Definition
凄凉 describes a scene or atmosphere that is bleak and desolate, or a life/feeling that is miserable and forlorn — it carries a strong sense of loneliness and sadness. Unlike 荒凉 (huāng liáng), which objectively describes a place as wild and uninhabited, 凄凉 adds an emotional layer of melancholy. Compared to 悲惨 (bēi cǎn), which emphasizes extreme suffering and tragedy, 凄凉 focuses more on the cold, lonely, and sorrowful mood.
adjective
(of scenery or atmosphere) bleakdesolate(of one's life, feelings) miserableforlorn
Examples
- ,凄凉。Shēnqiū de gōngyuán lǐ yí piàn sùshā, xiǎnde shífēn qī liáng.In the deep-autumn park, everything was grim and desolate, looking very bleak.
- ,凄凉。Shīqù qīnrén hòu, tā de shēnghuó biàn de hěn qī liáng.After losing his loved ones, his life became very miserable.
- 凄凉。Zhè duàn yīnyuè ràng rén gǎndào yì zhǒng shēnshēn de qī liáng.This piece of music makes people feel a deep sense of desolation.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.