可悲

• Pinyin: kě bēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = 丁 + 口 (mouth); 悲 = 非 (not) + 心 (heart)

Meaning

Sad; lamentable; deplorable. Describes something that evokes pity or sorrow, often with a sense of tragedy or misfortune.

Used to express sympathy or disappointment about unfortunate situations, failed endeavors, or pitiable circumstances. Can describe both external events and internal states. Often carries a tone of resignation or helplessness about the situation.

Examples

1. 一个人到了晚年还在为基本生存挣扎，这是多么可悲的事情。 It's so sad that someone is still struggling for basic survival in their old age.
2. 他一辈子都在追求名利，最后却孤独终老，真是可悲。 He spent his whole life chasing fame and fortune, only to die alone — how lamentable.
3. 可悲的是，很多年轻人对本国的历史文化一无所知。 What's deplorable is that many young people know nothing about their own country's history and culture.

Usage Guide

Context: commentary, literature, social critique

Tone: sympathetic

Do Say

• 这种短视行为的结果是可悲的。(The result of such shortsighted behavior is lamentable.)
• 他们的无知是可悲的。(Their ignorance is deplorable.)

Don't Say

• 今天天气可悲。(Don't use 可悲 to describe weather — use 糟糕 or 不好 instead; 可悲 implies tragedy or pity)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (able to, can) + 悲 (sad, sorrowful). Literally means 'able to cause sadness' or 'worthy of grief.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal