虚度光阴 waste time
Explanation
指白白地度过时间，没有好好利用时间，时间被浪费掉了。
Refers to the time that was spent in vain, without making good use of it. Time was wasted.
Origin Story
从前，有个年轻人叫阿哲，他继承了祖业，拥有大片良田。但他好吃懒做，整日沉迷于游乐，虚度光阴。田地荒芜，收成甚微，家境日渐贫困。他的朋友老李劝诫他：“阿哲，你不能这样下去！光阴似箭，日月如梭，你应该努力耕耘，才能获得丰收，拥有幸福的生活。”阿哲起初不以为然，依然我行我素。后来，他看到邻居们辛勤劳作，生活富足，才幡然醒悟。他痛改前非，努力耕种，最终凭借自己的勤劳，摆脱了贫困，过上了幸福的生活。这个故事告诉我们，时间是宝贵的财富，我们应该珍惜时间，努力奋斗，不要虚度光阴，否则将会后悔莫及。
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Azhe, who inherited his family's business and owned a large piece of land. But he was lazy and spent his days indulging in pleasure, wasting his time. The land was neglected, the harvest was meager, and his family's circumstances became increasingly poor. His friend Lao Li advised him: "Azhe, you can't go on like this! Time flies, and you should work hard to get a good harvest and live a happy life." Azhe was initially unconvinced and continued as before. Later, when he saw his neighbors working diligently and living comfortably, he suddenly realized his mistake. He repented and worked hard, eventually escaping poverty through hard work and living happily ever after. This story teaches us that time is a precious asset that we should value and work hard for. We should not waste our time; otherwise, we will deeply regret it.
Usage
用于形容时间被浪费，没有好好利用。多用于批评劝诫。
Used to describe time being wasted and not used well. Often used for criticism and admonition.
Examples
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他整天游手好闲，虚度光阴，真是可惜。
tā zhěngtiān yóushǒu háoxián, xūdù guāngyīn, zhēnshi kěxī。
He idles all day and wastes his time, what a pity!
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不要虚度光阴，要珍惜时间，努力学习。
búyào xūdù guāngyīn, yào zhēnxī shíjiān, nǔlì xuéxí。
Don't waste your time, cherish your time, and study hard.
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青春易逝，莫要虚度光阴！
qīngchūn yìshì, mò yào xūdù guāngyīn！
Youth is fleeting, don't waste your time!