贫困

• Pinyin: pín kùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 贫 = 分 (divide) + 贝 (money), little money; 困 = enclosed/difficult. Stuck in poverty.

Meaning

Impoverished; poor; poverty-stricken.

Describes a state of poverty or lack of resources. More formal than 穷. Common phrases: 贫困地区 (impoverished areas), 贫困家庭 (poor families), 脱贫 (escape poverty), 扶贫 (poverty alleviation). Important term in Chinese social policy discussions.

Examples

1. 政府制定了多项政策帮助贫困地区脱贫致富。 The government has formulated multiple policies to help impoverished areas escape poverty and become prosperous.
2. 他出生在一个贫困家庭，靠自己的努力考上了名牌大学。 He was born into a poor family but got into a prestigious university through his own efforts.
3. 经过几年的扶贫攻坚，这个村子已经彻底告别了贫困。 After several years of poverty alleviation efforts, this village has completely left poverty behind.

Usage Guide

Context: social policy, economics, charity

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 帮助贫困学生。(Help students from poor families.)
• 贫困地区需要更多支持。(Impoverished areas need more support.)

Don't Say

• 在轻松语境中用贫困 (贫困 is formal and serious — use 穷 in casual contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 贫 (poor) + 困 (difficulty/trapped). Trapped in poverty.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal