俭 (jiǎn) - frugal, thrifty, economical & simple and plain (in lifestyle)

俭Tone 3

jiǎn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

嘉健

俭 · jiǎn

frugal, thrifty, economical;

simple and plain (in lifestyle)

frugal, thrifty, economicalsimple and plain (in lifestyle)

Usage highlights

frugal and simplethrifty and economicalcostsimple and economicalfrugality and honestythrifty virtue

Synonyms

  • 省— save, economize
  • 节— thrifty, economical
  • 朴— simple, plain

Antonyms

  • 奢— luxurious, extravagant
  • 侈— wasteful, lavish
  • 费— spend, waste

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He lives a frugal life (生活俭朴).
  • We should practice thrift (节俭).
  • The company implemented cost-saving measures (俭省措施).
  • She is known for her simple and economical habits (俭约).

Collocations

  • frugal and simple(俭朴)
  • thrifty and economical(节俭)
  • cost-saving(俭省)
  • simple and economical(俭约)
  • frugality and honesty(俭廉)
  • thrifty virtue(俭德)

Idioms

  • Diligence and frugality make a family prosperous(勤俭持家)
  • Frugality in youth prevents want in old age(俭以防匮)
  • Thrift is the source of abundance(俭以养德)
  • Frugality and economy are virtues(克勤克俭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Frugality (俭) is one of the traditional virtues in Chinese culture, emphasized in Confucian teachings.
  • In ancient China, frugality was considered essential for family prosperity and social stability.
  • The concept is often paired with diligence (勤) as complementary virtues for personal and family success.

FAQ