Definition
苍白 (cāng bái) describes a pale complexion from illness or fear, or figuratively an argument/explanation that is unconvincing ('feeble'). Compared to 惨白 (cǎn bái, 'deathly pale'), 苍白 suggests a less extreme paleness; compared to 憔悴 (qiáo cuì, 'haggard'), it focuses on color rather than thinness. In its figurative sense, 苍白 is weaker than 软弱 (ruǎn ruò, 'weak in character'), which is more about personality.
adjective
palewan (of complexion)(figurative) feebleweak (of arguments, writings, etc.)
Examples
- ,苍白。Tā shēngbìng le, liǎnsè fēicháng cāng bái.He is sick, and his complexion is very pale.
- 苍白,。Tā de jiěshì hěn cāng bái, méi rén xiāngxìn.His explanation was feeble; no one believed it.
- 苍白。Yuèguāng xià de nà piàn tǔdì xiǎnde cāng bái ér jìjìng.The land under the moonlight appeared pale and silent.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.