Meaning
慷慨 describes someone who is generous with their resources, time, or emotions, often giving freely without expecting anything in return. It carries a positive connotation of nobility and open-heartedness, frequently used to praise someone's willingness to help others or donate to causes.
Usage
This word is commonly used in written and formal spoken Chinese to describe acts of generosity, especially financial donations or selfless behavior. It often appears in phrases like 慷慨解囊 (to generously open one's purse) or 慷慨激昂 (impassioned and vehement). The tone is respectful and admiring.
Examples
- 01他总是很慷慨地帮助需要帮助的人。.He is always generous in helping people who need help.
- 02那位企业家慷慨地向学校捐赠了一百万元。.That entrepreneur generously donated one million yuan to the school.
Characters
Common collocations
- 慷慨解囊to donate generously
- 慷慨激昂vehement and impassioned
- 慷慨大方generous and magnanimous
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters contain the heart radical (忄), indicating emotional qualities. 慷 originally meant fervent or passionate feelings, while 慨 meant to sigh with emotion. Together they evolved to describe the generous, open-hearted spirit that moves someone to give freely.