superfluous things; decent possessions
Meanings
3 senses · 5 examplesnoun
superfluous or surplus items
literaryOriginal meaning, often used in a classical context. The character '长' is read as 'cháng' in modern standard Mandarin.
He lives a simple life, with no superfluous possessions in his home.
noun
decent or presentable possessions
literaryExtended meaning, referring to things of some value or that are presentable. Often used in the negative to imply poverty or simplicity.
Although not rich, he still prepared a few decent items to entertain guests.
This incorruptible official has no decent possessions, which is admirable.
noun
possessions; belongings (in the idiom '身无长物')
literaryUsed idiomatically in '身无长物', which describes someone as having nothing beyond the bare essentials, implying poverty or extreme frugality.
After escaping the fire, he was left with almost nothing.
He lives frugally with no possessions to speak of, devoting all his energy to research.