茅廁 (máo cè)

Pronunciation: mao-ce

Basic Meaning: A simple and crude toilet made of thatch or straw

Detailed Explanation: 茅廁 refers to a basic toilet made of thatch or straw, which was commonly used in ancient China. It signifies a simple and unsophisticated lifestyle.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to describe a humble or primitive living condition.

Story Origin: In ancient China, the majority of people lived in rural areas where modern plumbing systems were not available. Instead, they used 茅廁 as their toilet facilities.

Structure of the Idiom: 茅 (máo) means thatch, and 廁 (cè) means toilet.

Example Sentences:

1. 他們在農村住了一段時間，體驗了茅廁的生活。

(They lived in the countryside for a while and experienced life with a thatched toilet.)

2. 盡管現在已經有了現代化廁所，但有些地方仍然保留著茅廁。

(Although modern toilets are now available, some places still retain thatched toilets.)

Memory Techniques: To remember this idiom, you can associate the sound of 茅廁 (máo cè) with the image of a simple and crude toilet made of thatch or straw.

Extended Learning: To further understand Chinese culture, you can explore the development of sanitation facilities in ancient China and compare them with modern toilets.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children: 奶奶家的農場有一個茅廁，我每次去都要小心走路。

(My grandma's farm has a thatched toilet, and I have to walk carefully every time I go there.)

2. Teenagers: 我們在戶外露營時，只有一個茅廁供大家使用。

(When we were camping outdoors, there was only one thatched toilet for everyone to use.)

3. Adults: 在這個山區，還有很多家庭使用茅廁。

(In this mountainous area, many families still use thatched toilets.)