About
The character "啬", in its traditional form "嗇", originates from an agricultural context, representing the concept of gathering and storing grain, a meaning clearly depicted by its composition of "來" (wheat) over "㐭" (granary). This structure, where "來" also functioned phonetically, initially conveyed the prudent action of harvesting and preserving crops, a positive sense of careful husbandry. Over time, the semantic focus shifted from the physical act of storage to the abstract quality of being overly careful with resources, gradually acquiring the negative connotation of stinginess or miserliness. This evolution from a specific agricultural term to a general human trait is reflected in the character's continued use, where its core idea of withholding or not releasing remains constant, even as its moral valuation inverted.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他这个人非常吝啬。
她对钱很吝啬。
吝啬的人没有朋友。
他吝啬地存每一分钱。
由于吝啬，他很少请客吃饭。
他的吝啬让家人感到不满。
在花钱方面，他表现得特别吝啬。
尽管他收入丰厚，但吝啬的性格从未改变。