Definition
吃闲饭 is a colloquial, derogatory separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to be a freeloader' or 'to live off others without contributing'. It describes someone who does not work and depends on others for support. The verb 吃 can separate from 闲饭 when adding a duration or other elements: e.g., 吃了三年闲饭 ('freeloaded for three years').
v.o.
(colloquial, derogatory) to be a freeloader or spongerto lead an idle life depending on others
Examples
- 吃闲饭，。Tā zhěngtiān zài jiā chī xián fàn, shénme dōu bú zuò.He just freeloads at home all day and does nothing.
- 。Tā yǐjīng chī le liǎng nián xián fàn le.He's been freeloading for two years already.
- 吃闲饭。Méi rén xǐhuan chī xián fàn de rén.Nobody likes a freeloader.
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