貧相(ひんそう)

ひんそう
adjective-na
poor-looking; thin; shabby
1. poor-looking; thin; shabby; meager
Describes the appearance of someone or something that looks impoverished, underfed, or lacking vitality. Often used for people's faces, physiques, or food presentation.
貧相(ひんそう)な顔(かお)をしている。
He has a gaunt, poor-looking face.
おかずが少(すく)なくて貧相(ひんそう)な食卓(しょくたく)になった。
With so few side dishes, the dinner table looked meager.
痩(や)せて貧相(ひんそう)に見(み)えるのが嫌(いや)で、もっと食(た)べるようにしている。
I didn't like looking thin and gaunt, so I've been trying to eat more.

貧相(ひんそう) is a na-adjective describing a poor, gaunt, or meager appearance. It implies a lack of fullness, health, or abundance.

FORMS:

  • Modifier: 貧相(ひんそう)な (e.g., 貧相(ひんそう)な顔(かお))
  • Adverbial: 貧相(ひんそう)に (e.g., 貧相(ひんそう)に見(み)える)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 貧相(ひんそう)な顔(かお): gaunt, poor-looking face
  • 貧相(ひんそう)な体(からだ): thin, underfed body
  • 貧相(ひんそう)な食事(しょくじ): meager meal
  • 貧相(ひんそう)に見(み)える: to look poor/gaunt

CAUTION:
Using this about a person is quite rude, as it implies they look impoverished or unhealthy. Generally used critically or self-deprecatingly.

CONTRAST:
福(ふく)ぶくとした describes the opposite — plump and prosperous-looking, suggesting good health and fortune.

general
Added 2026.3.23 13:43 · Revised 2026.4.2 16:40
18500/18816_hinsou