You might hear the word "电子商务" (diànzǐ shāngwù) a lot in China today. It literally means "electronic commerce" – but we just say e-commerce in English.
Think about how you buy things online, like from Amazon or Taobao. That's 电子商务! When businesses sell products or services over the internet, we call that 电子商务.
So, if someone talks about how popular online shopping is, they're talking about 电子商务.
When you want to talk about buying and selling things online, the Chinese word is 电子商务 (diàn zǐ shāng wù).
Think of it as 'electronic' (电) + 'commerce' (商务). So, it literally means 'electronic commerce'.
Many people use their phones to do 电子商务 these days.
It's a very common term, especially with how popular online shopping has become.
“电子商务” refers to electronic commerce, which is essentially the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. This includes online shopping, digital transactions, and all business conducted through electronic networks. You'll often hear it in discussions about modern retail, digital marketing, and the global economy. Understanding this term is crucial for comprehending contemporary business practices and how technology has reshaped trade.
§ What 电子商务 Means
Let's get straight to it. When you see or hear 电子商务 (diànzǐ shāngwù), it simply means 'e-commerce' or 'electronic commerce'. It's a direct translation, and it refers to buying and selling goods or services using the internet. Think of online shopping, online banking, and any business transaction that happens digitally. This word is super common in modern Chinese, especially with how central online shopping has become in daily life in China.
- DEFINITION
- e-commerce; electronic commerce. The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.
The two characters break down like this:
- 电 (diàn): This character means 'electricity' or 'electronic'. You'll see it in many tech-related words, like 电脑 (diànnǎo - computer) or 电话 (diànhuà - telephone).
- 子 (zǐ): In this context, it often serves as a suffix to form nouns, implying a 'thing' or 'element'. So, it helps form 'electronic thing' or 'electronic element'.
- 商 (shāng): This means 'commerce' or 'business'. You'll find it in words like 商店 (shāngdiàn - shop) or 商人 (shāngrén - businessman).
- 务 (wù): This character means 'affairs' or 'business'. It's often used in formal terms for 'business' or 'service', such as 商务 (shāngwù - business affairs) itself.
Put them all together, and you get 'electronic business affairs', which is precisely what e-commerce is.
§ When People Use 电子商务
You'll hear 电子商务 used in pretty much any conversation about online retail, digital transactions, or the digital economy. If someone is talking about Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, or even live-streaming sales, 电子商务 is the overarching concept. It's a formal and widely understood term.
中国是全球最大的电子商务市场。
Translation hint: China is the world's largest e-commerce market.
很多年轻人通过电子商务创业。
Translation hint: Many young people start businesses through e-commerce.
You'll also hear it in news reports, business discussions, and government policies related to the digital economy. For example, if a company announces a new online sales strategy, they might say they are focusing on 电子商务 development (电子商务发展). If you're reading about economic trends, expect to see 电子商务 mentioned frequently as a key driver of growth.
发展电子商务有助于促进经济增长。
Translation hint: Developing e-commerce helps promote economic growth.
It's not just about consumer sales. 电子商务 also covers business-to-business (B2B) transactions that happen digitally, though you might hear more specific terms for those in a business context. For now, understand that 电子商务 is the umbrella term for anything involving commerce facilitated by electronic means, primarily the internet.
Knowing 电子商务 is essential if you want to understand modern Chinese business, economics, and even daily life conversations about shopping and technology. It's a foundational term for anyone interested in the digital landscape in China.
Exemples par niveau
电子商务很方便。
E-commerce is very convenient.
我喜欢用电子商务买东西。
I like using e-commerce to buy things.
她开了一家电子商务公司。
She opened an e-commerce company.
电子商务改变了我们的生活。
E-commerce changed our lives.
很多商店都在发展电子商务。
Many stores are developing e-commerce.
电子商务的市场很大。
The e-commerce market is big.
他学习电子商务专业。
He studies e-commerce as a major.
电子商务让购物更容易。
E-commerce makes shopping easier.
随着互联网的普及，电子商务在全球范围内迅速发展。
With the popularization of the internet, e-commerce has rapidly developed worldwide.
许多传统零售商正在转型，以适应电子商务的挑战和机遇。
Many traditional retailers are transforming to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce.
电子商务平台为消费者提供了极大的便利，足不出户即可购物。
E-commerce platforms offer great convenience to consumers, allowing them to shop without leaving home.
政府出台了一系列政策，旨在规范电子商务市场，保护消费者权益。
The government has introduced a series of policies aimed at regulating the e-commerce market and protecting consumer rights.
开展跨境电子商务业务，需要了解不同国家的法律法规和文化差异。
Engaging in cross-border e-commerce business requires understanding the laws, regulations, and cultural differences of various countries.
大数据和人工智能技术正在深刻改变电子商务的运营模式。
Big data and artificial intelligence technologies are profoundly changing the operating models of e-commerce.
为了在激烈的电子商务竞争中脱颖而出，企业需要不断创新。
To stand out in the fierce e-commerce competition, companies need to continuously innovate.
未来的电子商务将更加注重个性化服务和用户体验。
Future e-commerce will place more emphasis on personalized services and user experience.
Modèles grammaticaux
Structures de phrases
电子商务的普及改变了人们的购物方式。
e-commerce's popularity changed people's shopping habits.
他想在网上开展电子商务。
He wants to develop e-commerce online.
这家公司主要从事电子商务业务。
This company mainly engages in e-commerce business.
随着电子商务的快速发展，物流行业也迎来了新的机遇。
With the rapid development of e-commerce, the logistics industry also ushered in new opportunities.
我们正在研究电子商务对传统零售业的影响。
We are studying the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail.
在后疫情时代，电子商务在全球经济中扮演着越来越重要的角色。
In the post-pandemic era, e-commerce plays an increasingly important role in the global economy.
政府出台了一系列政策，鼓励和支持电子商务的健康发展。
The government introduced a series of policies to encourage and support the healthy development of e-commerce.
未来的电子商务将更加注重个性化、智能化和沉浸式的用户体验。
Future e-commerce will focus more on personalized, intelligent, and immersive user experiences.
Famille de mots
Noms
Astuces
Break it Down
The word 电子商务 (diànzǐ shāngwù) is made of two parts: 电子 (diànzǐ) meaning 'electronic' and 商务 (shāngwù) meaning 'commerce' or 'business'. Understanding these components helps in remembering the whole term.
Associated Vocabulary
Think of other words that start with 电子 (diànzǐ) like 电子邮箱 (diànzǐ yóuxiāng) for 'email' or 电子书 (diànzǐ shū) for 'e-book'. This reinforces the 'electronic' meaning.
Use in a Sentence
Practice using 电子商务 in simple sentences. For example, '我喜欢在网上购物，这叫做电子商务' (Wǒ xǐhuān zài wǎngshàng gòuwù, zhè jiàozuò diànzǐ shāngwù). I like shopping online, this is called e-commerce.
Real-World Context
Consider how 电子商务 impacts daily life. Think of major e-commerce platforms like Taobao (淘宝) or JD.com (京东) in China. This makes the word more concrete.
Pronunciation Focus
Pay attention to the tones: diàn (4th tone), zǐ (3rd tone), shāng (1st tone), wù (4th tone). Correct pronunciation is key to being understood.
Connect to English
Directly relate 电子商务 to 'e-commerce'. This helps create a strong link in your brain between the Chinese word and its English equivalent.
Read News
Look for articles or news headlines about 电子商务 in Chinese. Even if you don't understand every word, seeing it in context will help with recognition.
Listen to Podcasts
Find Chinese podcasts that discuss business or technology. You'll likely hear 电子商务 being used naturally, which helps with auditory recognition.
Write it Out
Practice writing the characters for 电子商务. This helps solidify the visual memory and character recognition.
Review Regularly
Add 电子商务 to your flashcard deck or vocabulary list and review it regularly to ensure long-term retention.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Buying and selling products online.
- 网上购物 (wǎngshàng gòuwù) - online shopping
- 在线交易 (zàixiàn jiāoyì) - online transaction
- 电子支付 (diànzǐ zhīfù) - electronic payment
Discussing the growth of online businesses.
- 发展迅速 (fāzhǎn xùnsù) - rapid development
- 市场份额 (shìchǎng fèn'é) - market share
- 商业模式 (shāngyè móshì) - business model
Talking about the impact of technology on retail.
- 科技创新 (kējì innovation) - technological innovation
- 零售业 (língshòuyè) - retail industry
- 用户体验 (yǒnghù tǐyàn) - user experience
Comparing online and offline shopping.
- 实体店 (shítǐ diàn) - physical store
- 方便快捷 (fāngbiàn kuàijié) - convenient and fast
- 价格优势 (jiàgé yōushì) - price advantage
Describing jobs related to online sales.
- 电商平台 (diànshāng píngtái) - e-commerce platform
- 在线客服 (zàixiàn kèfú) - online customer service
- 物流配送 (wùliú pèisòng) - logistics and delivery
Amorces de conversation
"你觉得电子商务对我们的生活有什么影响？(Nǐ juéde diànzǐ shāngwù duì wǒmen de shēnghuó yǒu shénme yǐngxiǎng?) - What impact do you think e-commerce has on our lives?"
"你经常在网上购物吗？(Nǐ jīngcháng zài wǎngshàng gòuwù ma?) - Do you often shop online?"
"你认为未来的电子商务会是什么样子？(Nǐ rènwéi wèilái de diànzǐ shāngwù huì shì shénme yàngzi?) - What do you think future e-commerce will be like?"
"你用过哪些电商平台？(Nǐ yòngguò nǎxiē diànshāng píngtái?) - Which e-commerce platforms have you used?"
"在中国，电子商务发展得怎么样？(Zài Zhōngguó, diànzǐ shāngwù fāzhǎn de zěnmeyàng?) - How is e-commerce developing in China?"
Sujets d'écriture
描述一次你在网上购物的经历。(Miáoshù yī cì nǐ zài wǎngshàng gòuwù de jīnglì.) - Describe an experience you had shopping online.
讨论电子商务的优点和缺点。(Tǎolùn diànzǐ shāngwù de yōudiǎn hé quēdiǎn.) - Discuss the pros and cons of e-commerce.
你觉得电子商务对传统商店有什么影响？(Nǐ juéde diànzǐ shāngwù duì chuántǒng shāngdiàn yǒu shénme yǐngxiǎng?) - What impact do you think e-commerce has on traditional stores?
如果让你创建一个电商网站，你会卖什么？(Rúguǒ ràng nǐ chuàngjiàn yī ge diànshāng wǎngzhàn, nǐ huì mài shénme?) - If you were to create an e-commerce website, what would you sell?
写一篇文章，预测未来十年电子商务的发展趋势。(Xiě yī piān wénzhāng, yùcè wèilái shí nián diànzǐ shāngwù de fāzhǎn qūshì.) - Write an essay predicting the development trends of e-commerce in the next ten years.
Teste-toi 18 questions
This sentence means 'I buy things.' The basic sentence structure in Chinese is Subject + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'He likes to go online.' '喜欢' (xǐhuān) means 'to like,' and '上网' (shàngwǎng) means 'to go online.'
This sentence means 'She uses a mobile phone.' '用' (yòng) means 'to use,' and '手机' (shǒujī) means 'mobile phone.'
她喜欢在网上买东西，因为___很方便。
The sentence talks about buying things online conveniently, which relates to e-commerce.
越来越多的人使用___进行购物。
The sentence indicates more people are using something for shopping, and e-commerce fits this context.
这个公司主要做___，他们的网站很受欢迎。
The company's popular website suggests they are involved in e-commerce.
因为___的发展，我们现在可以在家买到任何东西。
The ability to buy anything from home is a direct result of e-commerce development.
他在___行业工作，每天都很忙。
Working in an industry that keeps one busy, and relates to online activity, points to e-commerce.
___让我们的生活变得更加便利。
E-commerce makes life more convenient, which matches the sentence meaning.
随着互联网的发展，___ 变得越来越普及。
互联网的发展促进了电子商务的普及。
很多小公司通过发展___ 来扩大销售。
电子商务是小公司扩大销售的有效途径。
在线购物是___ 的一个重要组成部分。
在线购物是电子商务的主要形式之一。
他计划明年开设一个___ 网站，销售本地特产。
开设电子商务网站是为了销售商品。
___ 改变了人们的购物方式和消费习惯。
电子商务带来了购物方式和消费习惯的巨大变化。
学习___ 知识对创业很有帮助。
电子商务知识对于在网络时代创业非常实用。
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Break it Down
The word 电子商务 (diànzǐ shāngwù) is made of two parts: 电子 (diànzǐ) meaning 'electronic' and 商务 (shāngwù) meaning 'commerce' or 'business'. Understanding these components helps in remembering the whole term.
Associated Vocabulary
Think of other words that start with 电子 (diànzǐ) like 电子邮箱 (diànzǐ yóuxiāng) for 'email' or 电子书 (diànzǐ shū) for 'e-book'. This reinforces the 'electronic' meaning.
Use in a Sentence
Practice using 电子商务 in simple sentences. For example, '我喜欢在网上购物，这叫做电子商务' (Wǒ xǐhuān zài wǎngshàng gòuwù, zhè jiàozuò diànzǐ shāngwù). I like shopping online, this is called e-commerce.
Real-World Context
Consider how 电子商务 impacts daily life. Think of major e-commerce platforms like Taobao (淘宝) or JD.com (京东) in China. This makes the word more concrete.
Exemple
电子商务已经彻底改变了我们的购物方式。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur business
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2accounting, accountant
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
