节俭

• Pinyin: jié jiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 节 = 艹 (grass) + 卩 — joint, moderation; 俭 = 亻(person) + 佥 — frugal

Meaning

Frugal; thrifty; economical. Characterized by careful use of money and resources.

A traditional virtue highly valued in Chinese culture. Describes someone who avoids waste and manages resources wisely. Can be used as both an adjective and a noun to describe a lifestyle or character trait.

Examples

1. 奶奶一辈子都很节俭，从不浪费任何东西。 Grandma has been frugal all her life and never wastes anything.
2. 节俭是一种美德，但不应该变成吝啬。 Frugality is a virtue, but it shouldn't become stinginess.
3. 疫情期间，许多家庭开始过上更加节俭的生活。 During the pandemic, many families began to live more frugally.

Usage Guide

Context: lifestyle, values, finance

Tone: approving

Do Say

• 她过着节俭的生活。(She lives a frugal life.)
• 我们应该养成节俭的习惯。(We should develop frugal habits.)

Don't Say

• 用'节俭'贬义地形容小气 (Don't use 节俭 as a negative term for stinginess — use 小气 or 吝啬 instead; 节俭 is positive)

Origin & History

Composed of 节 (to economize; joint) + 俭 (frugal; thrifty). Both characters relate to restraint and moderation in spending.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal