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March 24, 2026
窮qióng(qiong2)
The character 窮 (qióng) primarily means 'poor' or 'destitute,' referring to a lack of financial resources or material wealth. It can also imply being exhausted or depleted, often in the context of resources, energy, or time. In both senses, it conveys a state of scarcity or limitation.
Strokes15Radical穴Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of poverty is often tied to family honor and social status, with an emphasis on the collective rather than the individual. The idea of being '窮' can carry significant social stigma, making this character particularly poignant in discussions about economic disparity.
Memory Tip
Picture a person trapped in a small room (represented by the radical 窗, meaning window) with empty pockets, symbolizing their financial state. The sound 'qióng' can remind you of 'coin,' which they lack, emphasizing their poverty.
Meanings of 窮
qióng(qiong2)
1poor, destitute; to exhaust
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About 窮
窮Simplified
15Strokes
穴Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 窮
Podcast: 窮
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AI Study Notes for 窮
Quick Contrast
窮 (qióng) vs 貧 (pín) — use 窮 when emphasizing destitution or exhaustion, whereas 貧 focuses more on financial poverty.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a person trapped in a small room (represented by the radical 窗, meaning window) with empty pockets, symbolizing their financial state. The sound 'qióng' can remind you of 'coin,' which they lack, emphasizing their poverty.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone in 'qióng' as it can easily be confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is generally used in informal contexts when discussing financial situations. Common collocations include '窮人' (qióngrén - poor person) and '窮困' (qióngkùn - in financial difficulty).
HSK Study Tips
Although 窮 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is important for understanding discussions around poverty and social issues in China. Students should focus on its usage in compound words and phrases related to economic status.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of poverty is often tied to family honor and social status, with an emphasis on the collective rather than the individual. The idea of being '窮' can carry significant social stigma, making this character particularly poignant in discussions about economic disparity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窮 with 轻 (qīng, meaning light) due to the similar pronunciation. Always remember that 窮 pertains to poverty and scarcity, not lightness or ease.
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Pronunciation of 窮
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Cultural Notes for 窮
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of poverty is often tied to family honor and social status, with an emphasis on the collective rather than the individual. The idea of being '窮' can carry significant social stigma, making this character particularly poignant in discussions about economic disparity.
