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March 24, 2026
侈chǐ(chi3)
The character 侈 (chǐ) refers to extravagance or luxury, often with a negative connotation of wastefulness or excess. It can describe a lifestyle, spending habits, or even expressions that are exaggerated or ostentatious, making it useful in discussions about consumer behavior and social values.
Strokes8Radical亻Frequency#69114DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 侈 is often viewed negatively, as frugality and modesty are valued. The phrase '节俭持家' (jie jian chi jia, frugal and manage the household) contrasts sharply with the idea of being 侈.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wealthy person wearing a very extravagant coat (侈) that is so large and lavish that it could fit multiple people. The '𠂇' (person) radical reminds you that this character relates to people and their lavish behaviors.
Meanings of 侈
chǐ(chi3)
1extravagant
2wasteful
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 侈
侈Simplified
8Strokes
亻Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侈
Podcast: 侈
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AI Study Notes for 侈
Quick Contrast
奢 (shē) - use 侈 (chǐ) when emphasizing wastefulness or excess in a negative context, while 奢 (shē) focuses more on luxury without the same negative implication.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wealthy person wearing a very extravagant coat (侈) that is so large and lavish that it could fit multiple people. The '𠂇' (person) radical reminds you that this character relates to people and their lavish behaviors.
Usage Notes
侈 is generally used in more formal contexts and can appear in literary or academic discussions about materialism. Common collocations include 侈华 (chǐhuá, extravagant luxury) and 侈言 (chǐyán, exaggerated speech). Be cautious with tone, as the third tone can easily blend into a different meaning in rapid speech.
HSK Study Tips
While 侈 is not included in the HSK levels, it could be beneficial for HSK 4-5 learners focusing on vocabulary related to lifestyle and societal critiques. Students should also explore synonyms and antonyms to deepen their understanding of extravagance versus moderation.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 侈 is often viewed negatively, as frugality and modesty are valued. The phrase '节俭持家' (jie jian chi jia, frugal and manage the household) contrasts sharply with the idea of being 侈.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侈 with the similar-sounding 奢 (shē), which also means luxury but carries a more neutral tone. An incorrect usage would be saying '他过得很侈' instead of '他过得很奢'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侈
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Grammar Patterns of 侈
侈 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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
这种奢____的滑石润肤露能使缺水的皮肤恢复柔软与弹性。
This luxurious talcum lotion restores softness and suppleness to dehydrated skin.
Example Sentences for 侈 (10)
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1
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.
The luxury tax won't really do much to pare down the budget deficit.
Cultural Notes for 侈
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 侈 is often viewed negatively, as frugality and modesty are valued. The phrase '节俭持家' (jie jian chi jia, frugal and manage the household) contrasts sharply with the idea of being 侈.
Word Family of 侈
Words Containing This Character6
奢侈shēchǐluxurious
奢侈品luxury good
侈chǐwasteful
侈谈to prate侈談
穷奢极侈extravagant in the extreme (idiom)窮奢極侈
侈糜wasteful
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 奢侈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侈
Some synonyms include 奢 (shē, luxury) and 浪费 (làngfèi, waste).
You might say: '他的生活方式太侈了' (His lifestyle is too extravagant).
It's more common in written or formal contexts than in casual speech.