Meaning and Usage
낭비 means 'waste' or 'extravagance' and is commonly used to describe the unnecessary or careless use of resources such as time, money, or energy. It often carries a negative connotation implying inefficiency or irresponsibility.
Common Collocations
- 낭비하다: to waste (used as a verb)
- 시간 낭비: waste of time
- 돈 낭비: waste of money
- 에너지 낭비: waste of energy
These collocations are frequently used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Register and Politeness
낭비 is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When combined with 하다 (to do), it becomes a verb phrase 낭비하다, which is also neutral.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 낭비 with simply spending or using resources. However, 낭비 specifically implies that the use is excessive, unnecessary, or careless. For example, '돈을 쓰다' means 'to spend money,' but '돈을 낭비하다' means 'to waste money.'
Practical Tips
Use 낭비 when you want to criticize or caution against inefficient or careless use of something valuable. It is often used in advice, warnings, or reflections on habits.