Meaning and Usage
"奢侈" (shēchǐ) describes something luxurious, extravagant, or excessively costly. It often refers to lifestyles, goods, or behaviors that go beyond basic needs and imply indulgence or waste.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe expensive products (奢侈品), lavish lifestyles, or wasteful habits. The term can carry a slightly negative connotation when referring to unnecessary extravagance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 奢侈品: luxury goods, often high-end brands or designer items.
- 奢侈生活: a luxurious lifestyle, implying spending beyond necessity.
- 奢侈浪费: extravagant waste, used to criticize careless consumption.
Usage Notes
When using 奢侈, speakers often imply a judgment about excessiveness. It is common in discussions about money management, environmental awareness, or social criticism. Avoid confusing it with simply "expensive" (贵), as 奢侈 emphasizes unnecessary luxury rather than just high price.