verb / noun HSK 4
to save · to economize · province · to omit
Meaning
省 has two main meanings. As a verb (shěng), it means to save, economize, or omit something. As a noun (shěng), it refers to a province, which is a major administrative division in China. The saving meaning relates to reducing consumption or effort.
Usage
When meaning 'to save', 省 is commonly used with money, time, or effort. Natives often use it in phrases like 省钱 (save money) or 省事 (save trouble). As 'province', it's used in geographical and administrative contexts. The verb usage is more common in daily speech.
Examples
- 01坐地铁比打车省钱。.Taking the subway saves more money than taking a taxi.
- 02我来自四川省。.I come from Sichuan Province.
Measure words
- 个一个省
Common collocations
- 省钱to save money
- 省时间to save time
- 省事to save trouble
- 省力to save effort
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 少 (few) and 目 (eye), originally suggesting careful observation or inspection. The meaning evolved to include 'saving' (reducing to less) and 'province' (administrative region requiring oversight).