Understanding "贫穷" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 贫穷
• Pinyin: pín qióng
• Literal Meaning: "poor" (贫) + "destitute" (穷)
• Primary Meaning: Poverty; the state of being extremely poor, lacking basic material possessions or financial resources.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"贫穷" (pín qióng) is a formal term used to describe severe economic hardship or deprivation. It emphasizes a lack of resources to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. Unlike some milder synonyms (e.g., "穷" alone), "贫穷" carries a heavier connotation of long-term or systemic poverty. It’s often used in discussions about social issues, economics, or humanitarian efforts.

Character Breakdown

• 贫 (pín): Means "poor" or "lacking." The character combines "贝" (shell, ancient currency) and "分" (to divide), suggesting "divided wealth" or scarcity.
• 穷 (qióng): Means "destitute" or "endpoint." The radical "穴" (cave) and "力" (force) imply being trapped in hardship with no way out.

Together, they intensify the idea of extreme poverty.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这个国家有很多人生活在贫穷中。
   Pinyin: Zhè ge guójiā yǒu hěn duō rén shēnghuó zài pínqióng zhōng.
   English: Many people in this country live in poverty.

2. Chinese: 教育是摆脱贫穷的重要途径。
   Pinyin: Jiàoyù shì bǎituō pínqióng de zhòngyào tújìng.
   English: Education is an important way to escape poverty.

3. Chinese: 贫穷限制了他的发展机会。
   Pinyin: Pínqióng xiànzhì le tā de fāzhǎn jīhuì.
   English: Poverty limited his opportunities for development.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, "贫穷" is often discussed in the context of collective progress. Historically, Confucian values emphasized frugality, but poverty was seen as a social challenge to overcome. Modern China’s rapid development has reduced extreme poverty, making "脱贫攻坚" (poverty alleviation) a key government policy. The word may evoke empathy or urgency in conversations about inequality.

Conclusion

"贫穷" (pín qióng) describes severe poverty, combining the characters for "poor" and "destitute." Use it in formal or societal contexts, and remember its heavier tone compared to simpler terms like "穷." The examples show how it’s applied in real-life discussions about economic hardship.