It describes something so unfortunate or foolish that it evokes sadness or contempt.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe tragic or lamentable situations.
- Often implies disappointment or negative judgment.
- Commonly used in both formal and critical contexts.
Overview
- 1概览：‘可悲’由‘可’（值得/能够）和‘悲’（悲伤/痛苦）组成，字面意为‘值得悲伤的’。在现代汉语中，它更多地带有一种负面评价的色彩，往往暗示某种情况不仅是悲剧性的，而且是低级的、荒谬的或令人沮丧的。
Examples
他的一生过得如此可悲。
everydayHis life was so tragic.
这是教育界的一个可悲现象。
formalThis is a lamentable phenomenon in the education sector.
别再做那些可悲的挣扎了。
informalStop those pathetic struggles.
该小说深刻揭示了封建制度的可悲之处。
academicThe novel deeply reveals the tragic nature of the feudal system.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
可悲可叹
Tragic and lamentable
真是可悲
It is truly pathetic
Often Confused With
Refers to being pitiable or needing sympathy, whereas '可悲' focuses on the tragic or foolish nature of the situation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal and carries a heavy, critical tone. It should be used carefully when referring to people directly. It is most effective when describing situations, systems, or behaviors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to mean 'sad' (悲伤). Remember that '可悲' is an evaluation of a situation, not a description of a person's mood.
Tips
Use with degree adverbs
Pair '可悲' with words like '非常' or '极其' to emphasize the intensity of the situation.
Avoid using as a personal insult
Calling someone '可悲' is very harsh and can easily damage relationships. Use it to describe situations, not people.
Social commentary context
In Chinese media, this word is frequently used to criticize corruption or moral decay in society.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese, where '可' indicates worthiness and '悲' denotes sorrow. It evolved into a term for judging the objective worth of a tragic situation.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, emphasizing the 'pathetic' nature of a situation often serves as a moral warning to others. It reflects a Confucian-influenced expectation of integrity and dignity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sad' (悲) story that is so bad it's 'worth' (可) being laughed at or despised. It's a 'pathetic' situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘悲伤’主要描述个人的情绪状态，即感到难过。‘可悲’则是对某件事或某种现状的评价，侧重于该事物本身令人遗憾或不值。
最好不要。这句话带有强烈的贬义和冒犯性，通常意味着你认为对方的行为愚蠢或没有价值。
可以。在评论社会现象或文学批评时，这是一个非常准确且有力的词汇。
其反义词通常是‘可喜’或‘可贺’，表示值得高兴或值得庆贺。
Test Yourself
为了金钱出卖朋友，这种行为真是太___了。
这种行为令人失望且道德低下，用‘可悲’最合适。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes something so unfortunate or foolish that it evokes sadness or contempt.
- Used to describe tragic or lamentable situations.
- Often implies disappointment or negative judgment.
- Commonly used in both formal and critical contexts.
Use with degree adverbs
Pair '可悲' with words like '非常' or '极其' to emphasize the intensity of the situation.
Avoid using as a personal insult
Calling someone '可悲' is very harsh and can easily damage relationships. Use it to describe situations, not people.
Social commentary context
In Chinese media, this word is frequently used to criticize corruption or moral decay in society.
Examples
4 of 4他的一生过得如此可悲。
His life was so tragic.
这是教育界的一个可悲现象。
This is a lamentable phenomenon in the education sector.
别再做那些可悲的挣扎了。
Stop those pathetic struggles.
该小说深刻揭示了封建制度的可悲之处。
The novel deeply reveals the tragic nature of the feudal system.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
