可怜

可憐
kělián
adjective HSK 5 #903

Meanings

  1. 1 pitiful
  2. 2 pathetic
  3. 3 poor (deserving sympathy)

Examples

Nà zhī xiǎo māo hǎo kělián.
That little cat is so pitiful.
Kělián tiānxià fùmǔ xīn.
Pity the hearts of parents everywhere.
Bié zhuāng kělián le!
Stop pretending to be pitiful!

Tips

culture
可怜天下父母 is a famous proverb meaning 'all parents have hearts full of love and worry for their children.' It's often quoted to express sympathy for hardworking parents.
usage
可怜 (zhuāng kělián) = to play the victim / to pretend to be pitiful. A very common expression.

Stroke Order

lián