貧相

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 貧相 is read ひんそう.
• Basic usage: It describes something as shabby-looking, meager, or visually lacking.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Decoration and appearance
  • 貧相に見えるとは限らない: having little decoration does not necessarily make something look shabby.
• Presentation of food
  • 料理が貧相にならないよう: color was added so the dish would not look meager.