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A2 noun #10,000 most common 9 min read

诊金

zhenjin Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 诊金 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 诊金 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '诊金' (zhěnjīn) means the money you pay to see a doctor. Think of it as 'doctor money.' When you go to a clinic, the person at the front desk might say a number and then this word. You can remember it by breaking it down: '诊' (zhěn) is about the doctor looking at you, and '金' (jīn) is like 'gold' or 'money.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the difference between this and other fees. Just know that when you hear '诊金,' it is time to take out your wallet at the hospital. You can use simple sentences like '诊金多少钱？' (How much is the consultation fee?) to ask for the price. It is a very useful word if you are traveling or living in a Chinese-speaking area and need to visit a small clinic.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '诊金' (zhěnjīn) is a specific type of medical fee. It is the 'consultation fee.' This is different from the money you pay for medicine (药费 - yàofèi). You will often see this word in private clinics or when visiting a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor. At this level, you should be able to use it in basic sentences to manage a doctor's visit. For example, '我不收你的诊金' (I won't charge you a consultation fee) or '诊金太贵了' (The consultation fee is too expensive). You are beginning to see how Chinese uses the character '金' to represent various professional fees. Understanding this word helps you distinguish between the service of the doctor and the cost of the treatment.

At the B1 level, you can use '诊金' (zhěnjīn) in more complex healthcare contexts. You should understand that it represents the value of a doctor's professional expertise. You might encounter it when discussing medical insurance (保险 - bǎoxiǎn) or comparing different clinics. For instance, you could say, '这家诊所的诊金包含在保险范围内吗？' (Is the consultation fee of this clinic covered by insurance?). You should also be aware that in Mainland China's public hospitals, people often use '挂号费' (guàhàofèi) instead, while '诊金' is more common in private practice or in places like Hong Kong. At this stage, you are using the word to navigate the logistics of the healthcare system more effectively.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '诊金' (zhěnjīn) in discussions about healthcare policy and professional services. You understand the nuance that '诊金' specifically compensates for the 'diagnosis' part of a medical encounter. You might use it when discussing the 'value of labor' in the medical field, such as '提高诊金可以减少医生对卖药利润的依赖' (Increasing consultation fees can reduce doctors' reliance on profits from selling medicine). You can also use it in formal writing or when filling out official forms. At this level, you are expected to understand the economic implications of the term and how it fits into the broader vocabulary of professional fees (like 佣金 or 酬金).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and regional variations of '诊金' (zhěnjīn). You recognize that while it is a standard modern term, it carries a sense of professional respect. You might encounter it in literature or high-level news reports discussing medical ethics and the 'de-commercialization' of medicine. You can use the term to discuss complex topics like 'medical fee structures' (诊金结构) or 'the impact of consultation fees on patient behavior.' You should also be able to distinguish it from more obscure or academic terms like '医事服务费' (medical service fee) used in government policy. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the register, knowing that '诊金' is professional yet accessible.

At the C2 level, you have mastered '诊金' (zhěnjīn) and can use it with complete native-like precision across all contexts. You understand the philosophical shift from traditional 'gratitude-based' payments to modern 'service-based' fees that the word represents. You can engage in nuanced debates about healthcare reform, using '诊金' to discuss the delicate balance between doctor compensation and patient accessibility. You are aware of its usage in historical medical texts and how the concept of charging for medical wisdom has evolved over centuries. In your speech and writing, '诊金' is just one of many precise terms you use to describe the intricate financial and ethical landscape of the medical profession.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

诊金 in 30 Seconds

诊金 (zhěnjīn) is a formal noun meaning 'consultation fee,' specifically the money paid for a doctor's diagnosis and time during a medical visit.
It is commonly used in private clinics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) settings, and specialized medical departments rather than general hospital registration.
The word is distinct from 药费 (medicine costs) and 挂号费 (registration fees), focusing specifically on the professional service of the physician.
Correct usage involves verbs like '支付' (pay), '收取' (charge), or '免除' (waive), and it is a key term in insurance and healthcare policy.

The term 诊金 (zhěnjīn) is a specific noun in Chinese that refers to the professional fee paid to a medical practitioner for a consultation or diagnosis. Unlike a general hospital bill which might include charges for medication, laboratory tests, or hospital stays, the 诊金 specifically covers the doctor's time, expertise, and the act of physical examination. In the context of modern healthcare, this term is frequently encountered in private clinics, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, and specialized outpatient departments. It represents the value of the physician's intellectual labor rather than the physical products (like pills) they might prescribe.

Etymological Breakdown: The character 诊 (zhěn) means to examine, diagnose, or treat a patient. It is composed of the speech radical (讠) and the phonetic component (㐱). The character 金 (jīn) literally means gold, but in this context, it serves as a suffix for money, fees, or funds, similar to terms like 佣金 (yòngjīn - commission) or 奖金 (jiǎngjīn - bonus).
Cultural Nuance: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 诊金 was historically a way to show respect for the healer's wisdom. In modern Mainland China, you might more commonly hear 挂号费 (guàhàofèi) for the registration fee in public hospitals, but 诊金 remains the standard term in Hong Kong, Macau, and private high-end clinics to denote the consultation charge itself.

这家中医诊所的诊金虽然很高，但医生的医术非常高明。 (Although the consultation fee at this TCM clinic is high, the doctor's medical skills are superb.)

The usage of this word has evolved with the commercialization of healthcare. In the past, doctors might not have charged a fixed 诊金, but rather accepted gifts or 'red envelopes.' Today, standardized 诊金 provides a transparent way for patients to understand the cost of professional advice. It is a formal term used in medical receipts, insurance claims, and clinic advertisements. When discussing healthcare costs with friends or family, using this word shows a precise understanding of how medical billing is structured.

请问这位专家的诊金是多少钱一次？ (Excuse me, how much is the consultation fee for this specialist per visit?)

When to use it: Use 诊金 when you are specifically asking about the cost of the appointment itself. Do not use it if you are asking about the total bill for a surgery or a stay in the hospital, as those involve different fees like 手术费 (shǒushùfèi) or 住院费 (zhùyuànfèi).

Using 诊金 (zhěnjīn) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that usually functions as the object of verbs like 支付 (zhīfù - pay), 收取 (shōuqǔ - collect/charge), or 免除 (miǎnchú - waive). It is also frequently modified by adjectives like 昂贵 (ángguì - expensive) or 合理 (hélǐ - reasonable). Because it refers to a specific type of financial transaction, it is rarely used in abstract metaphorical senses; it remains grounded in the administrative reality of healthcare.

如果病人没有按时赴约，诊所通常仍会收取一半的诊金。 (If the patient does not show up for the appointment on time, the clinic usually still charges half of the consultation fee.)

In a sentence, 诊金 often appears in the structure '[Person/Entity] + [Verb] + [诊金]'. For example, '医生免收了他的诊金' (The doctor waived his consultation fee). This structure highlights the transaction between the service provider and the recipient. Another common pattern is '[Adjective] + [的] + [诊金]', such as '昂贵的诊金' (expensive consultation fee), which is a common complaint among patients seeking high-level specialist care.

Common Verb Pairings

支付诊金 (zhīfù zhěnjīn): To pay the consultation fee.
收取诊金 (shōuqǔ zhěnjīn): To charge a consultation fee.
上调诊金 (shàngtiáo zhěnjīn): To increase the consultation fee.
免收诊金 (miǎnshōu zhěnjīn): To waive the consultation fee (often for charity or follow-ups).

为了减轻贫困患者的负担，医院决定降低普通门诊的诊金。 (In order to reduce the burden on poor patients, the hospital decided to lower the consultation fee for general outpatient services.)

Furthermore, 诊金 can be used in discussions about healthcare policy and economics. When experts talk about '诊金挂钩' (consultation fee linkage) or '诊金制度' (consultation fee system), they are referring to the systemic ways in which medical expertise is monetized. In these contexts, the word takes on a more technical and academic tone, moving beyond the simple act of paying at a counter to representing the economic value of medical consultation within a society.

In everyday life, you will most likely encounter 诊金 (zhěnjīn) at the reception desk of a medical facility. Whether it is a modern dental clinic in Shanghai or a traditional herbalist's shop in Hong Kong, the term is the standard way to refer to the cost of the doctor's time. Receptionists will often ask you to '先交诊金' (pay the consultation fee first) before you are allowed to see the doctor. This is especially true in private healthcare settings where the consultation fee is a primary source of revenue for the practitioner.

在香港，私立医生的诊金通常不包括药费。 (In Hong Kong, the consultation fee of private doctors usually does not include the cost of medicine.)

Another common location for this word is on medical insurance claim forms. If you have international or private health insurance, you will see a specific line item for 'Consultation Fee,' which is translated as 诊金 in Chinese versions of these documents. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating the reimbursement process, as some insurance plans cover the 诊金 fully while others require a co-payment. You might hear an insurance agent say, '您的保险计划可以全额报销诊金' (Your insurance plan can fully reimburse the consultation fee).

In the Media: News reports about healthcare reform often use 诊金 when discussing the 'de-linking' of medicine sales from hospital profits. The goal is often to increase the 诊金 (the value of the doctor's diagnosis) while decreasing the markup on medicines, thereby encouraging doctors to prescribe only what is necessary.

Finally, you might hear this word in historical dramas or literature, particularly those involving 'famous doctors' (名医). In these stories, a wealthy family might offer a 'heavy consultation fee' (重金诊金) to a doctor who successfully cures a difficult illness. This usage highlights the historical prestige associated with the term, where the 诊金 was not just a fee, but a token of gratitude for saving a life. Even today, using the word 诊金 carries a slightly more respectful and formal tone than simply saying 'money for the doctor.'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 诊金 (zhěnjīn) with 医药费 (yīyàofèi). While 医药费 is an umbrella term that covers the entire cost of medical treatment (including consultations, medicine, tests, and procedures), 诊金 is strictly limited to the consultation portion. If you tell a pharmacist you want to pay the 诊金, they will be confused because you are there to buy medicine, not to be diagnosed by the pharmacist.

错误: 我去药店付了诊金。 (Incorrect: I went to the pharmacy and paid the consultation fee.)
正确: 我在诊所付了诊金，然后在药店付了药费。 (Correct: I paid the consultation fee at the clinic, then paid the medicine fee at the pharmacy.)

Another error is using 诊金 to refer to the cost of a physical product like a medical device or a brace. The term is inherently tied to the act of '诊' (diagnosis/examination). If no examination by a doctor takes place, there is no 诊金. For instance, if you are just picking up a refill of a prescription without seeing the doctor, you would not pay a 诊金, though you might pay an administrative fee.

Confusing with 挂号费 (Guàhàofèi): In many large Chinese hospitals, you pay a 挂号费 (registration fee) just to get a number in line. While this fee sometimes includes the consultation cost, in strict medical terminology, 诊金 is the value of the doctor's expertise, whereas 挂号费 is the administrative cost of being registered in the system. In private clinics, these two are often merged into a single 诊金.

Lastly, learners sometimes mispronounce the second character. Ensure you use the first tone for jīn. Mispronouncing it as jìn (4th tone) or jǐn (3rd tone) can make the word unrecognizable or change it to 'diagnosis near' or 'diagnosis tight,' which makes no sense in a medical context.

While 诊金 (zhěnjīn) is a precise term, there are several related words that you should know to navigate different medical and professional environments. Understanding the subtle differences between these terms will make your Chinese sound more natural and professional.

诊金 vs. 挂号费 (Guàhàofèi): 诊金: Specifically the fee for the doctor's professional diagnosis. Used mostly in private clinics and TCM.
挂号费: The 'registration fee' paid to get a spot in the queue. Standard in public hospitals in Mainland China.
诊金 vs. 诊疗费 (Zhěnliáofèi): 诊疗费: A broader term that includes both diagnosis (诊) and treatment (疗). If the doctor performs a small procedure during the visit, the fee might be categorized as 诊疗费 rather than just 诊金.
诊金 vs. 咨询费 (Zīxúnfèi): 咨询费: 'Consultation fee' in a general sense (lawyers, consultants). While 诊金 is specifically medical, 咨询费 is the general professional equivalent. You would pay a lawyer a 咨询费, but a doctor a 诊金.

在某些高端体检中心，他们不收诊金，而是收取高额的检查费。 (In some high-end health check centers, they do not charge a consultation fee, but instead charge high examination fees.)

In summary, choose 诊金 when you want to emphasize the professional value of the doctor's advice. Use 挂号费 for the administrative act of seeing a doctor in a public system, and 医药费 when discussing the total cost of being sick. By using these terms correctly, you demonstrate a high level of cultural and linguistic competence in a sensitive area of life—healthcare.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, doctors were often paid in food, silk, or 'gratitude money' wrapped in red paper. The standardization of the term '诊金' reflects the transition of medicine from a charitable/folk art to a regulated professional service.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʈʂən²¹⁴ tɕin⁵⁵/

US /ʈʂən²¹⁴ tɕin⁵⁵/

The emphasis is generally equal on both syllables, but the 3rd tone of 'zhěn' makes it feel slightly longer.

Rhymes With

本 (běn) 忍 (rěn) 心 (xīn) 新 (xīn) 亲 (qīn) 真 (zhēn) 因 (yīn) 林 (lín)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jīn' as 'jìn' (4th tone), which sounds like 'entering'.
Pronouncing 'zhěn' as 'zěn' (losing the retroflex 'h').
Mixing up 'jīn' with 'qīn' (aspirated).
Using a flat 1st tone for 'zhěn'.
Pronouncing 'jīn' like the English name 'Jim' with a 'm' sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common; '诊' is slightly more complex but recognizable.

Writing 3/5

Writing '诊' requires correct stroke order for the radical and the right side.

Speaking 2/5

The tones (3rd and 1st) are distinct and not too difficult for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

医生钱看病医院付

Learn Next

药费挂号保险处方诊断

Advanced

医疗保险以药养医分级诊疗医事服务费报销

Grammar to Know

Noun-Noun Compounds

专家 (Specialist) + 诊金 (Fee) = 专家诊金 (Specialist fee).

Verb-Object Structure

支付 (Pay) + 诊金 (Fee) = 支付诊金.

Measure Words for Fees

一笔 (A sum of) 诊金.

Degree Modifiers

诊金 (Fee) + 很 (Very) + 贵 (Expensive).

Conditional 'If'

如果 (If) ... 诊金 (Fee) ... 就 (Then) ...

Examples by Level

诊金是多少？

How much is the consultation fee?

Simple question structure: [Subject] + 是 + [Question Word]?

这是你的诊金。

This is your consultation fee.

Basic demonstrative sentence: 这 + 是 + [Noun].

我不收诊金。

I do not charge a consultation fee.

Negative sentence using '不' before the verb '收'.

诊金很便宜。

The consultation fee is very cheap.

Adjective predicate sentence: [Noun] + 很 + [Adjective].

请付诊金。

Please pay the consultation fee.

Polite command using '请' (please).

诊金五十块。

The consultation fee is fifty yuan.

Noun phrase followed by a monetary amount.

他没带诊金。

He didn't bring the consultation fee.

Negative past action using '没' (did not).

诊金在那边付。

Pay the consultation fee over there.

Indicating location with '在...付'.

这名医生的诊金有点贵。

This doctor's consultation fee is a bit expensive.

Using '有点' to express a slight degree of an undesirable trait.

诊金里包含药费吗？

Does the consultation fee include the cost of medicine?

Question using '包含...吗' (Does it include...?).

他因为诊金太高而换了医生。

He changed doctors because the consultation fee was too high.

Using '因为...而...' to show cause and effect.

我们需要先交诊金再看病。

We need to pay the consultation fee first before seeing the doctor.

Using '先...再...' to indicate sequence of actions.

今天的诊金可以打折吗？

Can the consultation fee be discounted today?

Using '打折' (to discount) with the fee.

诊金已经涨到了两百元。

The consultation fee has already risen to two hundred yuan.

Using '已经...了' to indicate a completed change.

有些小诊所不收诊金。

Some small clinics do not charge consultation fees.

Using '有些' (some) to modify the subject.

你应该把诊金准备好。

You should prepare the consultation fee.

Using '把' structure to indicate preparation of an object.

如果你有医保，诊金可以报销一部分。

If you have medical insurance, part of the consultation fee can be reimbursed.

Conditional sentence using '如果...可以...'.

这家私人诊所的诊金是按小时计算的。

The consultation fee of this private clinic is calculated by the hour.

Using '按...计算' (calculated according to...).

专家门诊的诊金通常比普通门诊高得多。

The consultation fee for a specialist is usually much higher than for a general clinic.

Comparative structure using '比...高得多'.

为了回馈社区，诊所决定免除本周的所有诊金。

To give back to the community, the clinic decided to waive all consultation fees this week.

Purpose clause starting with '为了' (in order to).

在支付诊金后，请在候诊区等候叫号。

After paying the consultation fee, please wait for your number in the waiting area.

Temporal clause using '在...后' (after...).

他抱怨说诊金涨得太快了。

He complained that the consultation fee was rising too fast.

Using '涨得' + adjective to describe the manner of increase.

诊金的数额取决于医生的资历。

The amount of the consultation fee depends on the doctor's qualifications.

Using '取决于' (depends on).

请保留好诊金的发票，以便后续理赔。

Please keep the consultation fee receipt for future insurance claims.

Using '以便' (so as to/in order to) for purpose.

政府正在考虑调整公立医院的诊金结构。

The government is considering adjusting the consultation fee structure of public hospitals.

Using '正在考虑' (is considering) for ongoing processes.

高昂的诊金往往让低收入家庭望而却步。

High consultation fees often deter low-income families.

Using the idiom '望而却步' (to shrink back).

医生通过收取合理的诊金来体现其专业价值。

Doctors reflect their professional value by charging reasonable consultation fees.

Using '通过...来...' (by means of... to...).

由于诊金过低，一些医生不得不依靠开药来赚取利润。

Due to consultation fees being too low, some doctors have to rely on prescribing medicine to make a profit.

Using '由于...不得不...' (Due to... have no choice but to...).

诊金是否应该包含在基本医疗保险中仍然存在争议。

Whether consultation fees should be included in basic medical insurance remains controversial.

Topic-comment structure where the topic is a 'whether' clause.

该政策旨在通过提高诊金来改善医疗服务质量。

The policy aims to improve the quality of medical services by increasing consultation fees.

Using '旨在' (aimed at) to state a goal.

在某些地区，诊金是由市场供需关系决定的。

In some areas, consultation fees are determined by market supply and demand.

Passive structure using '由...决定' (decided by...).

他认为诊金应当与医生的工作量相挂钩。

He believes that consultation fees should be linked to the doctor's workload.

Using '与...相挂钩' (to be linked with).

诊金制度的改革是解决‘以药养医’问题的关键环节。

The reform of the consultation fee system is a key link in solving the problem of 'supplementing medical costs with medicine sales.'

Using the specific socio-economic term '以药养医'.

部分名医的诊金之高，反映了优质医疗资源的稀缺性。

The high consultation fees of some famous doctors reflect the scarcity of high-quality medical resources.

Using '...之高' (the height/extent of...) for emphasis.

在医疗纠纷中，诊金的退还往往是调解的第一步。

In medical disputes, the refund of consultation fees is often the first step in mediation.

Using '往往是' (is often) to describe a common pattern.

诊金的设定需要兼顾医疗机构的运营成本与患者的承受能力。

The setting of consultation fees needs to take into account both the operating costs of medical institutions and the affordability for patients.

Using '兼顾' (to give consideration to both).

一些私人医生甚至会根据病人的经济状况灵活调整诊金。

Some private doctors even flexibly adjust consultation fees according to the patient's economic status.

Using '甚至会' (even will) for emphasis.

在香港的医疗体系中，诊金与药费通常是明确分开计费的。

In Hong Kong's healthcare system, consultation fees and medicine fees are usually billed separately and clearly.

Locative phrase '在...体系中'.

诊金不仅是劳务报酬，更是对医生专业判断的一种尊重。

The consultation fee is not only labor compensation but also a form of respect for the doctor's professional judgment.

Using '不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

由于缺乏统一标准，不同诊所之间的诊金差异极大。

Due to the lack of a unified standard, the difference in consultation fees between different clinics is enormous.

Using '差异极大' (extremely large difference).

纵观医史，诊金的演变折射出社会契约与医患关系的深刻变迁。

Throughout medical history, the evolution of consultation fees reflects profound changes in the social contract and the doctor-patient relationship.

Formal literary style using '纵观' (looking back/surveying) and '折射' (reflecting).

诊金的去向透明化是建立现代医院管理制度的必然要求。

Transparency in the destination of consultation fees is an inevitable requirement for establishing a modern hospital management system.

Using '...化' to indicate a process or state (transparency-ization).

在后疫情时代，远程医疗的诊金标准制定成为了全球性的课题。

In the post-pandemic era, the formulation of consultation fee standards for telemedicine has become a global issue.

Using '成为了...课题' (has become a subject/topic).

诊金的博弈本质上是专业知识垄断与公共福利保障之间的平衡。

The game over consultation fees is essentially a balance between the monopoly of professional knowledge and the guarantee of public welfare.

Abstract philosophical construction: [A] 本质上是 [B] 与 [C] 之间的平衡.

若诊金无法覆盖医生的边际成本，则必然导致医疗服务的异化。

If consultation fees cannot cover the doctor's marginal cost, it will inevitably lead to the alienation of medical services.

Conditional structure '若...则...' (if... then...) with academic terminology.

诊金的象征意义有时甚至超过了其作为货币的实际购买力。

The symbolic significance of the consultation fee sometimes even exceeds its actual purchasing power as currency.

Using '象征意义' (symbolic meaning) and '购买力' (purchasing power).

通过差异化诊金来引导分级诊疗，是当前医改的重要策略。

Guiding hierarchical diagnosis and treatment through differentiated consultation fees is an important strategy in current medical reform.

Using '引导' (to guide/lead) in a policy context.

诊金的豁免往往被视为一种慈善义举，在特定历史时期尤为盛行。

The waiving of consultation fees is often regarded as an act of charity, particularly prevalent in specific historical periods.

Passive construction '被视为' (regarded as).

Common Collocations

昂贵的诊金

支付诊金

免收诊金

收取诊金

诊金标准

专家诊金

包含诊金

退还诊金

上调诊金

合理的诊金

Common Phrases

诊金全免

— The consultation fee is completely waived. Often seen in charity events.

义诊期间，诊金全免。

先行支付诊金

— To pay the consultation fee in advance. Standard procedure in many clinics.

看病前请先行支付诊金。

诊金包含药费

— The consultation fee includes the cost of medicine. Common in small TCM shops.

有些老中医的诊金包含药费。

诊金挂钩

— Linked to consultation fees. Used in economic or policy contexts.

医生的收入不应与诊金直接挂钩。

诊金收据

— Receipt for the consultation fee. Needed for insurance.

请给我开一张诊金收据。

天价诊金

— Exorbitantly high consultation fee. Used in news or complaints.

他因为收取天价诊金而受到批评。

首诊诊金

— The fee for the very first visit, which is often higher than follow-ups.

首诊诊金是三百元，复诊减半。

复诊诊金

— The fee for a follow-up visit.

复诊诊金通常比首诊便宜。

远程诊金

— Fee for an online or remote medical consultation.

通过APP看病也要付远程诊金。

私人诊金

— The fee charged by a private physician.

私人诊金的价格是由市场决定的。

Often Confused With

诊金 vs 挂号费

Registration fee. In large hospitals, you pay this to get a number. It may or may not include the 诊金.

诊金 vs 药费

The cost of the medication itself. 诊金 only covers the doctor's consultation.

诊金 vs 检查费

Fees for lab tests or imaging. These are separate from the doctor's personal fee.

Idioms & Expressions

"重金聘请"

— To hire someone with a large sum of money. Often used for famous doctors.

他重金聘请了名医来为父亲治病。

Formal

"悬壶济世"

— To practice medicine to help the world. Implies a doctor who cares little for fees.

这位老医生一生悬壶济世，从不计较诊金。

Literary

"医者仁心"

— A doctor has a benevolent heart. Used to suggest fees should be secondary.

医者仁心，他不忍心收取贫困病人的诊金。

Formal

"药到病除"

— As soon as the medicine is taken, the disease is cured. Justifies a high fee.

只要能药到病除，再高的诊金我们也愿意付。

Common

"妙手回春"

— Wonderful hands bring back spring (cure a dying patient).

为了感谢医生的妙手回春，病人送去了丰厚的诊金。

Formal

"不计报酬"

— Regardless of reward or pay. Used for doctors volunteering.

他在灾区救助病人，完全不计报酬和诊金。

Formal

"救死扶伤"

— Heal the wounded and rescue the dying.

救死扶伤是医生的天职，诊金只是次要的。

Formal

"分文不取"

— Not taking a single cent. Usually refers to waiving all fees.

他为穷人看病，向来是分文不取。

Idiomatic

"物有所值"

— The thing is worth its price. Used for expensive but effective doctors.

虽然诊金很贵，但治好了病，真是物有所值。

Neutral

"等价交换"

— Exchange of equal value. Used in discussions about medical service pricing.

诊金应当体现医生劳动的等价交换。

Academic

Easily Confused

诊金 vs 佣金

Both end in '金' and refer to fees.

佣金 is a sales commission; 诊金 is a medical consultation fee.

他卖房子拿到了佣金，但他看感冒付了诊金。

诊金 vs 奖金

Both end in '金'.

奖金 is a bonus or prize money; 诊金 is a required payment for service.

他在公司拿了奖金，所以不担心付高昂的诊金。

诊金 vs 押金

Both end in '金'.

押金 is a refundable deposit; 诊金 is a non-refundable service fee.

租房要交押金，看病要交诊金。

诊金 vs 定金

Both end in '金'.

定金 is a down payment to secure a booking; 诊金 is the fee for the service itself.

预定手术要交定金，但见医生要交诊金。

诊金 vs 租金

Both end in '金'.

租金 is rent for property; 诊金 is for professional medical advice.

他每个月付租金，偶尔看病付诊金。

Sentence Patterns

诊金[Number]块。

诊金五十块。

诊金有点[Adjective]。

诊金有点贵。

诊金包含在[Noun]里。

诊金包含在保险里。

通过[Verb]诊金来[Action]。

通过提高诊金来改善服务。

[Noun]之高/低，取决于[Noun]。

诊金之高，取决于医生的名气。

若[Condition]，则诊金[Result]。

若政策变动，则诊金亦随之调整。

Any

请付诊金。

请到窗口付诊金。

Any

免收诊金。

今天医生免收诊金。

Word Family

Nouns

诊断 (zhěnduàn - diagnosis)

诊所 (zhěnsuǒ - clinic)

诊台 (zhěntái - consultation desk)

接诊 (jiēzhěn - receiving a patient)

Verbs

诊治 (zhěnzhì - to diagnose and treat)

问诊 (wènzhěn - to inquire about the patient's history)

门诊 (ménzhěn - outpatient service)

会诊 (huìzhěn - consultation of doctors)

Adjectives

诊察性的 (zhěncháxìng de - diagnostic)

误诊的 (wùzhěn de - misdiagnosed)

金费 (jīnfèi - funds)

佣金 (yòngjīn - commission)

奖金 (jiǎngjīn - bonus)

定金 (dìngjīn - deposit)

租金 (zūjīn - rent)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and insurance contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '诊金' for medicine. → 药费 (yàofèi)
诊金 is only for the doctor's time and diagnosis. Medicine is always a separate category called 药费.
Saying '一金诊金' instead of '一笔诊金'. → 一笔诊金 (yī bǐ zhěnjīn)
The measure word for fees and sums of money is '笔', not '个' or '金'.
Confusing '诊金' with '小费'. → 诊金 (zhěnjīn)
A 'tip' (小费) is voluntary and extra. A 'consultation fee' (诊金) is a fixed professional charge required by the clinic.
Pronouncing 'jīn' as 'jìn'. → jīn (1st tone)
The 4th tone 'jìn' can mean 'near' or 'enter', which changes the meaning or makes it confusing in a medical context.
Using '诊金' for a lawyer's fee. → 咨询费 (zīxúnfèi)
While both are consultation fees, '诊' specifically refers to medical diagnosis. Use '咨询费' or '律师费' for legal services.

Tips

Remember the 'Jin'

Notice how many Chinese words for payments end in '金' (gold/money). Learning 诊金, 佣金, and 租金 together helps you recognize this pattern for professional fees.

Public vs. Private

In Mainland China, use '挂号费' for public hospitals and '诊金' for private clinics to sound more like a local who understands the system.

Use '笔' for Sums

When talking about a specific payment, say '一笔诊金'. Using the correct measure word '笔' (bǐ) makes your Chinese sound much more advanced.

Ask Beforehand

Always ask '诊金包含药费吗？' (Does the fee include medicine?) in smaller clinics, as policies vary and can save you from a surprise bill.

Tone Clarity

The transition from the 3rd tone (zhěn) to the 1st tone (jīn) requires a clear drop and then a jump to a high level. Practice this to avoid sounding flat.

Receipts Matter

Make sure the receipt explicitly says '诊金' if you plan to claim it from insurance, as general receipts might be rejected.

Showing Respect

Using the word '诊金' when paying shows that you value the doctor's professional time, which is a subtle form of politeness in Chinese culture.

Hong Kong Context

In Hong Kong, '诊金' is almost universal. If you say '挂号费' there, people might still understand you, but it will sound foreign.

Consultation vs. Treatment

Remember that 诊金 is for the 'talk' and 'check.' If the doctor does something (like a stitch), that's often a separate '治疗费' (treatment fee).

Ancient Fees

Knowing that '金' used to be '银' (silver) in old texts like '诊银' can help you understand historical dramas better.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a doctor looking at you through a **magnifying glass** (**诊**) and then you hand them a **gold coin** (**金**).

Visual Association

A gold coin with a stethoscope engraved on it.

Word Web

Doctor Hospital Money Fee Diagnosis Clinic Health Insurance

Challenge

Try to use '诊金' in a sentence while pretending to check into a private clinic in Hong Kong.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of '诊' (to examine/diagnose) and '金' (money/gold). It emerged as a formal way to describe the professional fee of doctors as the medical system became more commercialized and structured.

Original meaning: The fee paid for a medical examination.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing fees with doctors in a public hospital setting in Mainland China, as they might prefer the term '挂号费' or '服务费'.

Equivalent to 'consultation fee' or 'co-pay' in the US, though '诊金' usually refers to the total fee before insurance.

Medical dramas like 'The White Tower' (白色巨塔) often discuss doctor fees. Traditional TCM textbooks discussing the ethics of fees. News reports on the 'de-linking' of drug sales and medical fees in China.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a private clinic reception.

请先交诊金。
诊金可以刷卡吗？
诊金包括药吗？
我有保险，诊金怎么付？

Discussing medical costs with family.

那家诊所诊金太贵了。
听说那个名医不收诊金。
这笔诊金花得很值。
我们要准备好诊金。

Insurance claims.

诊金可以报销吗？
我需要诊金收据。
保险公司不付诊金。
理赔范围包括诊金。

At a TCM shop.

老中医的诊金是多少？
这里只收诊金，不卖药。
诊金可以打折吗？
诊金是按人头算的。

Healthcare news.

诊金标准上调。
取消挂号费，改为诊金。
专家诊金引发热议。
诊金制度改革。

Conversation Starters

"请问这家医生的诊金通常是多少钱？"

"你觉得现在的专家诊金合理吗？"

"在你的国家，看医生需要付诊金吗？"

"有些医生免收诊金，你遇到过吗？"

"如果诊金太贵，你会换一个医生吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你去医院付诊金的经历。

你认为医生的专业建议应该收多少诊金？为什么？

对比一下你家乡和中国的医疗诊金制度。

如果一个名医的诊金非常高，你还会去看他吗？

讨论一下提高诊金对改善医疗服务的潜在影响。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

通常不包含。诊金只是支付给医生的诊断费用。在大多数现代诊所和医院，药费是另外计算并收取的。不过，在一些传统的私人中医馆，诊金有时会包含几天的草药费，建议在付费前咨询清楚。

挂号费（Guàhàofèi）主要是行政登记的费用，在公立医院非常常见。诊金（Zhěnjīn）则强调医生的专业劳务价值。在一些改革后的医院，挂号费已被取消，取而代之的是“医事服务费”或直接称为“诊金”。

这在法律和实际操作中都比较困难。诊金是支付医生提供的诊断服务的，只要医生进行了问诊和检查，服务就已经完成。除非能证明医生有严重的医疗过失，否则通常是不予退还的。

专家的诊金更高是因为他们拥有更丰富的临床经验、更高的学术地位和更专业的技能。在医疗资源有限的情况下，通过提高专家诊金可以起到分流病人的作用，让真正需要专家诊断的重症病人能够获得资源。

这取决于你的医疗保险计划。大多数社会医疗保险（如中国的社保）会报销一部分诊金，但通常有上限。私人商业保险或国际保险通常会全额或按比例报销诊金，但你需要保留好正式的发票。

在香港，私立全科医生的诊金通常在300至800港币之间，专科医生则可能在1000至3000港币甚至更高。公立医院的诊金则非常低廉，因为有政府补贴。

大多数情况下是需要的，因为复诊时医生仍需花时间评估你的病情进展。不过，有些诊所会规定在一定期限内（如一周内）复诊可以减免一部分诊金。

在公立医疗体系中，诊金通常由政府统一规定。但在私立诊所，医生或医疗机构有权根据市场情况、自身名气和运营成本来自行设定诊金标准。

随着互联网医疗的发展，通过视频或文字咨询医生的服务越来越普遍。‘远程诊金’就是指这种在线咨询收取的费用，通常比线下门诊稍便宜。

如果你只是重复购买之前开过的药，且不需要医生重新诊断，通常只需要付药费和少量的行政费。但如果需要医生重新评估病情以调整处方，则通常需要支付诊金。