糟蹋 zāotà to waste
to waste; to spoil; to ruin; to wreck; to insult; to humiliate; to defile (a woman); to rape
How to remember 糟蹋: 糟 dregs + 蹋 to step on = to waste.
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How it is used
- To waste/ruin/spoil something valuable - 糟蹋粮食 (zāotà liángshi) to waste food; 别糟蹋了这么好的机会 don't squander such a good chance.
- Also 'to abuse/mistreat/defile' a person, so it can be strong; context sets severity.
- Colloquial; carries reproach at careless or willful spoiling. Note reading zāotà.