cing1 fu2清苦

Jyutpingcing1 fu2

Yalechīng fú

Definition

Destitute but honest; spartan

neutraldescriptions

How it's used

Focuses on a state of being both poor and austere, often implying a life of self-denial or lack of material comforts rather than just a lack of money. It carries a slightly literary or formal tone, making it less common in casual, everyday speech compared to descriptors like 窮 or 冇錢. It is frequently used to describe a lifestyle that is simple, frugal, and devoid of luxury.

Examples

keoi5 sai3 go3 go2 zan6 sang1 wut6 hou2 cing1 fu2

佢細個嗰陣生活好清苦。

He lived a very impoverished life when he was young.

dim2 gaai2 nei5 gwo3 dak1 gam3 cing1 fu2 aa4

點解你過得咁清苦呀？

Why are you living such a hard, impoverished life?

Common phrases

sang1 wut6 cing1 fu2

生活清苦

to live an impoverished life

jat6 zi2 cing1 fu2

日子清苦

hard and austere days

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe a simple lack of cash in a casual context, as it sounds overly descriptive or dramatic. It implies a sustained condition of hardship rather than a temporary financial struggle.