Overview
The Chinese word '划算' (huásuàn) is a versatile and commonly used term that conveys the idea of something being cost-effective, worthwhile, or a good deal. It encapsulates a nuanced sense of value, often implying that the benefits or advantages gained outweigh the costs or efforts expended.
At its core, '划算' suggests a favorable balance between input and output. This can apply to a wide range of situations, from financial transactions to time investments and even emotional experiences.
In a financial context, if a product or service is '划算', it means it offers good value for money. This could be due to a low price, high quality, durability, or a combination of these factors. For example, '这件衣服打折后很划算' (Zhè jiàn yīfu dǎzhé hòu hěn huásuàn) translates to 'This piece of clothing is a good deal after the discount.' Similarly, investing in something that yields significant returns can also be described as '划算'.
Beyond just money, '划算' can also refer to the worthiness of an effort or action. If spending extra time on a task leads to a much better outcome, one might say '这么做很划算' (Zhèmeduò hěn huásuàn), meaning 'Doing it this way is worthwhile.' It implies that the effort expended is justified by the positive results.
The term can also be used in situations involving trade-offs or decisions where one option offers more advantages than another. For instance, if choosing a longer but more scenic route provides a more enjoyable experience, it might be considered '划算' in terms of overall satisfaction, even if it takes more time.
Understanding '划算' requires considering the perspective of the individual or group making the assessment. What is '划算' for one person might not be for another, as it often depends on individual priorities, needs, and values.
In summary, '划算' is a rich and expressive word that goes beyond a simple translation of 'cheap' or 'profitable'. It embodies the concept of achieving a positive return on investment, whether that investment is monetary, temporal, or emotional, and is a key term for expressing value and good judgment in Chinese communication.
예시
这件商品打折后买非常划算。
ShoppingThis item is very cost-effective after the discount.
这次旅行的套餐很划算,包括机票和酒店。
TravelThe package for this trip is a good deal, including flights and a hotel.
如果能在这个时间段去健身房,会比较划算,因为人少。
Leisure/LifestyleIf you can go to the gym during this time, it will be more worthwhile because there are fewer people.
对于新手来说,先买一个二手设备可能更划算。
Hobbies/EquipmentFor beginners, buying used equipment first might be more cost-effective.
这份工作虽然辛苦,但是长期来看,对职业发展很划算。
Work/CareerAlthough this job is tough, in the long run, it's very worthwhile for career development.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 혼동되는 단어
80+ WORDS
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
'划算' is a versatile adjective or verb phrase used to describe something that is cost-effective, worthwhile, or a good deal. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from shopping and travel to business decisions and personal endeavors. For example, one might say '这件衣服打折后很划算' (This piece of clothing is very cost-effective after the discount) or '做这份工作虽然辛苦,但是工资高,很划算' (Although this job is tough, the high salary makes it worthwhile). It often implies a comparison, either explicit or implicit, with alternatives. The term can also be used in a rhetorical question, such as '这样真的划算吗?' (Is this really worth it?), to express doubt or to prompt reconsideration. While generally positive, it can sometimes carry a subtle connotation of being overly focused on personal gain, depending on the context and the speaker's tone.
자주 하는 실수
1. Mispronunciation: Ensure correct tones for 'huá' (second tone) and 'suàn' (fourth tone). 2. Confusing with similar-sounding words: '合适 (héshì)' means 'suitable' or 'appropriate,' which can sometimes overlap but isn't directly about cost-effectiveness. '便宜 (piányi)' means 'cheap,' which is a component of '划算' but not the full meaning of being a 'good deal.' 3. Overuse in contexts where 'cheap' or 'suitable' would be more precise. '划算' implies a judgment of value for money, not just low cost. 4. Using it to describe people: '划算' is generally used for things, services, or situations, not for people. You wouldn't say a person is '划算.' 5. Incorrectly using it as a verb: It functions as an adjective. You might say '这笔交易很划算' (This deal is very cost-effective), but not '我划算了这个' (I cost-effectived this). 6. Not understanding the full implication: It's not just about something being inexpensive, but about getting good value relative to the cost. A higher-priced item can still be '划算' if its quality or benefits justify the cost.
Tips
Use in everyday conversations about shopping and value.
划算 (huásuàn) is a highly versatile and common term used to describe something as 'cost-effective,' 'worthwhile,' or a 'good deal.' It's perfect for expressing satisfaction with a purchase or situation where the benefits outweigh the cost or effort. You'll hear it frequently in shopping contexts, when discussing discounts, or evaluating whether an opportunity is beneficial. For example, if you bought a product on sale, you could say '这个手机打折后很划算' (Zhège shǒujī dǎzhé hòu hěn huásuàn - This phone is very cost-effective after the discount). It can also apply to non-material things, like '学习一门新技能是很划算的投资' (Xuéxí yī mén xīn jìnéng shì hěn huásuàn de tóuzī - Learning a new skill is a worthwhile investment).
Don't confuse it with '便宜' (piányi) which simply means 'cheap.'
While both 划算 (huásuàn) and 便宜 (piányi) relate to price, their connotations are different. 便宜 simply means 'cheap' or 'inexpensive,' without necessarily implying quality or value. Something can be 便宜 but not 划算 if its quality is poor. On the other hand, 划算 implies a good balance between price and quality, or that the benefits gained are significant for the price paid. For instance, a luxury item at a significantly reduced price might still be expensive, but it would be considered 划算 if its original value was much higher. So, while '这个包很便宜' (Zhège bāo hěn piányi - This bag is very cheap) focuses only on the low price, '这个包打折后很划算' (Zhège bāo dǎzhé hòu hěn huásuàn - This bag is very worthwhile after the discount) suggests that you got a good quality item for a favorable price.
Integrate '划算' to express intelligent consumer choices and satisfaction.
Using 划算 (huásuàn) effectively demonstrates a nuanced understanding of value in Chinese. It's not just about low price, but about smart decisions. When you use it, you're conveying that you've assessed the situation and found it beneficial. You can use it in questions like '你觉得这个团购划算吗?' (Nǐ juédé zhège tuángòu huásuàn ma? - Do you think this group purchase is a good deal?) or in statements like '这次旅行很划算,我们玩得很开心' (Zhè cì lǚxíng hěn huásuàn, wǒmen wán dé hěn kāixīn - This trip was very worthwhile, we had a great time). It often implies a sense of satisfaction and a clever decision, making your communication more sophisticated than just stating something is 'good' or 'cheap.' It reflects a consideration of both cost and benefit.
어원
The Chinese word '划算' (huásuàn) is a relatively modern term that has evolved to convey the concept of being cost-effective, worthwhile, or a good deal. Its origins can be traced back to the combination of two characters, '划' (huá) and '算' (suàn), each carrying a distinct meaning that contributes to the overall sense of the word. '划' (huá) originally referred to drawing lines, marking, or even rowing a boat. In a more abstract sense, it came to imply planning, calculating, or marking out a strategy. This character often appears in words related to division, demarcation, or allocation. '算' (suàn) is a much older character, dating back to ancient times, and its primary meaning revolves around calculation, reckoning, and arithmetic. It is fundamental to concepts of numbers, accounting, and evaluation. The combination of these two characters, '划算,' suggests a process of deliberate calculation or evaluation ('算') to determine whether something is worthwhile or advantageous, akin to marking out ('划') a beneficial outcome. It implies a mental process of weighing pros and cons, often in a financial or practical context. While the exact historical moment of its coinage is difficult to pinpoint, the term likely gained prominence as commercial activities and economic considerations became more central to daily life. The need for a concise way to express the idea of a 'good deal' or 'value for money' would have naturally led to the formation and popularization of such a compound word. In contemporary Mandarin, '划算' is widely used in various contexts, from personal shopping decisions to business negotiations. It encapsulates the idea that an expenditure or effort yields a favorable return or benefit, making it a highly practical and common expression in modern Chinese. The word reflects a societal emphasis on practicality and economic prudence, where decisions are often guided by a consideration of value and efficiency.
문화적 맥락
The term '划算' (huásuàn) in Chinese culture reflects a strong emphasis on practicality, value for money, and shrewd decision-making. In a society that values thrift and economic prudence, something '划算' is highly desirable. This concept extends beyond mere financial savings to encompass the overall benefit or advantage gained from a situation, product, or service. For instance, a long-term investment might be considered '划算' even if the initial outlay is significant, due to its future returns. Similarly, spending more on a high-quality item that lasts longer might be seen as more '划算' than buying a cheaper, less durable alternative. The idea of '划算' is deeply ingrained in daily life, influencing consumer choices, business negotiations, and even personal relationships where people might consider the 'cost-effectiveness' of their efforts or interactions.
암기 팁
The character '划 (huá)' can be associated with 'to row a boat' or 'to scratch.' Imagine meticulously calculating or 'scratching' out a good deal. The character '算 (suàn)' means 'to calculate' or 'to reckon.' So, '划算' literally suggests 'calculating a good deal' or 'figuring out what's worthwhile.'
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문'划算' (huásuàn) is a Chinese adjective that describes something as cost-effective, worthwhile, or a good deal. It implies that the value received outweighs the cost or effort expended. It can be used to describe products, services, experiences, or even decisions where the benefits significantly justify the resources invested.
Certainly! You might say, '这款手机打折后非常划算,性能好价格也便宜。' This translates to: 'This phone is very cost-effective after the discount; it performs well and the price is also cheap.' It highlights that the discounted price makes it a particularly good deal.
While often used in financial contexts, '划算' isn't exclusively limited to money. You can also use it to describe non-monetary situations. For instance, '早起锻炼身体很划算,不仅能保持健康还能提高工作效率。' This means: 'Exercising early in the morning is very worthwhile; it not only keeps you healthy but also improves work efficiency.' Here, the 'cost' is effort and the 'benefit' is health and productivity.
That's a great question! '便宜' (piányi) simply means cheap or inexpensive. While a cheap item can be '划算,' '划算' adds the layer of value. Something might be cheap but not very good quality, making it not '划算.' Conversely, an item might be expensive but of such high quality and longevity that it's considered '划算' because the long-term benefits outweigh the initial high cost. '划算' emphasizes the overall value proposition, not just the low price.
셀프 테스트
这个手机很______,功能多价格又便宜。
我们去旅游,住在朋友家,这样更______。
买三送一的活动很______,不能错过。
점수: /3
Use in everyday conversations about shopping and value.
划算 (huásuàn) is a highly versatile and common term used to describe something as 'cost-effective,' 'worthwhile,' or a 'good deal.' It's perfect for expressing satisfaction with a purchase or situation where the benefits outweigh the cost or effort. You'll hear it frequently in shopping contexts, when discussing discounts, or evaluating whether an opportunity is beneficial. For example, if you bought a product on sale, you could say '这个手机打折后很划算' (Zhège shǒujī dǎzhé hòu hěn huásuàn - This phone is very cost-effective after the discount). It can also apply to non-material things, like '学习一门新技能是很划算的投资' (Xuéxí yī mén xīn jìnéng shì hěn huásuàn de tóuzī - Learning a new skill is a worthwhile investment).
Don't confuse it with '便宜' (piányi) which simply means 'cheap.'
While both 划算 (huásuàn) and 便宜 (piányi) relate to price, their connotations are different. 便宜 simply means 'cheap' or 'inexpensive,' without necessarily implying quality or value. Something can be 便宜 but not 划算 if its quality is poor. On the other hand, 划算 implies a good balance between price and quality, or that the benefits gained are significant for the price paid. For instance, a luxury item at a significantly reduced price might still be expensive, but it would be considered 划算 if its original value was much higher. So, while '这个包很便宜' (Zhège bāo hěn piányi - This bag is very cheap) focuses only on the low price, '这个包打折后很划算' (Zhège bāo dǎzhé hòu hěn huásuàn - This bag is very worthwhile after the discount) suggests that you got a good quality item for a favorable price.
Integrate '划算' to express intelligent consumer choices and satisfaction.
Using 划算 (huásuàn) effectively demonstrates a nuanced understanding of value in Chinese. It's not just about low price, but about smart decisions. When you use it, you're conveying that you've assessed the situation and found it beneficial. You can use it in questions like '你觉得这个团购划算吗?' (Nǐ juédé zhège tuángòu huásuàn ma? - Do you think this group purchase is a good deal?) or in statements like '这次旅行很划算,我们玩得很开心' (Zhè cì lǚxíng hěn huásuàn, wǒmen wán dé hěn kāixīn - This trip was very worthwhile, we had a great time). It often implies a sense of satisfaction and a clever decision, making your communication more sophisticated than just stating something is 'good' or 'cheap.' It reflects a consideration of both cost and benefit.
예시
5 / 5这件商品打折后买非常划算。
This item is very cost-effective after the discount.
这次旅行的套餐很划算,包括机票和酒店。
The package for this trip is a good deal, including flights and a hotel.
如果能在这个时间段去健身房,会比较划算,因为人少。
If you can go to the gym during this time, it will be more worthwhile because there are fewer people.
对于新手来说,先买一个二手设备可能更划算。
For beginners, buying used equipment first might be more cost-effective.
这份工作虽然辛苦,但是长期来看,对职业发展很划算。
Although this job is tough, in the long run, it's very worthwhile for career development.
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관련 표현
daily_life 관련 단어
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.