节约

• Pinyin: jié yuē
• Hanzi breakdown: 节 = 艹 (grass) + 即 (phonetic, simplified), originally meaning bamboo joint, extended to restrain; 约 = 纟(silk) + 勺 (ladle, phonetic), meaning to bind or restrict

Meaning

To save; to economise; to conserve. To use resources carefully and avoid waste.

Commonly used for saving money, water, electricity, time, and other resources. Carries a positive connotation of being responsible and efficient. Often promoted as a social virtue in China. Similar to 节省, but 节约 emphasises avoiding waste while 节省 emphasises reducing spending.

Examples

1. 我们要节约用水，不能浪费。 We should conserve water and not waste it.
2. 节约时间的最好办法是提前计划。 The best way to save time is to plan ahead.
3. 妈妈从小教我要节约粮食。 Mum taught me from a young age not to waste food.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, environment, finance, social values

Tone: encouraging

Do Say

• 请大家注意节约用电。(Please everyone pay attention to saving electricity.)
• 节约是一种好习惯。(Saving resources is a good habit.)

Don't Say

• 你太节约了，不愿意帮助别人。(Don't confuse 节约 with 小气 — 节约 means wisely saving resources, while 小气 means stingy with people. They have very different connotations.)

Origin & History

Compound of 节 (to restrain, a joint/segment) and 约 (to restrict, to economise), both carrying the idea of limiting or restraining, together meaning 'to use sparingly.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal