寒酸 (hán suān) is an adjective describing someone or something that appears poor, shabby, or socially disadvantaged—often in terms of clothing, living conditions, or lifestyle. Literally, 寒 means 'cold' and evokes hardship or austerity, while 酸 suggests a sour, uncomfortable feeling; together, they convey the emotional and visual impression of underprivilege or genteel poverty. It’s not merely about low income but carries a subtle judgment about outward signs of deprivation—worn clothes, threadbare furniture, or meager meals—that suggest both material lack and social embarrassment.

The term is commonly used in descriptive or mildly critical contexts, especially when contrasting appearances with expectations: for example, a student from a rural area wearing outdated clothes at university might be described as looking 寒酸. Though neutral in dictionary definition, it often carries a faint connotation of pity or mild disdain, so tone and context matter greatly. It rarely describes institutions or abstract concepts—its focus remains on tangible, observable signs of modesty or hardship in daily life.