poor but incorruptible; destitute (literary)
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesadjective
poor but incorruptible; poor yet honest; destitute (especially of scholars or officials who maintain integrity despite poverty)
archaicTraditionally used to describe scholars or officials who remain honest and incorruptible despite living in poverty. Often carries a commendatory connotation of moral integrity. Still used in modern Chinese to describe frugal living or historical figures.
Suī虽
rán然
jiā家
dào道
qīng清
pín贫
，
dàn但
tā他
cóng从
wèi未
fàng放
qì弃
dú读
shū书
。
Although his family was destitute, he never gave up studying.
Zhè这
wèi位
lǎo老
jiào教
shòu授
yī一
shēng生
qīng清
pín贫
zì自
shǒu守
，
lìng令
rén人
jìng敬
pèi佩
。
This old professor maintained a life of honest poverty throughout his life, inspiring deep respect.
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Zhǐ只
yǒu有
gān甘
yú于
qīng清
pín贫
，
cái才
néng能
zhuān专
xīn心
zhì治
xué学
。
Only by being content with poverty can one concentrate on academic research.
Tā他
chū出
shēn身
qīng清
pín贫
，
kào靠
jiǎng奖
xué学
jīn金
wán完
chéng成
le了
xué学
yè业
。
He came from an impoverished background and completed his studies on scholarships.