chū

樗

Character · Noun

ailanthus tree; humble self-deprecation

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 4 examples
1.

noun

ailanthus; tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

literary

A specific type of tree known for its unpleasant odor when leaves are crushed. Historically used in classical texts and names.

Yuàn院
zi子
lǐ里
yǒu有
yī一
kē棵
chū樗
shù树
 。

There is an ailanthus tree in the courtyard.

Chū樗
cái材
bù不
kān堪
dà大
yòng用
 。

Inferior wood (from the ailanthus) is not suitable for important uses.

2.

noun

humble term for oneself or one's useless talents

literary

Used in classical or literary contexts, derived from the belief that the ailanthus tree produces inferior wood. Similar to calling oneself 'worthless' in a self-deprecating way.

Bǐ鄙
rén人
chū樗
lì栎
yōng庸
cái材
 ，
kǒng恐
nán难
shèng胜
rèn任
 。

I am but a worthless person of mediocre talent and fear I am not up to the task.

Zì自
bǐ比
chū樗
cái材
 。

To compare oneself to useless wood (i.e., to be modest about one's abilities).