节俭 (jié jiǎn) is an adjective meaning 'thrifty' or 'economical', describing someone who uses money, resources, or time wisely and avoids waste. The character 节 (jié) originally means 'to moderate', 'to restrain', or 'to regulate', while 俭 (jiǎn) means 'frugal' or 'plain in lifestyle'. Together, they emphasize conscious restraint—not out of scarcity, but as a virtue rooted in respect for resources and long-term well-being. It’s commonly used to describe personal habits, family values, or national policies promoting sustainability.

This word carries positive moral connotations in Chinese culture, often associated with traditional virtues like diligence and humility. It appears frequently in advice about household management, environmental education, and financial literacy. Unlike the more neutral term 经济 (jīngjì, 'economic'), 节俭 focuses on behavior and attitude—how people choose to live, not just economic conditions. It’s typically used predicatively (e.g., 他很节俭) or attributively before nouns like 生活 (shēnghuó, 'life') or 习惯 (xíguàn, 'habit').