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March 24, 2026
奢shē(she1)
The character 奢 (shē) refers to a sense of extravagance and luxury, often implying wastefulness. It is commonly used in contexts discussing lifestyle, spending, or consumption that goes beyond what is necessary or reasonable, reflecting a cultural critique of excessive indulgence.
Strokes11Radical大Frequency#19045DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on frugality and moderation, particularly in contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often portrayed in media. The character 奢 can be used in discussions about consumerism and moral values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lavish banquet where everything is excessively adorned, symbolizing extravagance. The character 奢 looks like a fancy setting with an 'extra' touch, helping you remember it stands for luxury ('shē' sounds like 'she' who loves lavish things).
Meanings of 奢
shē(she1)
1extravagant
2exaggerated; extravagant, wasteful
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 奢
奢Simplified
11Strokes
大Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#19045Frequency Rank
Podcast: 奢
Podcast: 奢
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AI Study Notes for 奢
Quick Contrast
奢 (extravagance) vs 华 (splendor) — choose 奢 when emphasizing wastefulness over mere beauty.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lavish banquet where everything is excessively adorned, symbolizing extravagance. The character 奢 looks like a fancy setting with an 'extra' touch, helping you remember it stands for luxury ('shē' sounds like 'she' who loves lavish things).
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 奢 with similar-sounding words that imply moderation or simplicity. It's generally used in formal contexts when discussing wealth or lifestyle, such as 奢侈 (shēchǐ) for 'luxurious' or 'extravagant'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 奢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with HSK Level 4 words like 富裕 (fùyù, wealthy) and 奢侈 (shēchǐ, luxurious). Focus on understanding its usage in contrast to simpler terms that denote modesty.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on frugality and moderation, particularly in contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often portrayed in media. The character 奢 can be used in discussions about consumerism and moral values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 奢 with 省 (shěng), which means to save. For example, saying 奢省 (shēshěng) instead of using them in their correct contexts can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, 奢 emphasizes extravagance, while 省 emphasizes thriftiness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奢
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Grammar Patterns of 奢
奢 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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
他在18个月的____靡生活中挥霍了533,000英镑。
He blew £533,000 in an 18-month orgy of spending.
Example Sentences for 奢 (10)
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1
他在18个月的奢靡生活中挥霍了533,000英镑。
tā zài18 18 gè yuè de shē mí shēng huó zhōng huī huò533,000 le 533,000。
He blew £533,000 in an 18-month orgy of spending.
2
我一直都知道这是个奢望。
wǒ yī zhí dū zhī dào zhè shì gè shē wàng。
I always knew it was too much to hope for.
3
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.
You cannot chuck money away on little luxuries like that.
8
谁会为她奢侈的假日买单？
shuí huì wéi tā shē chǐ de jiǎ rì mǎi dān？
Who is footing the bill for her extravagant holiday?
9
该地区的消费者经济窘迫，在奢侈品上的开销比以前少了。
gāi dì qū de xiāo fèi zhě jīng jì jiǒng pò， ， zài shē chǐ pǐn shàng de kāi xiāo bǐ yǐ qián shǎo。
The region's hard-pressed consumers are spending less on luxuries.
10
靠自己的工资他买不起奢侈的食品。
kào zì jǐ de gōng zī tā mǎi bù qǐ shē chǐ de shí pǐn。
He could not afford luxury food on his pay.
Cultural Notes for 奢
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on frugality and moderation, particularly in contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often portrayed in media. The character 奢 can be used in discussions about consumerism and moral values.
Word Family of 奢
Compounds3
奲
撦
譇
Words Containing This Character15
奢侈shēchǐluxurious
奢华luxurious奢華
奢望shēwàngan extravagant hope
奢侈品luxury good
奢shēextravagant
奢求to make extravagant demands
奢靡extravagant
骄奢淫逸decadent驕奢淫逸
穷奢极欲to indulge in a life of luxury (idiom); extreme extravagance窮奢極欲
豪奢extravagant
奢糜extravagant
穷奢极侈extravagant in the extreme (idiom)窮奢極侈
奢丽sumptuous奢麗
骄奢淫佚decadent驕奢淫佚
奢盼an extravagant hope
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 奢侈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奢
Common phrases include 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) meaning 'luxury goods' and 奢华 (shēhuá) meaning 'extravagant'.
Generally, 奢 has a negative connotation, suggesting wastefulness rather than just luxury.
