倹約

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 倹約 (けんやく) is a noun that also forms a する verb for thrift or economy in using money and goods.
• Basic usage: It describes a frugal person or reducing living expenses to save for a goal.
  • 祖母は物を大切に使う倹約家だ。 — My grandmother is frugal and uses things carefully.
  • 旅費をためるため、毎月の生活費を倹約した。 — I cut monthly living expenses to save for travel.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Frugal person and saving action
  • 倹約家 identifies a thrifty person, while 生活費を倹約する describes economizing on living expenses.