📖 Meaning
The idiom describes a state of financial hardship or being short of money. It comes from the story of Ruan Fu, who kept a single coin in his purse so it would not feel ashamed of being empty. It is now used, often self-deprecatingly, to politely indicate one cannot afford something.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom traces to the story of Ruan Fu (阮孚), a scholar-official of the Jin dynasty renowned for his refined, free-spirited way of life. According to the Song dynasty compilation 'Yunzheng Qunyu' by Yin Shifu, Ruan Fu once traveled to Kuaiji carrying only a small black cloth purse. When a guest asked what was inside, he replied that it held but a single coin to 'watch over the purse,' lest it feel ashamed at being completely empty. The anecdote was later distilled into this idiom, used to express having no money.
💡 Example Usage
最近阮囊羞涩，连请朋友吃饭都成了难题。
I've been strapped for cash lately, and even treating a friend to a meal has become a problem.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 阮囊羞涩
- Pinyin: ruǎn náng xiū sè
- Literal Translation: Ruan's, purse, shy, embarrassed
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4