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March 24, 2026
凄凉(悽涼)qīliáng(qi1liang2)
The term 凄凉 (qī liáng) describes a state of desolation, often evoking feelings of sorrow or misery. It is commonly used in literature and poetry to convey a deep sense of sadness or bleakness in a scene or situation, such as a deserted landscape or a person's emotional state.
Frequency#17735DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the imagery of desolation often reflects themes of loss or nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional poetry that laments unfulfilled desires or the passage of time. This cultural backdrop makes 凄凉 a powerful word in conveying emotional depth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cold, desolate landscape where the wind howls, leaving you feeling 'chilly' and 'lonely.' The character 凄 (qī) resembles a person shivering from the cold, and 凉 (liáng) means cool or cold, reinforcing the idea of a mournful, empty place.
Meanings of 凄凉
qīliáng(qi1liang2)
1desolate
2mournful
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About 凄凉
凄凉Simplified
悽涼Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#17735Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 凄凉
Podcast: 凄凉
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AI Study Notes for 凄凉
Quick Contrast
凄惨 (qīcǎn) - use 凄凉 when emphasizing a desolate atmosphere, while 凄惨 focuses more on tragic suffering.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cold, desolate landscape where the wind howls, leaving you feeling 'chilly' and 'lonely.' The character 凄 (qī) resembles a person shivering from the cold, and 凉 (liáng) means cool or cold, reinforcing the idea of a mournful, empty place.
Usage Notes
This word is often used in literary contexts, so it may come off as overly dramatic in everyday conversation. Be mindful of tone when using it; it typically conveys a serious or somber mood. Common collocations include 凄凉的景象 (qī liáng de jǐng xiàng) meaning 'a desolate scene.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 凄凉 connects with themes of emotion and description commonly found in advanced texts. Students should focus on using it in evocative sentences and recognizing its nuances in literature, enhancing their expressive vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the imagery of desolation often reflects themes of loss or nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional poetry that laments unfulfilled desires or the passage of time. This cultural backdrop makes 凄凉 a powerful word in conveying emotional depth.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 凄凉 with similar words like 悲惨 (bēi cǎn), which means 'tragic.' For example, saying '他的生活很悲惨' (His life is very desolate) is incorrect; instead, use '他的生活很凄凉.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凄凉
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Grammar Patterns of 凄凉
凄凉 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 3 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 4
Complete the Sentence
26分钟之后他一瘸一拐地走出来，显得孤单____。
He looked a forlorn figure as he limped off after 26 minutes.
Example Sentences for 凄凉 (5)
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1
26分钟之后他一瘸一拐地走出来，显得孤单凄凉。
26 26 fēn zhōng zhī hòu tā yī qué yī guǎi dì zǒu chū， lái ， xiǎn dé gū dān。
He looked a forlorn figure as he limped off after 26 minutes.
2
她的书是女性当下所面临问题的凄凉写照。
tā de shū shì nǚ xìng dāng xià suǒ miàn lín wèn tí de qī liáng xiě zhào。
Her book paints a bleak picture of the problems women now face.
3
科泽莱克不带一丝顾影自怜地表达了自己的凄凉悲怆之感。
kē zé lái kè bù dài yī sī gù yǐng zì lián dì biǎo dá le zì jǐ de qī liáng bēi chuàng zhī gǎn。
Kozelek expresses his sense of desolation absolutely without self-pity.
4
风刮得阴冷如冬 —— 四周是一片凄凉.
fēng guā dé yīn lěng rú dōng—— —— sì zhōu shì yī piàn qī.
The wind blew bleak as winter - all round was solitary.
5
这只瘦得皮包骨的小猫赖着不走, 在我们的脚边蹭来蹭去,叫得挺凄凉的.
zhè zhī shòu dé pí bāo gǔ de xiǎo māo lài zháo bù zǒu, , zài wǒ mén de jiǎo biān cèng lái cèng, qù , jiào dé tǐng qī.
The scrawny kitten lingered, brushing itself against our legs, and meowing plaintively.
Cultural Notes for 凄凉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, the imagery of desolation often reflects themes of loss or nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional poetry that laments unfulfilled desires or the passage of time. This cultural backdrop makes 凄凉 a powerful word in conveying emotional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions about 凄凉
You can say '这片土地显得凄凉' (This land appears desolate) to describe a bleak environment.
No, it can describe emotions or situations as well, such as '他的生活非常凄凉' (His life is very miserable).
Typically, no. It has a negative connotation and is used to express sadness or bleakness.
