耗不起

• Pinyin: hào bù qǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 耗 (consume) + 不起 (cannot bear / afford) -> cannot keep paying the cost.

Meaning

Unable to afford the time, money, energy, or emotional cost of dragging something out.

It is used when delays, negotiations, relationships, or procedures are too costly to continue. The mood is pragmatic and weary.

Examples

1. 这个项目再拖，我们真的耗不起。 If this project keeps dragging on, we really can't afford it.
2. 来回跑手续太耗不起了。 Going back and forth to sort out the paperwork is just too much.
3. 不合适就早说，大家都耗不起。 If it's not a good fit, say so early - none of us can afford to drag this out.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, workplace, campus

Tone: weary, decisive

Do Say

• 时间成本太高时说耗不起。（Use it when the ongoing cost is too high.）

Don't Say

• 把一次小等待说成耗不起。（It implies meaningful accumulated cost.）

Common Mistakes

• Assuming it only means money; it often means time or emotion.

Origin & History

From 耗, to consume or wear down, plus 不起, cannot afford.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Students, Gen Z, and young office workers

Social background: Urban internet users

Regional notes: Appears in adulting talk about work, bureaucracy, dating, and housing.