Definition
寒酸 is a stative verb that describes something or someone as looking poor, shabby, or miserly — often in a way that feels embarrassing or socially inadequate. It can refer to a person's worn-out clothing, a cheap gift, or a cramped living space. It carries a negative judgment and implies that the person should have done better.
s.v.
shabbymiserablepoverty-stricken (in appearance or living conditions)stingyunpresentable (of gifts, expenses, or behavior)
Examples
- 寒酸，。Tā chuān de nàme hán suān, yí kàn jiù zhīdào shēnghuó bù róngyì.He dresses so shabbily — you can tell at a glance that life is not easy for him.
- 寒酸，。Tā sòng de lǐwù tài hán suān le, ràng rén juéde tā hěn xiǎoqì.The gift she gave was too stingy; it made people think she is very cheap.
- 寒酸，。Zhè jiān wūzi suīrán yǒudiǎn hán suān, dàn zhùzhe hěn wēnxīn.Although this room is a bit shabby, it is very cozy to live in.
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