阔绰

• Pinyin: kuò chuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 阔 = 门 (gate) + 活 (live) — wide/wealthy; 绰 = 纟(silk) + 卓 (eminent) — ample

Meaning

Lavish; extravagant; generous with money. Spending freely and living luxuriously.

Describes someone who spends money freely, either genuinely wealthy or showing off. Can be neutral (describing genuine generosity) or slightly critical (implying wastefulness or ostentation).

Examples

1. 他出手阔绰，请客从不含糊。 He is lavish with money and never hesitates when treating others.
2. 看他穿戴阔绰，肯定是个有钱人。 Judging by his extravagant attire, he must be a wealthy person.
3. 别看平时省吃俭用，送礼的时候倒挺阔绰。 Although he is frugal in daily life, he is quite generous when giving gifts.

Usage Guide

Context: spending, lifestyle, social observation

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他花钱一向阔绰。(He has always been lavish with money.)
• 阔绰的排场不一定代表真有钱。(A lavish display doesn't necessarily mean real wealth.)

Don't Say

• 用阔绰形容必要的大额支出。(阔绰 implies optional lavishness — don't use it for necessary expenses like medical bills)

Origin & History

Compound of 阔 (wide/wealthy) + 绰 (ample/spacious). Both characters suggest abundance and expansiveness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal