節約

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: In 節約 (せつやく), restraint 節 and reduction 約 combine to denote conservation.
• Basic usage: 節約 means reducing unnecessary use of money, time, or energy.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Conservation rather than total cessation
  • It does not necessarily mean stopping all use or eliminating even necessary expenditure.