省事 means finding the path of least resistance to save time and effort.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to saving effort or avoiding unnecessary trouble.
- Commonly used to describe efficient methods or shortcuts.
- Can imply either smart efficiency or lazy cutting corners.
常见场景：在职场中，为了提高效率，同事之间常讨论如何处理流程以“省事”；在家庭生活中，购买半成品菜或使用家电被认为很“省事”；在人际交往中，有时人们为了避免冲突或繁琐的解释，也会选择“省事”的做法。
- 1近义词辨析：与“方便”相比，“省事”更侧重于“减少麻烦和过程”；与“简单”相比，“省事”更强调结果上的“轻松感”。虽然省事通常是褒义，但在某些情境下，若为了省事而牺牲了质量或原则，它也会带有贬义色彩，暗示懒惰或敷衍。
Examples
直接在网上买票，省事多了。
everydayBuying tickets online is much more hassle-free.
为了省事，他把所有文件都放在一个文件夹里。
informalTo save trouble, he put all files in one folder.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
图省事
to seek convenience
Often Confused With
省心 refers to not having to worry about something or someone, whereas 省事 refers to not having to perform extra labor.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is primarily used in spoken Chinese. It is informal and conveys a sense of personal preference. Be careful when using it in a work context, as it might imply that you are avoiding necessary effort.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe an object, but it is better used to describe a process or an action. Do not confuse it with '省心' which relates to mental peace rather than physical labor.
Tips
Use with '为了' for motivation
Use '为了省事' to explain why someone chose a shortcut. It is a very natural way to express a reason for an action.
Avoid in formal writing
Do not use this word in academic or professional documents. Use formal alternatives like '简化' (simplify) instead.
Pragmatic Chinese culture
The concept of '省事' reflects the pragmatic nature of Chinese culture, where efficiency and minimizing friction are highly valued in daily life.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '省' (to save/omit) and '事' (matter/affair/trouble), literally meaning to omit unnecessary matters.
Cultural Context
The value of '省事' is deeply rooted in the busy pace of modern Chinese urban life, where time is viewed as a precious commodity.
Memory Tip
Think of '省' (save) + '事' (work/trouble). If you save the work, you are 省事.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“方便”侧重于使用上的顺手或地理位置的便利，而“省事”侧重于减少了处理事情的中间环节和心理负担。
它更偏向口语，在非常正式的报告或公文中建议使用“简化流程”或“提高效率”来代替。
如果为了省事而忽略了必要的程序或质量控制，会被认为是不负责任的，例如“工作敷衍，为了省事草草了事”。
Test Yourself
直接买现成的饺子皮比自己擀皮要___多了。
买现成的省去了制作工序，所以更省事。
Score: /1
Summary
省事 means finding the path of least resistance to save time and effort.
- Refers to saving effort or avoiding unnecessary trouble.
- Commonly used to describe efficient methods or shortcuts.
- Can imply either smart efficiency or lazy cutting corners.
Use with '为了' for motivation
Use '为了省事' to explain why someone chose a shortcut. It is a very natural way to express a reason for an action.
Avoid in formal writing
Do not use this word in academic or professional documents. Use formal alternatives like '简化' (simplify) instead.
Pragmatic Chinese culture
The concept of '省事' reflects the pragmatic nature of Chinese culture, where efficiency and minimizing friction are highly valued in daily life.
Examples
2 of 2直接在网上买票，省事多了。
Buying tickets online is much more hassle-free.
为了省事，他把所有文件都放在一个文件夹里。
To save trouble, he put all files in one folder.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
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门禁
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配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
