君子固穷 — “A noble or cultivated person remains steadfast”

君子固穷 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a noble or cultivated person remains steadfast”. Principled, and virtuous even when facing poverty or hardship, maintaining their moral integrity and inner peace. Literally, “A noble person is steadfast in poverty”.

Frequency

君子固穷 Pronunciation and Pinyin

君子固穷 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
君	jūn	7	monarch, lord, or gentleman
子	zǐ	3	son, child, seed, small thing
固	gù	8	firm, solid, inherent
穷	qióng	7	poor, exhausted, investigate

Example Sentence with 君子固穷

即使生活陷入困境，他依然保持乐观，坚持自己的原则，真正做到了君子固穷

Even when life became difficult, he still remained optimistic and adhered to his principles, truly embodying the spirit of a noble person who remains steadfast in adversity.

Origin and Story of 君子固穷

During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius led his disciples on a tour of various states. After facing setbacks in states like Wei, Chen, and Cai, they suddenly received an invitation from the State of Chu. Confucius immediately set off with his disciples for Chu.

However, the State of Chen conspired with the State of Cai to release prisoners who then surrounded Confucius and his followers. While they were besieged and suffering from destitution, Zilu complained about their impoverished state.

Confucius then said, "A gentleman remains firm in adversity; a petty person, when poor, will resort to desperation and misconduct."