拜金（Bài Jīn）

Pronunciation: /bài jīn/

Basic Meaning: Worshiping wealth and being materialistic

Detailed Explanation: "拜金" is a Chinese idiom that describes a person who worships wealth and is extremely materialistic. It refers to someone who values money and material possessions above all else and is willing to do anything to acquire them. Such individuals often prioritize personal gain and are driven by greed and a desire for luxury.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom can be used to describe someone who is overly focused on money and material possessions, often at the expense of other important aspects of life, such as relationships, ethics, and personal well-being.

Story Origin: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient China. It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, there was a man named Fan Li who was known for his obsession with wealth. He would go to great lengths to accumulate riches and would even sacrifice his personal relationships for material gain. Fan Li's story serves as a cautionary tale about the negative consequences of being excessively materialistic.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom "拜金" consists of two characters: "拜" (bài) and "金" (jīn). "拜" means to worship or admire, while "金" represents wealth or gold.

Example Sentences:

1. 他拜金得如此之重，連朋友都不會顧及。

(Tā bài jīn dé rú cǐ zhī zhòng, lián péng yǒu dōu bù huì gù jí.)

He is so worshipful of money that he even disregards his friends.

2. 她的拜金心態讓她變得孤獨寂寞。

(Tā de bài jīn xīn tài ràng tā biàn dé gū dú jì mò.)

Her materialistic mindset has made her lonely and miserable.

Memory Techniques: To remember the meaning of "拜金," you can associate it with the image of someone bowing down and worshiping a pile of gold. This visual representation can help you recall the concept of worshiping wealth and being materialistic.

Extended Learning: To further understand the negative impact of being excessively materialistic, you can explore related topics such as consumerism, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of balance in life.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children: 我不喜歡拜金的人，他們只關心錢，不關心別人的感受。

(Wǒ bù xǐ huān bài jīn de rén, tā men zhǐ guān xīn qián, bù guān xīn bié rén de gǎn shòu.)

I don't like people who worship money. They only care about money and not how others feel.

2. Teenagers: 拜金的生活只會讓人變得空虛和無趣，我們應該追求更有意義的東西。

(Bài jīn de shēng huó zhǐ huì ràng rén biàn dé kōng xū hé wú qù, wǒ men yīng gāi zhuī qiú gèng yǒu yì yì de dōng xī.)

A materialistic lifestyle only makes people feel empty and unfulfilled. We should pursue things that are more meaningful.

3. Adults: 拜金的價值觀會導致人與人之間的關系變得脆弱，我們應該重視真正的友誼和家庭。

(Bài jīn de jià zhí guān huì dǎo zhì rén yǔ rén zhī jiān de guān xì biàn dé cuì ruò, wǒ men yīng gāi zhòng shì zhēn zhèng de yǒu yì hé jiā tíng.)

A materialistic value system can weaken relationships between people. We should prioritize genuine friendships and family.