.
  • `旧 (jiù)` simply means “old” or “used.” A `旧手机` (jiù shǒujī) is a “second-hand phone” that could be in perfect working order.
  • `破旧 (pòjiù)` means “old and broken/shabby.” A `破旧手机` (pòjiù shǒujī) is a phone that is clearly damaged—cracked screen, won't hold a charge, etc.
  • Incorrect: 我买了一辆破旧的二手车，跟新的一样！(Wǒ mǎi le yí liàng pòjiù de èrshǒuchē, gēn xīn de yíyàng!) → “I bought a dilapidated used car, it's just like new!” This is contradictory. You should use `旧` instead.
• `破旧` vs. `老` (lǎo):
  • `老 (lǎo)` means “old” in terms of age, and often carries a sense of respect, familiarity, or history (e.g., `老师` teacher, `老朋友` old friend, `老房子` old house). An `老房子` could be a charming, well-maintained historical home.
  • A `破旧房子` is specifically a run-down, dilapidated house. A house can be both `老` and `破旧`, but the words emphasize different aspects.
• Don't use `破旧` for abstract concepts: You cannot have a `破旧的观念` (pòjiù de guānniàn - a dilapidated concept). For “outdated” or “old-fashioned” ideas, you should use `陈旧 (chénjiù)`.

• 旧 (jiù) - Old, used. The core “old” component of `破旧` without the “broken” aspect.
• 破烂 (pòlàn) - Tattered, ragged, junk. A close synonym, but often stronger and more negative, implying something is worthless and ready to be thrown away.
• 陈旧 (chénjiù) - Outmoded, obsolete, old-fashioned. Describes something that is outdated in style or concept, not necessarily physically broken (e.g., old ideas, old technology).
• 老 (lǎo) - Old, aged. Broader term for age, often used for people or things with a sense of history or affection.
• 残破 (cánpò) - Damaged and incomplete; in ruins. More formal and often used to describe ancient ruins, fragmented artifacts, or heavily damaged structures.
• 古老 (gǔlǎo) - Ancient, age-old. Emphasizes great age and a long history, usually with a neutral or reverent tone.
• 新 (xīn) - New. The direct antonym of `旧`.
• 崭新 (zhǎnxīn) - Brand new, pristine. A strong antonym that emphasizes something is completely new and untouched.