孤苦伶仃 alone and helpless
Explanation
形容孤单困苦，无依无靠。
Describes loneliness, hardship, and helplessness.
Origin Story
晋武帝时期，一位名叫李密的官员因祖母年老体弱，孤苦伶仃，上书请求侍奉祖母，婉拒了朝廷的任命。他的《陈情表》真挚感人，流传至今，成为孝道的典范。李密的故事也告诉我们，亲情和孝道比任何功名利禄都重要。在一个战乱频仍的年代，李密一家流离失所，他与祖母相依为命，共同经历了无数的艰难困苦，这种经历也让他更深刻地体会到亲情的可贵。他拒绝做官，不为自己的前途担忧，只为了不让年迈的祖母孤苦伶仃，独自面对生活的艰辛。他的孝心深深感动了晋武帝，最终，李密获得了晋武帝的许可，得以在家中侍奉祖母，直至祖母去世。
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, an official named Li Mi wrote to the emperor to request permission to stay at home to care for his elderly and frail grandmother who lived alone and was helpless. His moving account, "Chen Qing Biao," is a classic example of filial piety and is still studied today. Li Mi's story highlights the importance of family and filial piety above all else. In a time of frequent wars, Li Mi and his grandmother were displaced and lived through hardships. This experience deepened his appreciation for family. He refused an official appointment, not for personal gain, but to prevent his grandmother from living in loneliness and hardship. His filial piety deeply touched Emperor Wu, and Li Mi was granted permission to care for his grandmother until her passing.
Usage
常用来形容人孤独、无助、可怜的状态。
Often used to describe a state of loneliness, helplessness, and pity.
Examples
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他从小父母双亡，孤苦伶仃地长大。
tā cóng xiǎo fùmǔ shuāng wáng, gū kǔ líng dīng de zhǎng dà
He grew up alone after the death of his parents.
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战乱之后，许多人流离失所，孤苦伶仃。
zhàn luàn zhī hòu, xǔ duō rén liú lí shì suǒ, gū kǔ líng dīng
After the war, many people were displaced and alone.