降低生产成本
jiàng dī shēng chǎn chéng běn
Reduce production costs
Literally: Lower/reduce + produce/manufacture + produce/manufacture + cost/expense
In 15 Seconds
- Business term for cutting manufacturing expenses.
- Focuses on efficiency in production.
- Used in formal reports and meetings.
- Goal: more profit, same quality.
Meaning
This phrase is all about finding ways to spend less money while making goods or providing services. It's the classic business goal of cutting expenses without losing quality. Think of it as being super smart with your money when you're creating something.
Key Examples
3 of 11Texting a friend about their new business
你的新咖啡店生意怎么样？有考虑怎么`降低生产成本`吗？
How's your new coffee shop business? Have you thought about how to reduce production costs?
Company internal email
为了提高利润率，我们需要在本季度内有效`降低生产成本`。
To increase profit margins, we need to effectively reduce production costs within this quarter.
Job interview
在我之前的公司，我负责的一个项目成功地`降低生产成本`了15%。
In my previous company, a project I was responsible for successfully reduced production costs by 15%.
Cultural Background
This phrase emerged from China's rapid industrialization and economic reforms. As the country became the 'world's factory,' businesses faced intense global competition. The need to produce goods more efficiently and affordably became paramount. This phrase encapsulates that drive for competitiveness. It reflects a cultural emphasis on pragmatism and efficiency in business. Saving money and maximizing output are highly valued.
Think Beyond Manufacturing
While it sounds like it's only for factories, `降低生产成本` applies to services too! Think about reducing the time or resources needed to deliver a service.
Don't Confuse with Price!
A common trap is using this phrase when you mean 'lower the selling price'. Remember, `降低生产成本` is about the *cost to make* it, not the price you sell it for. Big difference!
In 15 Seconds
- Business term for cutting manufacturing expenses.
- Focuses on efficiency in production.
- Used in formal reports and meetings.
- Goal: more profit, same quality.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for talking about making things cheaper to produce. It’s not just about slashing prices randomly. It means being clever with resources. You want to spend less money to make your product or offer your service. The goal is efficiency. It’s about smart business. You're aiming for a leaner operation. Think of a chef trying to use every part of the vegetable. That's reducing waste, which lowers costs.
How To Use It
Use 降低生产成本 when discussing business strategy. It fits perfectly in meetings or reports. You can also use it in casual chats about business. Imagine talking to a friend about their startup. You might say, 'Have you thought about how to 降低生产成本?' It’s versatile. It applies to manufacturing, services, and even digital products. It signals a focus on financial health. It’s a core business objective. Businesses always want to do this.
Formality & Register
This phrase leans towards formal and professional settings. It's standard business jargon. You'd hear it in boardrooms. It’s common in economic news. You can use it in emails to colleagues. It sounds serious and knowledgeable. In very casual settings, like texting a buddy about your lemonade stand, you might simplify it. But 降低生产成本 is the proper way to say it formally. It’s not slang, but it’s not overly academic either. It’s just… business.
Real-Life Examples
- A factory manager presents a plan. 'We will implement new automation.' 'This will help us
降低生产成本.' - A startup founder explains their model. 'Our direct-to-consumer approach allows us to
降低生产成本.' - An article discusses market competition. 'Companies are under pressure to
降低生产成本.' - A consultant advises a client. 'To improve profitability, you must focus on
降低生产成本.' - A student writes an essay on economics. 'The key challenge is how to
降低生产成本without sacrificing quality.'
When To Use It
Use this phrase when discussing business operations. Talk about efficiency improvements. Mention cost-saving measures. Discuss financial performance. Analyze market competitiveness. It’s ideal for planning and strategy sessions. Use it when you want to sound professional. It signals you understand business fundamentals. Think ‘making more profit by spending less’. It’s a universal business goal. Everyone wants to save money.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual social conversations. Don't use it when talking about personal expenses. Saying 'I need to 降低生产成本 on my groceries' sounds odd. It’s not for everyday budgeting. It’s specifically about making things (products or services). It’s also not for discussing personal hobbies, unless they’ve become a business. Keep it in the professional or business realm. It’s not a phrase for talking about your diet plan. Unless your diet plan is a product!
Common Mistakes
Sometimes people use it too broadly. They might apply it to personal life. Or they might confuse it with just lowering prices. It's about the *cost* of making it, not the *selling price*. Another mistake is using simpler, less precise terms. Like just saying 'save money'. While true, it lacks the business context. 降低生产成本 is specific. It means the cost to *produce* or *manufacture*. It’s not about marketing costs, for example, though those can be reduced too. It's about the core creation process. That's the key distinction.
Common Variations
In mainland China, 降低生产成本 is standard. In Taiwan, you might hear 降低製造成本 (jiàngdī zhìzào chéngběn), which is very similar. 降低营运成本 (jiàngdī yíngyùn chéngběn) is broader, covering operational costs, not just production. Younger people or tech startups might use more casual terms like 'cut costs' (削减成本 - xiāojiǎn chéngběn). But 降低生产成本 remains the most recognized formal term. It's quite stable in its meaning. It's not a phrase that changes much with slang.
Real Conversations
Speaker 1: Hey, our new product launch is expensive.
Speaker 2: Yeah, we need a plan to 降低生产成本. Maybe explore cheaper materials?
Speaker 1: Good idea. We also need to streamline the assembly line.
Speaker 1: I saw your company's profit margin is low.
Speaker 2: We're working on it. Our main focus now is 降低生产成本.
Speaker 1: Smart move. Customers always appreciate lower prices.
Quick FAQ
- What does
生产mean here?
生产 means 'produce' or 'manufacture'. It refers to the act of creating goods or services.
- Is this only for factories?
No, it applies to services too. Like a software company reducing coding time.
- Can I use it for personal projects?
Only if your project is a business venture. It's not for personal hobbies.
Usage Notes
This phrase is firmly rooted in business and economics. Use it when discussing financial strategy, operational efficiency, or market competitiveness. Avoid it in casual, non-business contexts where it would sound out of place or overly formal.
Think Beyond Manufacturing
While it sounds like it's only for factories, `降低生产成本` applies to services too! Think about reducing the time or resources needed to deliver a service.
Don't Confuse with Price!
A common trap is using this phrase when you mean 'lower the selling price'. Remember, `降低生产成本` is about the *cost to make* it, not the price you sell it for. Big difference!
The Efficiency Mindset
In Chinese business culture, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are highly prized. Using this phrase shows you understand that practical, results-oriented approach.
Quantify Your Success
When using this in a professional setting like a resume or interview, mention the percentage or amount you reduced costs by. Numbers impress!
Examples
11你的新咖啡店生意怎么样？有考虑怎么`降低生产成本`吗？
How's your new coffee shop business? Have you thought about how to reduce production costs?
Used casually when asking about business strategy, even if 'production' is metaphorical for service.
为了提高利润率，我们需要在本季度内有效`降低生产成本`。
To increase profit margins, we need to effectively reduce production costs within this quarter.
Standard business language for a clear objective in a professional context.
在我之前的公司，我负责的一个项目成功地`降低生产成本`了15%。
In my previous company, a project I was responsible for successfully reduced production costs by 15%.
Used to showcase quantifiable achievements and business acumen.
AI正在改变制造业！通过智能优化，我们可以显著`降低生产成本`。#AI #制造
AI is transforming manufacturing! Through intelligent optimization, we can significantly reduce production costs. #AI #Manufacturing
Appears in a context discussing technological advancements impacting business efficiency.
该公司宣布了一系列措施，旨在`降低生产成本`并保持市场竞争力。
The company announced a series of measures aimed at reducing production costs and maintaining market competitiveness.
Formal reporting language, common in business and economic news.
我尝试自己做家具，结果木材浪费严重，根本没`降低生产成本`，还赔了夫人又折兵！
I tried to make furniture myself, but wasted so much wood, I didn't reduce production costs at all, and ended up losing money and my dignity!
Ironic use, highlighting the failure to achieve cost reduction in a DIY context.
我们真的尽力了，但原材料价格一直在涨，我们快撑不下去了，除非能找到办法`降低生产成本`。
We're really trying our best, but raw material prices keep rising. We can barely hang on unless we find a way to reduce production costs.
Expresses desperation and the critical need for cost reduction for survival.
✗ 我想`降低生产成本`，所以我的午餐只吃泡面。→ ✓ 我想省钱，所以我的午餐只吃泡面。
✗ I want to reduce production costs, so I only eat instant noodles for lunch. → ✓ I want to save money, so I only eat instant noodles for lunch.
This phrase is for business production, not personal spending. '省钱' (save money) is correct here.
✗ 商店打折是为了`降低生产成本`。→ ✓ 商店打折是为了吸引顾客/提高销量。
✗ The store's discount is to reduce production costs. → ✓ The store's discount is to attract customers/increase sales.
Discounts affect the selling price, not the cost of making the item. '吸引顾客' (attract customers) or '提高销量' (increase sales) are appropriate.
这家软件公司通过优化代码和流程，成功`降低生产成本`，提高了交付速度。
This software company successfully reduced production costs by optimizing code and processes, improving delivery speed.
Shows the phrase applies beyond physical manufacturing to services.
这个新功能让用户操作更简单，我觉得能帮公司`降低生产成本`。
This new feature makes user operations simpler; I think it can help the company reduce production costs.
Relating a product improvement to cost savings in a slightly more informal business chat.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The sentence talks about surviving in a competitive market, which often requires cutting expenses related to making products.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses `降低生产成本`?
Option B correctly applies the phrase to a business context (introducing new equipment). Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase in personal or general contexts.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase specifically refers to the cost of production, not the final selling price. '成本' (cost) is the correct word here.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Automation is a common method used by factories to make production cheaper.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This is a direct translation applying the core meaning of the phrase.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses `降低生产成本`?
Option B correctly links cost reduction to profitability. Option A is plausible but less direct. Option C is incorrect as promotions affect selling price. Option D is too general and personal.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
Outsourcing can lead to lower production costs, which may then allow for lower selling prices, but the direct effect mentioned should be on costs.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Technological innovation is frequently a key strategy for businesses aiming to make their production processes more efficient and less expensive.
🎉 Score: /8
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of '降低生产成本'
Rarely used here; too business-specific.
N/A
Used cautiously in business-related chats, often simplified.
We gotta cut costs on making this thing.
Common in everyday business discussions and articles.
The goal is to lower production expenses.
Standard in official reports, meetings, and academic contexts.
`降低生产成本` is a key objective.
Where You'll Hear '降低生产成本'
Factory Floor Meeting
We need to optimize the assembly line.
Business Strategy Session
How can we gain a competitive edge?
Economic News Report
Inflation pressures manufacturers.
Startup Pitch Deck
Our model ensures profitability.
Supply Chain Management
Negotiating better supplier rates.
Financial Review
Analyzing quarterly expenses.
Comparing Cost-Related Phrases
Scenarios for Using '降低生产成本'
Manufacturing
- • Automating assembly lines
- • Sourcing cheaper raw materials
- • Improving energy efficiency
Service Industry
- • Optimizing software code
- • Streamlining customer support
- • Reducing operational overhead
Business Planning
- • Budget allocation
- • Cost-benefit analysis
- • Strategic goal setting
Economic Discussion
- • Market competitiveness
- • Profitability analysis
- • Inflation impact
Practice Bank
8 exercises为了在竞争激烈的市场中生存，公司必须努力______。
The sentence talks about surviving in a competitive market, which often requires cutting expenses related to making products.
Which sentence correctly uses `降低生产成本`?
Option B correctly applies the phrase to a business context (introducing new equipment). Options A, C, and D misuse the phrase in personal or general contexts.
Find and fix the mistake:
这家服装厂通过改进设计来降低生产价格。
The phrase specifically refers to the cost of production, not the final selling price. '成本' (cost) is the correct word here.
通过自动化生产线，这家工厂成功地______。
Automation is a common method used by factories to make production cheaper.
We need to find ways to reduce production costs.
Hints: We need to find ways = 我们需要找到方法, reduce = 降低, production costs = 生产成本
This is a direct translation applying the core meaning of the phrase.
Which sentence correctly uses `降低生产成本`?
Option B correctly links cost reduction to profitability. Option A is plausible but less direct. Option C is incorrect as promotions affect selling price. Option D is too general and personal.
Find and fix the mistake:
通过外包部分生产，公司可以降低销售价格。
Outsourcing can lead to lower production costs, which may then allow for lower selling prices, but the direct effect mentioned should be on costs.
技术创新是______的有效途径之一。
Technological innovation is frequently a key strategy for businesses aiming to make their production processes more efficient and less expensive.
🎉 Score: /8
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt literally means 'lower/reduce production costs'. It's about finding ways to spend less money during the process of creating goods or offering services, without sacrificing the quality.
No, it's broader than just factories. It applies to any business that produces something, including software development, consulting services, or even food preparation. The key is the creation or delivery process.
It's generally considered a formal business term. You might hear it in a casual chat *about* business, but it's not typically used for everyday personal matters like grocery shopping. For personal saving, use '省钱' (shěng qián).
降低生产成本 specifically refers to the costs involved in producing a product or service. 削减开支 (xuējiǎn kāizhī) is a more general term meaning 'cut expenses' and can apply to any area, like marketing or administration.
It's quite formal and professional. You'll hear it in business meetings, financial reports, news articles, and academic discussions about economics or management. It sounds knowledgeable and serious.
Yes, in very informal contexts, people might say '省钱' (shěng qián - save money) or '花少点钱' (huā shǎo diǎn qián - spend less money). However, these lack the specific business context of 降低生产成本.
It's used when discussing business strategy, analyzing financial performance, planning for efficiency improvements, or comparing market competitiveness. Think of board meetings, budget reviews, or articles about industry trends.
Certainly! A software company might aim to 降低生产成本 by optimizing their coding process to reduce development time, or by using more efficient cloud infrastructure.
A frequent error is confusing it with lowering the selling price. 降低生产成本 is about the cost to *make* the item, not the price the customer pays. Another mistake is using it for personal budgets.
The phrase itself is standard in Mandarin. While pronunciation might vary slightly, the meaning is consistent. Related concepts might be phrased differently in regional dialects or other Chinese languages, but this specific term is widely understood.
Reducing production costs allows businesses to increase their profit margins, offer more competitive pricing, or invest more in research and development. It's fundamental to financial health and market competitiveness.
Absolutely. Technological advancements like automation, AI, and new materials are often key methods used to 降低生产成本. Discussing technology in business often involves this phrase.
For a broader term covering all types of expenses, not just production, you could use 削减开支 (xuējiǎn kāizhī - cut expenses) or 降低运营成本 (jiàngdī yùnyíng chéngběn - reduce operational costs).
You'd use it to describe achievements. For example: 'Successfully implemented strategies to 降低生产成本 by 10% in FY2023.' This shows concrete results.
The vibe is serious, professional, and focused on practical business outcomes. It conveys a sense of strategic thinking and financial responsibility.
Yes, sometimes humorously. For instance, if a DIY project goes terribly wrong and costs more than expected, someone might jokingly say they failed to 降低生产成本.
Often, yes. Efforts to 降低生产成本 can align with sustainability goals, for example, by reducing waste, using less energy, or finding eco-friendly materials, which can also be cheaper.
The direct opposite would be 提高生产成本 (tígāo shēngchǎn chéngběn), meaning 'increase production costs'. This might happen due to rising material prices or inefficient processes.
Related Phrases
削减开支
related topicCut expenses
This phrase is related because cutting expenses is a broader goal that often includes reducing production costs as a key component.
提高效率
related topicIncrease efficiency
Increasing efficiency is a primary method used to achieve the goal of reducing production costs.
降低售价
related topicLower selling price
While distinct, lowering selling price is often a consequence or related goal pursued after successfully reducing production costs.
成本控制
related topicCost control
This phrase represents the overall management strategy and practice of overseeing and limiting expenses, of which production costs are a major part.
利润最大化
related topicMaximize profit
Reducing production costs is a direct strategy employed to achieve the ultimate business objective of maximizing profits.
精益生产
related topicLean production
Lean production is a specific methodology focused on eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency, directly contributing to the reduction of production costs.
