慳 (qiān) - Stingy, miserly & to stint, to be sparing with

慳Tone 1

qiān ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

慳 · qiān

Stingy, miserly;

to stint, to be sparing with;

deficient, lacking.

Stingy, miserlyto stint, to be sparing withdeficient, lacking.

Usage highlights

Stingy and miserlySave electricitySave moneyFrugal and thriftyStingy ghostSave effort

Synonyms

  • 吝嗇— stingy, miserly
  • 小氣— stingy, petty
  • 節儉— thrifty, frugal (positive connotation)

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is very stingy with money (他對金錢很慳吝).
  • We should save on electricity (我們應該慳電).
  • This method saves time (這個方法很慳時間).
  • Living a frugal life (過著慳儉的生活).

Collocations

  • Stingy and miserly(慳吝)
  • Save electricity(慳電)
  • Save money(慳錢)
  • Frugal and thrifty(慳儉)
  • Stingy ghost (守財奴)(慳鬼)
  • Save effort(慳力)

Idioms

  • Fate brings people together(緣慳一面)
  • Too stingy to part with even a single hair(一毛不拔)
  • Count every cent and haggle over every ounce(斤斤計較)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally viewed negatively in Chinese culture, where generosity is valued.
  • Buddhist concept of 'stinginess' as one of the hindrances to spiritual progress.
  • Associated with the archetype of the miser who hoards wealth but lives poorly.

FAQ