Understanding "不惜" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 不惜
• Pinyin: bù xī
• Literal Meaning: 不 (not) + 惜 (to cherish, to spare, to grudge) → “not to spare”
• Primary Meaning: to not hesitate (to do something); to be willing to (spend, give, sacrifice) regardless of the cost or consequences; to spare no (effort, expense, etc.)

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

“不惜” is used when a person is ready to go to great lengths, even at a high personal cost. It carries a tone of strong determination or resolve, and often appears in formal, serious, or dramatic contexts. The word usually modifies a verb phrase — describing an action that involves sacrifice, loss, or a significant price. Common patterns include:
- 不惜 + cost noun + verb (e.g., 不惜一切代价 bùxī yīqiè dàijià — at all costs)
- 不惜 + verb phrase (e.g., 不惜牺牲 bùxī xīshēng — not hesitate to sacrifice)

It can also be used in expressions like 不惜工本 (bùxī gōng běn) — sparing no effort or expense, or 不惜重金 (bùxī zhòng jīn) — sparing no heavy sum of money. Note that “不惜” does not simply mean “not stingy”; it emphasizes that the person considers something valuable (time, money, health, life) worth giving up for a greater goal, and they do not let the cost stop them.

Sometimes “不惜” appears with a slightly negative nuance, suggesting that the action might be too extreme or obsessive, depending on context. In such cases, it can imply “to be reckless enough to.”

Character Breakdown

• 不 (bù): A negation particle meaning “not.”
• 惜 (xī): Originally meant “to cherish” or “to feel pity for,” and by extension “to spare” — in the sense of being reluctant to part with or use something valuable. When you 不惜 something, you do not cherish it to the point of holding back; you are willing to give it up.

Together, the idea is “not grudge,” “not begrudge,” hence “to not spare” — meaning you are ready to use or sacrifice anything without reservation.

3. Example Sentences

1. • Chinese: 为了成功，他不惜一切代价。
   • Pinyin: Wèile chénggōng, tā bùxī yīqiè dàijià.
   • English: In order to succeed, he is willing to pay any price / spare no cost.
2. • Chinese: 这位科学家不惜牺牲自己的休息时间来完成研究。
   • Pinyin: Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā bùxī xīshēng zìjǐ de xiūxí shíjiān lái wánchéng yánjiū.
   • English: This scientist didn’t hesitate to sacrifice his own rest time to complete the research.
3. • Chinese: 政府不惜巨资改善教育设施。
   • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ bùxī jùzī gǎishàn jiàoyù shèshī.
   • English: The government spares no huge expense to improve educational facilities.

Cultural Notes

“不惜” often appears in formal speeches, news reports, and inspirational writing. It reflects a cultural appreciation for dedication and self-sacrifice for a greater cause — be it family, country, or personal ideal. When used in everyday speech, it can add a slightly dramatic or emphatic tone. For example, describing someone as “不惜一切” might evoke a sense of either admirable commitment or dangerous obsession, depending on the context. This tightrope between positive and negative resonates with traditional values that both praise selflessness and warn against excess.

Conclusion

Remember “不惜” as “not sparing” — it signals that a person does not let any cost (time, money, life) stop them from achieving a goal. It’s a powerful word to express total commitment, often used in serious or formal settings. The pattern is straightforward: 不惜 + what you are willing to give up + what you want to achieve.