làng fèi
waste
In Chinese, waste or '浪费' is used in the same context as in English. It can refer to either material waste or the waste of time or resources. For example, '这是浪费时间' means 'this is a waste of time'. It also carries the same negative connotations of misuse or overuse.
Làngfèi shíjiān jiùshì fànzuì.
Wasting time is a crime.
This phrase indicates that time is very valuable and should not be wasted, equating it to a crime.
Làngfèi liángshí shì bùduì de.
Wasting food is wrong.
This phrase emphasizes that food should be cherished and not wasted, showing an attitude of gratitude and conservation.
Wǒmen bùnéng làngfèi zīyuán.
We can't waste resources.
This sentence stresses the importance of resource conservation, promoting environmental consciousness.
Làngfèi shuǐ shì yī zhǒng bùfù zérèn de xíngwéi.
Wasting water is an irresponsible act.
This example phrase highlights the value of water and indicates that wasting it is an irresponsible behavior.
Tā juédé gòuwù kuáng shì làngfèi jīnqián.
She thinks being a shopaholic is a waste of money.
In this sentence, the speaker expresses the opinion that spending too much money on shopping for non-essential items is wasteful.
Chōuyān shì làngfèi qián.
Smoking is a waste of money.
This example sentence serves to express the viewpoint that spending money on smoking is wasteful because it harms health.
Tā xǐhuān làngfèi tā de cáinéng.
He likes to waste his talents.
In this phrase, disapproval is shown for a person who does not utilize their talents to the fullest, thus 'wasting' them.
Wǒmen bù yīnggāi làngfèi diànlì.
We should not waste electricity.
This sentence promotes energy conservation by asserting that wasting electricity is wrong.
Wǒ tǎoyàn làngfèi wǒ de shíjiān.
I hate to waste my time.
The speaker in this phrase expresses dislike for activities or situations that do not productively use their time.
Wú duì huà cháng làngfèi jīnglì.
It's a waste of energy to argue for no reason.
This phrase implies that arguing without good reason, or simply for the sake of arguing, is a wasteful use of energy.