معنی
To use time poorly or without achieving anything useful.
زمینه فرهنگی
In the US, 'time is money' is a core cultural value. Wasting time is often seen as a sign of poor character or lack of ambition. The concept of 'Dolce far niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing) contrasts with the idea of wasting time. What others call waste, Italians may see as necessary relaxation. Efficiency is highly valued in Japanese work culture. 'Muda' (waste) is a technical term in manufacturing (Lean) to describe any activity that doesn't add value. Brits often use self-deprecating humor about wasting time, using words like 'pottering' or 'faffing' to describe their own unproductive but pleasant activities.
The Gerund Rule
Always follow 'waste time' with an -ing verb. 'I wasted time *talking*' is much more natural than 'I wasted time *to talk*'.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'You are wasting my time' is very aggressive. Use 'I'm sorry, but I have to go' if you want to be polite.
معنی
To use time poorly or without achieving anything useful.
The Gerund Rule
Always follow 'waste time' with an -ing verb. 'I wasted time *talking*' is much more natural than 'I wasted time *to talk*'.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'You are wasting my time' is very aggressive. Use 'I'm sorry, but I have to go' if you want to be polite.
Use 'Total'
To sound like a native speaker, add 'total' or 'complete' before 'waste of time' when you are really annoyed.
Polite Business Openings
Start a call with 'I don't want to waste your time, so I'll be brief.' This makes you sound professional and respectful.
خودت رو بسنج
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'waste time'.
I _________ two hours _________ for my keys this morning.
We use the past tense 'wasted' for 'this morning' and the -ing form 'searching' after the phrase.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence:
The noun form requires 'of time'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are waiting for a bus that comes in 10 minutes. You decide to read a book.
'Killing time' is used when you are waiting for an event to happen.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Should I try to fix this old phone?' B: 'No, don't _________ on it. Just buy a new one.'
B is advising A that the effort is not worth it, so 'waste your time' is the best fit.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Waste Time vs. Kill Time
Common Time Wasters
Digital
- • Social Media
- • Video Games
- • Checking Email
Social
- • Gossip
- • Long Meetings
- • Arguing
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاI _________ two hours _________ for my keys this morning.
We use the past tense 'wasted' for 'this morning' and the -ing form 'searching' after the phrase.
Choose the most natural sentence:
The noun form requires 'of time'.
You are waiting for a bus that comes in 10 minutes. You decide to read a book.
'Killing time' is used when you are waiting for an event to happen.
A: 'Should I try to fix this old phone?' B: 'No, don't _________ on it. Just buy a new one.'
B is advising A that the effort is not worth it, so 'waste your time' is the best fit.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes! It's very common. 'Don't waste my time' means you think someone is being annoying or slow.
No, it's not a swear word. It's a normal phrase, but it is negative.
A 'time-waster' is a person or an activity that uses up time without any good result.
Yes. 'I'm sorry for wasting your time' is a common apology if you were late or made a mistake.
'Spend' is neutral (like spending money on food). 'Waste' is negative (like throwing money in the trash).
Both! 'Waste time' is a verb (I waste time). 'A waste of time' is a noun phrase (It is a waste of time).
Yes, use 'on' before a noun. 'I'm wasting time on this puzzle.'
Usually, yes. 'Killing time' implies you have nothing else to do. 'Wasting time' implies you *should* be doing something else.
You can use 'squander time' or 'utilize time inefficiently.'
Yes, 'big', 'total', 'complete', and 'utter' are all common adjectives used with 'waste of time'.
عبارات مرتبط
Kill time
similarTo do something to make time pass while waiting.
Spend time
similarTo pass time in a specific way or with a specific person.
Save time
contrastTo do something faster or more efficiently.
Make up for lost time
builds onTo do something faster or more often because you didn't do it before.
