Meanings of 贫困
By ear
Play it, then pick what 贫困 means.
About 贫困
Podcast: 贫困
Podcast: 贫困
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 贫困
贫穷 (pínqióng) refers specifically to being poor in terms of financial resources, while 贫困 (pínkùn) encompasses a broader condition of poverty that may include systemic issues.
Learners should note that 贫困 is more formal than casual terms like '穷' (qióng) for 'poor.' It often appears in discussions about social issues and government policies, so its usage is typically in a serious context. Be careful with the tones: mixing them up can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 贫困 connects with other vocabulary related to socio-economic topics. Students should focus on using it in context, perhaps in sentences discussing poverty alleviation or social justice, to enhance their understanding of its implications.
Learners often confuse 贫困 with the more casual term 穷, using them interchangeably when discussing financial hardship. For example, saying '我很贫困' (I am very poor) is correct, but using 穷 in more formal contexts might sound inappropriate.
Pronunciation of 贫困
Drill the tone of 贫困, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 贫困 to you
Let me explain 贫困 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 贫困 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 贫困?
Learning Lab
Knowing 贫困 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say impoverished in Chinese
“impoverished” in Chinese is贫困
贫困 (pín kùn) refers to a state of being impoverished or the condition of poverty. It is commonly used to describe both individuals and communities lacking sufficient financial resources for basic needs, and it can also refer to systemic economic issues in society.
When to use 贫困
Learners should note that 贫困 is more formal than casual terms like '穷' (qióng) for 'poor.' It often appears in discussions about social issues and government policies, so its usage is typically in a serious context. Be careful with the tones: mixing them up can change the meaning entirely.
贫困 or something close to it
贫穷 (pínqióng) refers specifically to being poor in terms of financial resources, while 贫困 (pínkùn) encompasses a broader condition of poverty that may include systemic issues.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 贫困 with the more casual term 穷, using them interchangeably when discussing financial hardship. For example, saying '我很贫困' (I am very poor) is correct, but using 穷 in more formal contexts might sound inappropriate.
Write 贫困
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 贫困 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 贫困
贫困 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
整体而言，当今的老年人依然相对____。
As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
Example sentences for 贫困 (8)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 贫困?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 贫困
贫困 is more formal and often refers to systemic poverty, while 穷 is more colloquial and can describe individual financial struggles.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 贫困?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.