Chinese Character: 耗
1. Character Basics
Radical: 耒/lěi (plow)
Stroke Count: 10 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hào (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: To consume; to use up; to waste; to deplete
Extended Meaning: To spend; to exhaust; to drain; to wear out
Additional Meaning: Often used to describe the process of using resources or energy gradually
4. Common Words
- 耗费 (hào fèi) - To consume; to spend
Example: 这个项目耗费了很多资金。 (zhè gè xiàng mù hào fèi le hěn duō zī jīn) - This project consumed a lot of funds.
- 消耗 (xiāo hào) - To consume; to use up
Example: 运动时会消耗大量能量。 (yùn dòng shí huì xiāo hào dà liàng néng liàng) - A lot of energy is consumed during exercise.
- 浪费 (làng fèi) - To waste
Example: 我们不应该浪费食物。 (wǒ men bù yīng gāi làng fèi shí wù) - We should not waste food.
- 耗损 (hào sǔn) - To wear down; to deplete
Example: 长期使用会造成机器耗损。 (cháng qī shǐ yòng huì zào chéng jī qì hào sǔn) - Long-term use will cause wear and tear on the machine.
- 耗时 (hào shí) - To take time; time-consuming
Example: 这个任务很耗时。 (zhè gè rèn wu hěn hào shí) - This task is very time-consuming.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Verb
Usage: Often used with nouns indicating resources, time, energy, etc.
Common Structures:
- 耗+名词 (e.g., 耗时 hào shí - time-consuming, 耗钱 hào qián - money-consuming)
- 消耗+名词 (e.g., 消耗精力 xiāo hào jīng lì - consume energy)
Usage Notes: Generally has a negative connotation, indicating unnecessary consumption or waste.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, "耗" is often contrasted with the value of frugality.
It forms a contrast with traditional Chinese concepts of thrift (such as "勤俭节约" qín jiǎn jié yuē - diligence and frugality).
In modern society, "耗" is also often used to describe issues of resource consumption and environmental protection.
The character appears in many Chinese idioms and proverbs, reflecting people's attitudes toward resource utilization.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1: 这个项目耗费了大量的时间和精力。
This project consumed a great deal of time and energy.
Example 2: 过度使用手机会消耗很多电量。
Excessive use of mobile phones consumes a lot of battery power.
Example 3: 我们应该避免浪费水资源。
We should avoid wasting water resources.
8. Memory Tips
Structure Memory: "耗" is composed of "耒" (plow) and "毛". You can understand it as using a plow for farming consumes physical strength.
Association Memory: Associate "耗" with words like "消耗" (to consume) and "耗费" (to spend).
Antonym Memory: Remember that the antonym of "耗" is "省" (to save).
Scenario Memory: Imagine scenes where resources are gradually consumed, such as the consumption of phone battery.
Pronunciation Memory: "耗" is pronounced "Hào" with the fourth tone, the same as "号" and "浩".