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March 24, 2026
悲惨(悲慘)bēicǎn(bei1can3)
The term '悲惨' (bēicǎn) refers to experiences or situations that are extremely unfortunate or tragic. It is often used in literary and emotional contexts to describe events that evoke deep sorrow or pity, such as personal losses or societal injustices.
Frequency#4046DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and cinema, '悲惨' is frequently used to describe characters or stories that highlight the struggles of the underprivileged, reflecting societal issues and the importance of empathy in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sad face (悲, bēi) crying over a torn piece of paper (惨, cǎn) that represents a tragic event. The sound 'bēi' resembles a wailing cry, while 'cǎn' reflects the pain of a disastrous situation, making it easier to remember the meaning 'miserable' or 'tragic'.
Meanings of 悲惨
bēicǎn(bei1can3)
1miserable
2tragic
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 悲惨
悲惨Simplified
悲慘Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4046Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 悲惨
Podcast: 悲惨
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AI Study Notes for 悲惨
Quick Contrast
悲伤 (bēishāng) refers to a feeling of sadness, while 悲惨 (bēicǎn) describes a tragic situation or experience; use 悲惨 to emphasize the severity of the circumstances.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sad face (悲, bēi) crying over a torn piece of paper (惨, cǎn) that represents a tragic event. The sound 'bēi' resembles a wailing cry, while 'cǎn' reflects the pain of a disastrous situation, making it easier to remember the meaning 'miserable' or 'tragic'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the emotional weight of '悲惨', as it carries a strong negative connotation. It's often used in serious discussions or literary critiques rather than casual conversation. Avoid using it in light-hearted contexts, as it may come off as insensitivity.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '悲惨' connects with other advanced vocabulary that discusses emotions and experiences. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced feelings, and practice with adjectives that convey similar meanings, like '痛苦' (tòngkǔ) for 'painful'.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and cinema, '悲惨' is frequently used to describe characters or stories that highlight the struggles of the underprivileged, reflecting societal issues and the importance of empathy in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '悲惨' with '悲伤' (bēishāng), which means 'sad'. For example, saying '我觉得这部电影很悲伤' (Wǒ juédé zhè bù diànyǐng hěn bēishāng) is correct, but if the movie has a tragic theme, '悲惨' would be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 悲惨
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Grammar Patterns of 悲惨
悲惨 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
面对遭征服的____命运，他们保持了乐观的态度。
They have maintained their optimism in the face of desolating subjugation.
Example Sentences for 悲惨 (8)
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1
面对遭征服的悲惨命运，他们保持了乐观的态度。
miàn duì zāo zhēng fú de bēi cǎn mìng yùn， ， tā mén bǎo chí le lè guān de tài。
They have maintained their optimism in the face of desolating subjugation.
2
这场大火使科威特的石油产业陷入悲惨的境地。
zhè cháng dà huǒ shǐ kē wēi tè de shí yóu chǎn yè xiàn rù bēi cǎn de jìng dì。
The fire left Kuwait's oil industry in a sorry state.
3
许多来看电影的人都被这部影片暴力而悲惨的结局所震惊。
xǔ duō lái kàn diàn yǐng de rén dū bèi zhè bù yǐng piàn bào lì ér bēi cǎn de jié jú suǒ zhèn jīng。
Many cinema-goers were stunned by the film's violent and tragic end.
4
他老想着那些悲惨的事.
tā lǎo xiǎng zháo nà xiē bēi cǎn de shì.
His mind dwelt on the sad events.
5
——可现在那红色的悲惨又重新在老地方闪闪发光了!
—— —— kě xiàn zài nà hóng sè de bēi cǎn yòu zhòng xīn zài lǎo dì fāng shǎn shǎn fā guāng!
And here again was the scarlet misery glittering on the old spot!
6
我觉得乔治的经历很悲惨，请向他转达我最诚挚的祝福。
wǒ jué dé qiáo zhì de jīng lì hěn bēi cǎn， ， qǐng xiàng tā zhuǎn dá wǒ zuì chéng zhì de zhù。
I found George's story very sad. Please give him my best wishes.
7
这个贫民窟里的人们过着多么令人悲惨的生活啊!
zhè gè pín mín kū lǐ de rén mén guò zháo duō mó líng rén bēi cǎn de shēng huó ā!
What a wretched existence the people in the slum lead!
8
甚至我们防御战的战绩亦充满着悲惨的失败.
shèn zhì wǒ mén fáng yù zhàn de zhàn jì yì chōng mǎn zháo bēi cǎn de shī bài.
Even our defensive record was tragically draped in defeats.
Cultural Notes for 悲惨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature and cinema, '悲惨' is frequently used to describe characters or stories that highlight the struggles of the underprivileged, reflecting societal issues and the importance of empathy in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 悲惨
No, '悲惨' is reserved for more serious and tragic situations, so using it for minor annoyances would be inappropriate.
It is more commonly found in written forms, like literature and articles, rather than in everyday conversation.
'悲惨' can be synonymous with terms like '悲伤' (bēishāng) meaning 'sad' or '痛苦' (tòngkǔ) meaning 'painful', but each has its nuances.
