Meaning
荒废 describes something that has been neglected, abandoned, or allowed to deteriorate from lack of use or care. It can refer to physical spaces like land or buildings that have become desolate, or to abstract things like time, skills, or studies that have been wasted or not properly maintained.
Usage
This word carries a negative connotation of regret or loss. It's commonly used when discussing wasted time (荒废时间), neglected studies (荒废学业), or abandoned land (土地荒废). Native speakers often use it to express concern about letting opportunities or abilities go to waste.
Examples
- 01他因为沉迷游戏而荒废了学业。.He neglected his studies because he was addicted to video games.
- 02这片农田已经荒废多年了。.This farmland has been lying waste for many years.
Characters
Common collocations
- 荒废时间to waste time
- 荒废学业to neglect one's studies
- 荒废土地abandoned land
- 被荒废to be left to waste
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the meaning of desolation and abandonment. 荒 originally depicted overgrown wild grass, while 废 contains the radical 广 (shelter) and suggests a building fallen into disrepair.