poor; impoverished; austere
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesadjective
poor; impoverished; living in austere conditions
literaryOriginally often used to describe scholars or literati in old times. Conveys a sense of dignified poverty or voluntary simplicity rather than destitution.
shēng生
huó活
qīng清
kǔ苦
to live in poverty; to lead an austere life
Tā他
yī一
shēng生
qīng清
kǔ苦
，
dàn但
ān安
pín贫
lè乐
dào道
。
He lived a poor life all his life, but was content with poverty and devoted to the Way.
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Suī虽
jiā家
jìng境
qīng清
kǔ苦
，
què却
qín勤
fèn奋
hào好
xué学
。
Although his family was poor, he was diligent and fond of learning.
Zhè这
wèi位
qīng清
kǔ苦
de的
dú读
shū书
rén人
lián连
mǎi买
mǐ米
de的
qián钱
dōu都
méi没
yǒu有
。
This impoverished scholar didn't even have money to buy rice.