industry and thrift; diligence and frugality
A somewhat formal compound noun combining the virtues of hard work and economical living. Often used in moral or educational contexts.
I lead a life based on industry and thrift.
My grandfather was a man of diligence and frugality, and never wasted money.
custom of diligence and thrift; tradition of hard work and frugality
work hard and practice frugality
thrift and saving
A Sino-Japanese compound of 勤 (diligence) and 倹 (frugality). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used in Japanese since at least the Edo period to express the combined ideal of hard work and thrift.