📖 Meaning
To give relief and assistance to the poor and destitute, including widowers, widows, orphans, the childless elderly, and other people in need. It describes the virtuous act of aiding those in hardship out of compassion and generosity.
📜 Origin Story
No specific origin story or named source is recorded for this idiom. It is formed from classical Chinese words: 周 means to give alms or relieve, 恤 means to pity and aid, and 匮 means lacking or impoverished, all of which carry the vocabulary of benevolent governance found in ancient texts such as the Book of Documents and the Book of Songs. The phrase functions as a set expression praising charity and compassion for the poor. It has long been used in written Chinese to commend those who give generously to the needy.
💡 Example Usage
他一生周穷恤匮，散尽家财资助贫苦学子。
Throughout his life he relieved the poor and aided the destitute, giving away his family fortune to support impoverished students.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 周穷恤匮
- Pinyin: zhōu qióng xù kuì
- Literal Translation: relieve, poor, pity, destitute
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4