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垃圾 — meaning in English: Rubbish

lèsè · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for rubbish
混合物
hùnhéwù
肩
jiān
性别
xìngbié
垃圾
lèsè
集电极
jí diànjí
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 垃圾 (lèsè) when discussing waste disposal, recycling, or cleanliness in everyday conversations. For instance, you might hear it in a discussion about sorting trash at a community event or when complaining about litter in a park.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 垃圾桶 (lèsè tǒng), which specifically means 'trash can'. While 垃圾 refers broadly to rubbish, 垃圾桶 indicates the container used for disposal. Use 垃圾 when talking about waste in general, but switch to 垃圾桶 when discussing where to put it.
Culture
The word 垃圾 (lèsè) interestingly reflects a growing awareness in Chinese society about environmental issues. As recycling and waste management become more pressing topics, the usage of this word has evolved, becoming a staple in discussions about sustainable living. In some urban areas, you might even see artistic installations made from recycled 垃圾 to promote awareness.
FAQ
Q.What does 垃圾 mean in English?
垃圾 (lèsè) translates to 'rubbish' or 'trash' in English. It's used to refer to waste material that is discarded.
Q.How do you pronounce 垃圾?
You pronounce 垃圾 as 'lèsè' with a falling tone on the first syllable and a falling tone on the second. Listening to native speakers can help refine your pronunciation.
Q.Can 垃圾 be used in formal contexts?
Yes, 垃圾 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but in very formal situations, you might encounter alternatives like 废物 (fèiwù) which means 'waste'. However, 垃圾 is widely understood and acceptable in everyday conversation.
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