Meaning
挥霍 means to spend money, time, or resources recklessly and wastefully. It carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting irresponsible behavior and lack of planning. The word often describes spending large amounts without regard for the future or the value of what is being spent.
Usage
This is a formal to semi-formal term commonly used in written Chinese and serious conversations about financial irresponsibility. Native speakers use it to criticize wasteful spending habits, whether of money, youth, talent, or opportunities. It's stronger than simply 浪费 (to waste) and implies deliberate or habitual extravagance.
Examples
- 01他挥霍了父母留给他的所有遗产。.He squandered all the inheritance his parents left him.
- 02年轻时不要挥霍时间，要好好学习。, .Don't waste time when you're young; study hard.
Characters
Common collocations
- 挥霍无度to squander without limit
- 挥霍金钱to squander money
- 挥霍青春to waste one's youth
- 肆意挥霍to squander recklessly
Antonyms
Origin
The character 挥 originally meant to wave or scatter, while 霍 conveys a sense of suddenness or swiftness. Together they create an image of scattering resources quickly and carelessly, like waving something away without thought.