Definition

1. Verb:
   • To squander: To waste something valuable, such as time, money, or resources, in a reckless, extravagant, or pointless manner.
   • To waste: To use or expend something carelessly, needlessly, or without any useful result.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừng phao phí thì giờ vào những trò chơi vô bổ. (Don't squander your time on useless games.)
  • Công ty đã phao phí rất nhiều tiền bạc vào dự án thất bại đó. (The company squandered a lot of money on that failed project.)
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy hối hận vì đã phao phí cơ hội của mình. (She regretted wasting her opportunity.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "phao phí" often carries a stronger, more negative connotation than the simple word "lãng phí" (to waste), implying a sense of frivolousness or irresponsible extravagance in the act of wasting.

Variants and Related Words

• Lãng phí (v): To waste. This is a more general and commonly used synonym.
  • Lãng phí thức ăn là không nên. (Wasting food is not good.)

Synonyms

• Squander: To spend or use wastefully or extravagantly.
• Waste: To use or expend carelessly or without purpose.
• Dissipate: To scatter or spend wastefully (often used for money or resources).

Related Idioms

• Phao phí hoài niệm: To squander nostalgia; to dwell pointlessly on the past.
  • Anh ta cứ phao phí hoài niệm về những ngày đã qua. (He keeps squandering nostalgia for days gone by.)

1. Squander
   • Phao phí thì giờ
     To squander one's time
   • Phao phí tiền bạc
     To squander money