Meanings of 糟蹋
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About 糟蹋
Podcast: 糟蹋
Podcast: 糟蹋
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AI Study Notes for 糟蹋
糟蹋 (waste) vs 浪费 (waste) — use 糟蹋 when implying disrespect or spoilage of something valuable, while 浪费 is more general for wasting resources without the negative connotation.
Be careful not to confuse 糟蹋 with similar-sounding words like 糟糕 (zāo gāo), which means 'terrible' or 'awful.' This word is generally used in informal contexts; however, it can also be used in formal discussions about resource management. Common collocations include 糟蹋食物 (wasting food) and 糟蹋机会 (wasting opportunities).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 糟蹋 connects to other verbs that express negative actions, such as 破坏 (pò huài, to destroy) and 浪费 (làng fèi, to waste). Students should focus on understanding the nuances of waste and abuse in different contexts, as well as practicing the pronunciation, especially the tonal differences.
Learners often mix up 糟蹋 with the more neutral 浪费 (làng fèi). For example, saying '我糟蹋时间' (I waste time) can be too strong; it would be more appropriate to say '我浪费时间' (I waste time) unless implying a serious disregard.
Pronunciation of 糟蹋
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Component Characters
How to say to waste in Chinese
“to waste” in Chinese is糟蹋
糟蹋 (zāo tà) means to waste or spoil something that is valuable. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as wasting food, abusing resources, or disrespecting someone's efforts. It carries a negative connotation, often implying a lack of appreciation or care for what is being wasted.
When to use 糟蹋
Be careful not to confuse 糟蹋 with similar-sounding words like 糟糕 (zāo gāo), which means 'terrible' or 'awful.' This word is generally used in informal contexts; however, it can also be used in formal discussions about resource management. Common collocations include 糟蹋食物 (wasting food) and 糟蹋机会 (wasting opportunities).
糟蹋 or something close to it
糟蹋 (waste) vs 浪费 (waste) — use 糟蹋 when implying disrespect or spoilage of something valuable, while 浪费 is more general for wasting resources without the negative connotation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 糟蹋 with the more neutral 浪费 (làng fèi). For example, saying '我糟蹋时间' (I waste time) can be too strong; it would be more appropriate to say '我浪费时间' (I waste time) unless implying a serious disregard.
Write 糟蹋
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Practice writing 糟蹋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 糟蹋
糟蹋 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 8 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.
Complete the Sentence
任由鹿____会很容易把庄稼都毁了。
Crops can be all too easily decimated by unchecked depredations by deer.
Example Sentences for 糟蹋 (3)
Frequently Asked Questions about 糟蹋
No, 糟蹋 can refer to wasting or abusing any valuable resource, not just food.
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