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白费
bái fèi
wasted
这钱花得白费了。
This money was spent in vain.
informal
Wasted or spent without any result or benefit; futile.
他的努力全白费了。
His efforts were all in vain.
别白费时间了，这事不可能成功。
Don't waste your time; this won't succeed.
Often used to describe efforts or resources that yield no positive outcome.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Often paired with '时间' (time), '力气' (effort), or '心思' (thought) to emphasize what was wasted.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While useful, overusing '白费' can make speech sound overly negative or pessimistic.
Word Origin
Composed of '白' (white, empty) and '费' (expense, cost), literally meaning 'empty expense,' metaphorically referring to something that yields no result.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to express frustration or disappointment when efforts or resources do not produce the desired outcome.
Word Breakdown
白
empty, in vain
root费
cost, expense
root汉英词典