The Chinese idiom 家徒四壁 (jiā tú sì bì) translates directly to “a house with four blank walls.” It is commonly used to describe a situation of extreme poverty, where a person or family has nothing but bare walls in their home—symbolizing the absence of furniture, personal belongings, or wealth. This article aims to delve into the meaning, grammatical structure, and usage of this evocative phrase, making it an essential part of your Chinese language journey.
H2: The Meaning of 家徒四壁
家徒四壁 conveys the image of a home stripped of all comforts and possessions, emphasizing a life of hardship. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe situations in which someone feels emotionally desolate or devoid of support, much like an empty room lacking warmth and companionship.
H3: Breaking Down the Components
To understand the meaning more deeply, let’s break down the components of the phrase:
- 家 (jiā) – means “home” or “family.”
- 徒 (tú) – means “empty” or “lack,” often implying that something is absent.
- 四 (sì) – means “four.”
- 壁 (bì) – means “walls.”
Thus,家徒四壁 literally depicts a home defined only by its four walls, devoid of any warmth or personal touch. This imagery resonates universally, often evoking a sense of sympathy and compassion for those in financial distress.
Grammatical Structure of 家徒四壁
From a grammatical perspective, 家徒四壁 is a four-character idiom, a style known as 四字成语 (sì zì chéng yǔ) in Chinese. This unique structure has implications in both syntax and semantics:
H3: Syntax Analysis
- Each character represents a meaningful unit.
- There is no verb, making it succinct and impactful.
H3: Usage in Sentences
In Chinese, four-character idioms are often used for rhetorical effect and conciseness. Consequently, 家徒四壁 can appear in various contexts to convey a deeper message without lengthy explanations.
Example Sentences Using 家徒四壁
To illustrate the practical usage of 家徒四壁, here are some example sentences:
- 他刚失业,家徒四壁,过得非常艰难。
(He just lost his job, and his home is bare; he is living very hard.) - 在这个快速发展的城市里,许多人依然过着家徒四壁的生活。
(In this rapidly developing city, many people still live a life of poverty.) - 尽管她一直努力工作,家庭的困境让她觉得家徒四壁。
(Despite working hard, her family’s predicament makes her feel barren.)
H3: Expressing Empathy
When using 家徒四壁, it is often accompanied by expressions of empathy or reflection on socio-economic issues. This idiom serves not only as a description but also as a call to recognize and address the hardships faced by others.
Conclusion
In summary, the idiom 家徒四壁 (jiā tú sì bì) embodies a powerful message about poverty and emotional desolation. Its simplicity and depth make it an important part of the Chinese language. Understanding such phrases enhances one’s ability to convey nuances of meaning and emotion, helping learners connect more deeply with the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
As a language enthusiast or student, embracing these idioms will broaden your vocabulary and enhance your communication skills in Chinese. Immerse yourself in these expressions and share your insights with others to foster a greater appreciation for the profound beauty of the language.

Sứ mệnh của Chuyên là giúp đỡ và truyền cảm hứng cho các bạn trẻ Việt Nam sang Đài Loan học tập, sinh sống và làm việc. Là cầu nối để lan tỏa giá trị tinh hoa nguồn nhân lực Việt Nam đến với Đài Loan và trên toàn cầu.
CÓ THỂ BẠN QUAN TÂM
Du học Đài Loan
Lao Động Đài Loan
Việc Làm Đài Loan
Đơn Hàng Đài Loan
Visa Đài Loan
Du Lịch Đài Loan
Tiếng Đài Loan
KẾT NỐI VỚI CHUYÊN
Zalo: https://zalo.me/0936126566
Website: www.dailoan.vn