浪费 — meaning in English: waste

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Guess the translation for waste

工作人员

gōngzuò rényuán

索引

suǒyǐn

浪费

làngfèi

歧视

qíshì

日记

rìjì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 浪费 when discussing resources like time, money, or food, particularly in contexts like education or environmental conservation. For example, a teacher might admonish students for浪费 time during a lesson, or friends might express concern about浪费 food at a party.

Synonyms & nuances

While 浪费 specifically refers to wasting resources, another term, 浪费掉 (làngfèi diào), emphasizes the loss aspect more strongly. You might choose 浪费 in a general context but opt for 浪费掉 when you want to highlight the irrevocable nature of that waste.

Culture

The term 浪费 embodies a cultural ethos of frugality and respect for resources, deeply rooted in Chinese society. Historically, during periods of famine or economic hardship, the notion of waste was frowned upon, reinforcing the value of conservation and mindfulness in consumption.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 浪费 in a sentence?

You can use 浪费 in a sentence like '我们不能浪费时间' (wǒmen bù néng làngfèi shíjiān), which means 'We cannot waste time.' It's straightforward and commonly used in everyday conversations.

Q.What are some common phrases that include 浪费?

Common phrases include '浪费资源' (làngfèi zīyuán), meaning 'waste resources,' and '时间浪费' (shíjiān làngfèi), which translates to 'waste of time.' These can help you expand your vocabulary in relevant contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 浪费?

A common mistake is mixing up 浪费 with 浪费了 (làngfèi le) or using it inappropriately in contexts where another word would fit better, like using it for emotional or social contexts. Remember, 浪费 is best suited for tangible resources.

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