冷漠

lěngmò

adjective HSK 7-9 #8,332

Meanings

Literally 'cold and barren' — 漠 evokes the emptiness of a desert, suggesting emotional desolation.

他对别人的痛苦很冷漠。

Tā duì biéren de tòngkǔ hěn lěngmò.

He is very indifferent to other people's suffering.

不要用冷漠的态度对待朋友。

Bùyào yòng lěngmò de tàidu duìdài péngyou.

Don't treat friends with a cold attitude.

usage

冷漠 describes a personality trait or habitual attitude, not a temporary mood. For a passing cold shoulder, use 冷淡 (lěngdàn) instead.

冷 lěng

漠 mò