怠 (dài) - neglectful & idle

怠Tone 4

dài ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

怠 · dài

neglectful;

idle;

lazy;

remiss;

sluggish;

to slack off

neglectfulidlelazy

Usage highlights

negligentslack offsluggishwearyneglect one's dutylazy and slow

Synonyms

  • 懒— lazy
  • 惰— sluggish, indolent
  • 懈— slack, relaxed

Antonyms

  • 勤— diligent, industrious
  • 奋— energetic, vigorous
  • 勉— strive, exert oneself

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was reprimanded for being negligent in his duties (怠于职守).
  • Don't slack off in your studies (学习不可懈怠).
  • The machine is running sluggishly (机器运转怠缓).
  • She showed no sign of weariness (毫无怠倦之色).

Collocations

  • negligent(怠慢)
  • slack off(懈怠)
  • sluggish(怠缓)
  • weary(怠倦)
  • neglect one's duty(怠职)
  • lazy and slow(怠惰)

Idioms

  • Without the slightest negligence(不敢怠慢)
  • Work diligently without slacking(勤而不怠)
  • Negligent and disrespectful(怠慢无礼)
  • Lazy and fond of ease(怠惰因循)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, diligence (勤) is highly valued, while idleness (怠) is considered a moral failing.
  • The character reflects traditional Chinese work ethic that emphasizes constant self-cultivation and responsibility.
  • In modern context, it often appears in workplace evaluations and educational settings as a caution against laziness.

FAQ