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March 24, 2026
奢shē(she1)
The character 奢 (shē) refers to a sense of extravagance and luxury, often implying wastefulness. It is commonly used in contexts discussing lifestyle, spending, or consumption that goes beyond what is necessary or reasonable, reflecting a cultural critique of excessive indulgence.
Strokes11Radical大Frequency#19045DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on frugality and moderation, particularly in contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often portrayed in media. The character 奢 can be used in discussions about consumerism and moral values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lavish banquet where everything is excessively adorned, symbolizing extravagance. The character 奢 looks like a fancy setting with an 'extra' touch, helping you remember it stands for luxury ('shē' sounds like 'she' who loves lavish things).
Meanings of 奢
shē(she1)
1extravagant
2exaggerated; extravagant, wasteful
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 奢
奢Simplified
11Strokes
大Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#19045Frequency Rank
Podcast: 奢
Podcast: 奢
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AI Study Notes for 奢
Quick Contrast
奢 (extravagance) vs 华 (splendor) — choose 奢 when emphasizing wastefulness over mere beauty.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 奢 with similar-sounding words that imply moderation or simplicity. It's generally used in formal contexts when discussing wealth or lifestyle, such as 奢侈 (shēchǐ) for 'luxurious' or 'extravagant'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 奢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with HSK Level 4 words like 富裕 (fùyù, wealthy) and 奢侈 (shēchǐ, luxurious). Focus on understanding its usage in contrast to simpler terms that denote modesty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 奢 with 省 (shěng), which means to save. For example, saying 奢省 (shēshěng) instead of using them in their correct contexts can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, 奢 emphasizes extravagance, while 省 emphasizes thriftiness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奢
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Drill the tone of 奢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 大 represents the meaning and 者 represents the sound.
1The meaning half大 carries the sense.
2The sound half者 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybig
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 奢? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 奢?
Decomposition of 奢
IDS Structure⿱大者
奢Full Character
=
大da4
top
者zhe3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 奢?
How to say extravagant in Chinese
“extravagant” in Chinese is奢shē
The character 奢 (shē) refers to a sense of extravagance and luxury, often implying wastefulness. It is commonly used in contexts discussing lifestyle, spending, or consumption that goes beyond what is necessary or reasonable, reflecting a cultural critique of excessive indulgence.
When to use 奢
Be careful not to confuse 奢 with similar-sounding words that imply moderation or simplicity. It's generally used in formal contexts when discussing wealth or lifestyle, such as 奢侈 (shēchǐ) for 'luxurious' or 'extravagant'.
奢 or something close to it
奢 (extravagance) vs 华 (splendor) — choose 奢 when emphasizing wastefulness over mere beauty.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 奢 with 省 (shěng), which means to save. For example, saying 奢省 (shēshěng) instead of using them in their correct contexts can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, 奢 emphasizes extravagance, while 省 emphasizes thriftiness.
Write 奢
奢
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Practice writing 奢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 奢
奢 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他在18个月的____靡生活中挥霍了533,000英镑。
He blew £533,000 in an 18-month orgy of spending.
Example Sentences for 奢 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他在18个月的奢靡生活中挥霍了533,000英镑。
tā zài18 18 gè yuè de shē mí shēng huó zhōng huī huò533,000 le 533,000。
He blew £533,000 in an 18-month orgy of spending.
2
我一直都知道这是个奢望。
wǒ yī zhí dū zhī dào zhè shì gè shē wàng。
I always knew it was too much to hope for.
3
这种奢侈的滑石润肤露能使缺水的皮肤恢复柔软与弹性。
zhè zhǒng shē chǐ de huá shí rùn fū lòu néng shǐ quē shuǐ de pí fū huī fù róu ruǎn yǔ dàn xìng。
This luxurious talcum lotion restores softness and suppleness to dehydrated skin.
