节约

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 节约 (jiéyuè) for "save" or "economize" is composed of two characters: 节 (jié) and 约 (yuè). The character 节 originally meant "bamboo joint" and later extended to mean "node", "segment", "limit", or "moderation". In the context of 节约, it conveys the idea of setting limits or boundaries on one's spending or consumption. The character 约 originally meant "to bind" or "to tie" and later took on the meanings of "agreement", "promise", or "restraint". In the context of 节约, it suggests the act of making a commitment or agreement to limit one's spending or consumption. Together, the two characters 节约 form a compound word that emphasizes the importance of setting limits and making commitments to save money or resources.