A2 adjective Formal #3,500 most common 1 min read

节俭

jiéjiǎn /t͡ɕi̯ɛ˧˥ t͡ɕi̯ɛn˨˩˦/

Frugality is the virtuous habit of managing resources wisely without being stingy.

节俭 in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to being careful with money and resources.
  • Considered a virtuous trait in Chinese culture.
  • Focuses on avoiding waste and living within means.

Overview

  1. 1概述:节俭是指在物质生活上精打细算,不随意挥霍。它不仅指金钱的节省,也涵盖了对时间、能源和粮食等资源的珍惜。在中文语境中,节俭常被赞誉为一种高尚的品格。2) 使用模式:该词通常作定语(如:节俭的生活)或谓语(如:他非常节俭)。它带有褒义,常用于表扬某人勤劳朴实。3) 常见语境:多用于描述家庭理财、个人生活习惯或国家政策。例如,长辈常教育晚辈要养成节俭的习惯。4) 近义词辨析:与“吝啬”不同,节俭是合理的节省,而“吝啬”通常带有贬义,指该花钱时不花,过于刻薄。与“节约”相比,节俭更侧重于一种长期的生活态度和性格,而节约侧重于具体的行为动作。

Examples

1

爷爷一生都很节俭,从不浪费粮食。

everyday

Grandpa has been frugal his whole life and never wastes food.

2

企业应提倡节俭文化,降低经营成本。

formal

Enterprises should promote a culture of frugality to reduce operating costs.

Common Collocations

生活节俭 live a frugal life
勤俭节约 hardworking and thrifty
保持节俭 maintain frugality

Common Phrases

勤俭持家

manage a household with diligence and thrift

节俭是一种美德

Frugality is a virtue

Often Confused With

节俭 vs 吝啬

吝啬 implies being stingy or mean, focusing on the refusal to spend money even when necessary.

Grammar Patterns

非常/很 + 节俭 保持 + 节俭 + 的习惯 生活 + 节俭

How to Use It

Use '节俭' as a positive attribute for personal habits. It is suitable for both formal writing and daily conversation. Avoid using it to describe someone who refuses to spend money on essentials, as that leans towards '吝啬'.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '节俭' as a verb, but it is strictly an adjective. Also, avoid using it in contexts where 'cheap/stingy' is the intended meaning. Ensure the tone remains positive.

Tips

💡

Use it to praise someone

When describing someone's character in a positive way, use '节俭' to highlight their maturity and responsible nature.

⚠️

Avoid confusing with miserliness

Be careful not to use '节俭' if you intend to criticize someone for being cheap; use '吝啬' instead.

🌍

Traditional Chinese virtue

Frugality is deeply rooted in Confucian culture, where '勤俭节约' (diligence and frugality) is a classic life motto.

Word Origin

Derived from traditional Chinese values where '俭' (simple/frugal) is paired with '节' (restrain) to form a compound representing moral restraint.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, frugality is linked to the idea of 'planning for a rainy day'. It reflects family stability and respect for hard-earned resources.

Memory Tip

Think of '节' (saving/knot) and '俭' (simple). A frugal person ties knots on their wallet to keep it closed!

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

节俭是褒义词,指合理安排开支;吝啬是贬义词,指为了钱财而过于刻薄,甚至影响正常生活。

虽然现代社会鼓励消费,但节俭作为一种理财观念和环保意识,依然被视为一种成熟且可持续的生活方式。

你可以说他“生活简朴”、“精打细算”或者“勤俭持家”。

不可以,节俭在中文里通常作为形容词使用。如果想表达动作,通常使用“节约”或“节省”。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他虽然很有钱,但生活一直非常___,从不乱花一分钱。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 节俭

语境是赞扬他虽然富有但依然保持朴素,因此用褒义词“节俭”。

Score: /1

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