Meaning
白吃 literally means 'white eat' where 白 (bái) carries the meaning of 'for nothing' or 'in vain'. It describes eating or receiving food without paying or contributing anything in return. The term can extend beyond food to mean getting any benefit without effort or payment.
Usage
Commonly used in informal speech to describe freeloading behavior. Can be used disapprovingly to criticize someone who takes advantage, or more lightly among friends. The pattern 白 + verb is productive in Chinese, creating similar meanings like 白拿 (take for free) or 白用 (use for free).
Examples
- 01他总是白吃别人的东西，从来不请客。, .He always freeloads off others and never treats anyone.
- 02天下没有白吃的午餐，你得付出努力才能成功。, .There's no such thing as a free lunch; you have to work hard to succeed.
Characters
Common collocations
- 白吃白喝to eat and drink for free
- 白吃的午餐free lunch
- 天下没有白吃的午餐there's no such thing as a free lunch
Antonyms
Origin
The character 白 in this context derives from its extended meaning of 'blank' or 'empty', evolving to mean 'without cost' or 'for nothing'. This usage pattern has been common in Chinese for centuries.