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March 24, 2026
奢侈shēchǐ(she1chi3)
奢侈 refers to a lifestyle characterized by excessive luxury or extravagance. It is often used to describe things that are lavish or beyond what is necessary, such as expensive items or indulgent experiences, and can carry a negative connotation of wastefulness.
Frequency#9627DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese culture, discussions around 奢侈 often relate to the growing consumer culture and the social implications of wealth, especially among the younger generation who may aspire to a more luxurious lifestyle.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rich king sitting on a throne made of gold, surrounded by diamonds and expensive silk. The character 奢 (she) looks like a person holding an extravagant item, and 侈 (chi) resembles a large, overflowing treasure chest, helping you remember its meaning of luxury and extravagance.
Meanings of 奢侈
shēchǐ(she1chi3)
1luxurious
2extravagant
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 奢侈
奢侈Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#9627Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 奢侈
Podcast: 奢侈
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AI Study Notes for 奢侈
Quick Contrast
奢华 (shēhuá) — use 奢侈 for a negative connotation of wastefulness, while 奢华 emphasizes grandeur without the same negative implication.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rich king sitting on a throne made of gold, surrounded by diamonds and expensive silk. The character 奢 (she) looks like a person holding an extravagant item, and 侈 (chi) resembles a large, overflowing treasure chest, helping you remember its meaning of luxury and extravagance.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 奢侈 with similar words like 富裕 (wealthy) which focuses more on possession rather than extravagance. This term is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about consumerism or luxury goods.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 奢侈 is useful for discussing topics related to economics, lifestyle, and social issues. Students should focus on understanding its nuances and using it in context with other HSK 6 vocabulary related to luxury and economy.
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese culture, discussions around 奢侈 often relate to the growing consumer culture and the social implications of wealth, especially among the younger generation who may aspire to a more luxurious lifestyle.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 奢侈 in informal contexts, like saying '我喜欢奢侈的食物' (I like luxurious food), which can sound odd; it's better to say '我喜欢美味的食物' (I like delicious food). Additionally, some might confuse it with expensive (昂贵), which lacks the connotation of extravagance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奢侈
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Grammar Patterns of 奢侈
奢侈 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这种____的滑石润肤露能使缺水的皮肤恢复柔软与弹性。
This luxurious talcum lotion restores softness and suppleness to dehydrated skin.
Example Sentences for 奢侈 (10)
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1
这种奢侈的滑石润肤露能使缺水的皮肤恢复柔软与弹性。
zhè zhǒng shē chǐ de huá shí rùn fū lòu néng shǐ quē shuǐ de pí fū huī fù róu ruǎn yǔ dàn xìng。
This luxurious talcum lotion restores softness and suppleness to dehydrated skin.
The luxury tax won't really do much to pare down the budget deficit.
Cultural Notes for 奢侈
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary Chinese culture, discussions around 奢侈 often relate to the growing consumer culture and the social implications of wealth, especially among the younger generation who may aspire to a more luxurious lifestyle.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both Chinese and Western cultures recognize luxury, the emphasis on societal status and the perception of extravagance can differ, with Chinese culture often viewing it as a reflection of one's success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 奢侈
The opposite of 奢侈 is 朴素 (pǔsù), which means simple or plain.
Yes, 奢侈 can describe experiences such as luxurious vacations or extravagant parties.
Not necessarily; it can have a neutral tone depending on context, but it often implies excess.
