adjective HSK 6
Traditional 嗇
stingy · miserly · frugal to excess
Meaning
啬 describes someone who is excessively frugal or unwilling to spend money, often to the point of being ungenerous. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a person who hoards resources or is reluctant to share. This is a literary or formal term rarely used in everyday speech.
Usage
This character is mostly seen in written Chinese or classical texts. In modern spoken Mandarin, people prefer 小气 (xiǎoqì) or 吝啬 (lìnsè) to express the same idea. When 啬 appears alone, it's usually in formal or literary contexts.
Examples
- 01他为人吝啬，从不肯帮助别人。, .He is stingy by nature and never willing to help others.
- 02这个地主啬于施舍，村民都不喜欢他。, .This landlord is miserly with charity, so the villagers all dislike him.
Common collocations
- 吝啬stingy (most common usage)
- 啬夫miserly person (classical)
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 嗇 combines elements suggesting careful management of grain/resources in ancient times, reflecting agricultural society's emphasis on frugality.