Meaning and Usage
"吝啬" (lìn sè) describes someone who is stingy or miserly, reluctant to spend money or share resources. It often carries a negative connotation, implying excessive frugality to the point of selfishness.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to criticize people who are unwilling to spend even small amounts of money or share with others. It can describe both personal habits and attitudes toward generosity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 吝啬鬼 (lìn sè guǐ): "stingy person"; a common noun phrase to label someone as miserly.
- 吝啬地 + verb: used to describe doing something reluctantly or sparingly, e.g., 吝啬地花钱 (stingily spend money).
Nuances
While "吝啬" focuses on money or material resources, it can sometimes extend metaphorically to emotions or effort, describing someone who is unwilling to give or share in general. It is more negative than similar words like "节俭" (jiéjiǎn), which means frugal but with a positive tone.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "吝啬" with "节约" (jiéyuē), which means to save or economize responsibly. "吝啬" implies selfishness and lack of generosity, whereas "节约" is about wise use of resources.