Meaning
贫瘠 describes land, soil, or resources that are poor in quality and lacking in nutrients or productivity. It emphasizes the barrenness and inability to support abundant life or growth. The term can apply literally to soil and land, or metaphorically to describe impoverished conditions or meager resources.
Usage
Most commonly used to describe land, soil, or geographic regions that cannot support agriculture or vegetation. It carries a somewhat formal or literary tone. Often paired with words like 土地 (land) or 土壤 (soil). Can also be used metaphorically to describe scarce cultural or spiritual resources.
Examples
- 01这片贫瘠的土地很难种出庄稼。.It's very difficult to grow crops on this barren land.
- 02由于长期干旱，这个地区的土壤变得越来越贫瘠。, .Due to prolonged drought, the soil in this region has become increasingly barren.
Characters
Common collocations
- 贫瘠的土地barren land
- 土壤贫瘠the soil is barren
- 贫瘠的山区barren mountainous area
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to poverty and lack. 贫 means poor or lacking wealth, while 瘠 originally referred to thin or emaciated livestock, later extended to mean barren land. Together they emphasize extreme lack of fertility or resources.