In 15 Seconds
- Expresses that the cost outweighs the benefit.
- Used for money, time, or emotional energy.
- Common in daily negotiations and casual advice.
Meaning
It means something isn't worth the effort, time, or money. You use it when the cost of doing something is higher than the reward you get back.
Key Examples
3 of 6Shopping for clothes
这件衣服质量一般，五百块太贵了，划不来。
This shirt's quality is average; 500 yuan is too expensive and not worth it.
Discussing a job offer
那份工作虽然工资高，但是天天加班，划不来。
That job pays well, but working overtime every day isn't worth it.
Texting a friend about a sale
排队三小时就为了个赠品？划不来呀！
Queuing for three hours just for a freebie? Not worth it!
Cultural Background
Highly common in market settings.
Context is key
Only use this for things that have a cost-benefit aspect.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses that the cost outweighs the benefit.
- Used for money, time, or emotional energy.
- Common in daily negotiations and casual advice.
What It Means
划不来 is all about the 'cost-benefit analysis' of life. It implies that a deal is bad. It suggests you are losing out. Think of it as 'not a good trade.' It covers more than just money. It applies to energy and emotions too.
How To Use It
Put it at the end of a sentence. Or use it to start a thought. You can say 这样做划不来. That means 'Doing it this way isn't worth it.' It is very flexible. You can use it for small things like buying apples. You can use it for big things like career moves. It sounds natural and grounded.
When To Use It
Use it when shopping for deals. Use it when someone asks for a huge favor. It is perfect for turning down bad invitations. If a friend wants you to drive two hours for mediocre coffee, say it. It shows you are practical. It shows you value your resources.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very high-stakes formal contracts. Use 不划算 or 不经济 there instead. Don't use it for deeply personal sacrifices. If you are talking about saving a life, 划不来 sounds cold. It is too 'transactional' for true love or heroism. Keep it for everyday logic.
Cultural Background
The word 划 (huá) relates to calculating or planning. Historically, it links to weighing options carefully. Chinese culture values pragmatism and 'saving face' through smart choices. Being 'cheated' or making a bad deal is seen as a lack of wisdom. This phrase helps you express that boundary.
Common Variations
You will often hear 不划算. This is almost identical but slightly more formal. 划得来 is the opposite. It means 'it is totally worth it!' You might also hear 亏了. That means 'I suffered a loss.' Use 划不来 when you are still deciding or advising others.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in spoken Chinese. It's perfect for bargaining, complaining to friends, or making practical decisions. Avoid in formal writing.
Context is key
Only use this for things that have a cost-benefit aspect.
Examples
6这件衣服质量一般，五百块太贵了，划不来。
This shirt's quality is average; 500 yuan is too expensive and not worth it.
Focuses on the price-to-quality ratio.
那份工作虽然工资高，但是天天加班，划不来。
That job pays well, but working overtime every day isn't worth it.
Focuses on work-life balance.
排队三小时就为了个赠品？划不来呀！
Queuing for three hours just for a freebie? Not worth it!
Uses 'ya' for a casual, texting tone.
坐五小时车去吃顿饭，真的划不来。
Taking a five-hour bus ride just for one meal really isn't worth it.
Emphasizes the waste of time.
跑了半小时步才消耗一根香蕉的热量，太划不来了！
Running for half an hour just to burn off one banana? Totally not worth it!
Uses the phrase to joke about effort vs. reward.
为了这种人生气，气坏了身体多划不来。
Getting angry at someone like that and ruining your health isn't worth it.
Shows concern for someone's well-being.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is correct?
A: {这|zhè}{划|huá}{不|bù}{来|lái} B: {划|huá}{不|bù}{来|lái}{这|zhè}
The phrase is used as a predicate, not a transitive verb.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA: {这|zhè}{划|huá}{不|bù}{来|lái} B: {划|huá}{不|bù}{来|lái}{这|zhè}
The phrase is used as a predicate, not a transitive verb.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it's for actions or things.
Related Phrases
{划|huá}{算|suàn}
synonymWorth it
