Meanings of 挥霍
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Podcast: 挥霍
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AI Study Notes for 挥霍
挥霍 (huīhuò) vs 浪费 (làngfèi) — use 挥霍 for extravagant spending, while 浪费 refers to wastefulness in a broader sense, not limited to money.
This term is typically used in a negative context, so be cautious when using it in formal settings. Common collocations include '挥霍无度' (to squander without restraint) and '挥霍钱财' (to waste money). Make sure to pronounce it correctly as the tones can change the meaning.
As an HSK Level 6 word, students should connect it with other terms related to money management and financial behavior. Focus on understanding the nuances of extravagance and how it contrasts with terms like '节约' (to save).
Learners often confuse '挥霍' with '节约' (to save), mistakenly using it in positive contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢挥霍钱' (I like to squander money) instead of recognizing it as a negative trait.
Pronunciation of 挥霍
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Component Characters
How to say to squander money in Chinese
“to squander money” in Chinese is挥霍
挥霍 (huīhuò) refers to the act of squandering or wastefully spending money, often in a lavish or extravagant manner. It is commonly used to describe behaviors related to financial irresponsibility, where one spends freely without regard to future consequences.
When to use 挥霍
This term is typically used in a negative context, so be cautious when using it in formal settings. Common collocations include '挥霍无度' (to squander without restraint) and '挥霍钱财' (to waste money). Make sure to pronounce it correctly as the tones can change the meaning.
挥霍 or something close to it
挥霍 (huīhuò) vs 浪费 (làngfèi) — use 挥霍 for extravagant spending, while 浪费 refers to wastefulness in a broader sense, not limited to money.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '挥霍' with '节约' (to save), mistakenly using it in positive contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢挥霍钱' (I like to squander money) instead of recognizing it as a negative trait.
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Grammar Patterns of 挥霍
挥霍 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 5 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我有时会头脑发热，____无度。
I can have a brainstorm and be very extravagant.
Example Sentences for 挥霍 (7)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 挥霍
No, '挥霍' is generally used negatively to describe wastefulness and extravagance.
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