afford
Meaning: To have enough money or resources for something; to be able to do something
Afford primarily means having sufficient money to pay for something. It's almost always used with 'can' or 'could'. Beyond money, it also means being able to spare time or take a risk without serious consequences. 'Affordable' is the adjective form meaning reasonably priced.
Examples
- We can't afford to go on holiday this year. 我们今年负担不起度假的费用。No podemos permitirnos ir de vacaciones este año.今年は休暇に行く余裕がありません。올해는 휴가를 갈 여유가 없습니다.
- I can't afford to take any more time off work. 我没办法再请假了。No puedo permitirme tomarme más tiempo libre del trabajo.これ以上仕事を休む余裕がありません。더 이상 일을 쉴 여유가 없습니다.
- The company cannot afford another scandal. 公司再也承受不起另一场丑闻了。La empresa no puede permitirse otro escándalo.会社はこれ以上スキャンダルを起こす余裕はありません。회사는 또 다른 스캔들을 감당할 여유가 없습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'geforthian' meaning 'to further' or 'to accomplish', from 'ge-' (prefix) and 'forthian' (to further), from 'forth'. The financial sense of having enough to spend dates from the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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