优惠
优惠 in 30 Seconds
- 优惠 (yōuhuì) means 'preferential' or 'discounted,' used widely in shopping and formal business to describe special deals and favorable terms.
- It functions as both a noun (a discount) and an adjective (favorable), appearing in phrases like 优惠券 (coupon) and 优惠政策 (preferential policy).
- Unlike the word 'cheap' (便宜), 优惠 sounds professional and implies high value at a reduced cost, often used to build customer loyalty.
- Common collocations include 享受优惠 (enjoy a discount) and 提供优惠 (provide a discount), and it is essential for navigating Chinese e-commerce.
The term 优惠 (yōuhuì) is a cornerstone of Chinese commercial and social interaction, functioning as both a noun and an adjective. At its core, it signifies 'preferential,' 'favorable,' or 'discounted.' The first character, 优 (yōu), denotes excellence, superiority, or abundance. The second character, 惠 (huì), represents benefit, kindness, or favor. Together, they describe a situation where one party receives better terms than the standard, whether in the form of a lower price, a special gift, or superior service conditions.
- As an Adjective
- It describes prices, policies, or conditions that are better than usual. For example, 优惠价格 (yōuhuì jiàgé) means a 'favorable price' or 'discounted price.'
- As a Noun
- It refers to the actual benefit or discount itself. One might say 享受优惠 (xiǎngshòu yōuhuì), meaning 'to enjoy a discount' or 'to receive preferential treatment.'
“这家超市正在搞活动,有很多优惠。” (This supermarket is having a promotion; there are many discounts.)
In a broader socio-economic context, 优惠 extends beyond mere shopping. It is used in government policy (优惠政策 - preferential policies) to attract foreign investment or support specific industries. It implies a deliberate choice by the provider to grant a 'favor' to the recipient, often to build loyalty or stimulate economic activity. Unlike the word 便宜 (piányi), which simply means 'cheap' and can sometimes imply low quality, 优惠 carries a connotation of value and respect; it suggests that the original value is high, but the price has been lowered as a special gesture.
“如果您现在订购,我们可以给您最优惠的条件。” (If you order now, we can give you the most favorable terms.)
Linguistically, 优惠 is more formal than 折扣 (zhékòu). While 折扣 specifically refers to a percentage off (like 20% off), 优惠 is an umbrella term that includes discounts, 'buy one get one free' deals, tax breaks, and VIP perks. It is the language of marketing, diplomacy, and professional negotiation. When you see this word on a storefront, it signals a call to action, inviting the consumer to take advantage of a limited-time benefit.
- Semantic Range
- From a 5-yuan coupon at a noodle shop to a multi-billion dollar tax incentive for a tech giant, 优惠 covers the entire spectrum of 'better-than-normal' deals.
“学生凭证件可以享受半价优惠。” (Students can enjoy a half-price discount with their ID.)
Mastering 优惠 requires understanding its versatility across different grammatical structures. It functions seamlessly as a noun, an adjective, and occasionally as a verb in specific formal contexts. To use it correctly, you must pair it with the right verbs and nouns that reflect the 'giving' or 'receiving' of a benefit.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 享受 (xiǎngshòu) + 优惠: To enjoy/receive a discount.
- 提供 (tígōng) + 优惠: To provide/offer a discount.
- 给予 (jǐyǔ) + 优惠: To grant/give a favor (very formal).
- 争取 (zhēngqǔ) + 优惠: To strive for/negotiate a better deal.
When used as an adjective, 优惠 typically modifies nouns related to cost or regulation. The most common phrase is 优惠价格 (yōuhuì jiàgé), which is the 'special price' offered during a sale. In the world of finance and law, 优惠政策 (yōuhuì zhèngcè) refers to preferential policies, such as tax exemptions for new businesses. You will also frequently encounter 优惠券 (yōuhuìquàn), which is the Chinese word for 'coupon' or 'voucher.'
“这种优惠活动只持续到本月底。” (This promotional activity only lasts until the end of this month.)
In a sentence, 优惠 often appears in the pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + [优惠]. For example, '会员可以享受优惠' (Members can enjoy discounts). Another common pattern is [优惠] + [Noun], such as '优惠待遇' (preferential treatment). It is important to note that 优惠 is rarely used to describe people directly; you wouldn't call a person '优惠,' but you would say they are '优惠的对象' (the recipient of the favor).
“为了吸引顾客,商场推出了多项优惠措施。” (To attract customers, the mall introduced several preferential measures.)
In negotiation, 优惠 is a powerful tool. Using the phrase '能不能再优惠一点?' (Can you make it a bit more favorable?) is a polite way to haggle for a better price without using the blunt '能不能便宜点?'. It implies that you are looking for a professional adjustment rather than just a low price. This nuance is vital for B1 learners moving into professional or high-stakes social environments.
- Compound Words
- 优惠期 (yōuhuìqī): Promotional period.
- 优惠价 (yōuhuìjià): Discounted price.
- 优惠码 (yōuhuìmǎ): Promo code.
“请输入您的优惠码以获得折扣。” (Please enter your promo code to get a discount.)
You will encounter 优惠 in almost every corner of Chinese daily life, from the digital landscape of e-commerce to the formal halls of government. It is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between casual consumption and professional administration. Understanding its context helps you navigate Chinese society more effectively.
- E-commerce and Shopping
- On platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Meituan, 优惠 is everywhere. You'll see buttons for '领优惠券' (Get coupons) and banners screaming '限时优惠' (Limited time offer). During major shopping festivals like Double 11 (双十一), the word is ubiquitous.
“双十一期间,全场商品都有大额优惠。” (During Double 11, all products in the store have large discounts.)
In the service industry, restaurants and hotels use 优惠 to attract off-peak customers. You might hear a waiter say, '现在是午餐时间,我们有套餐优惠' (It's lunchtime now; we have a set meal discount). In travel, airlines offer 优惠机票 (discounted air tickets) to students or early birds. If you are a student or a senior, you will often ask, '学生有优惠吗?' (Is there a student discount?).
In the business and political world, 优惠 takes on a more serious tone. News broadcasts often mention '税收优惠' (tax incentives) or '外资优惠政策' (preferential policies for foreign investment). Here, it isn't about a few yuan off a meal; it's about structural economic advantages designed to steer the market. If you work in a Chinese office, you might hear your boss talk about '优惠条件' when discussing a contract with a supplier.
“政府为高新技术企业提供了很多税收优惠。” (The government has provided many tax incentives for high-tech enterprises.)
- Banking and Finance
- Banks offer 优惠利率 (preferential interest rates) to loyal customers or for specific types of loans, such as first-time homebuyer mortgages.
“使用本行信用卡支付,可享受九折优惠。” (Pay with our bank's credit card to enjoy a 10% discount.)
While 优惠 is a versatile word, learners often trip up on its usage compared to similar terms like 折扣 (zhékòu), 便宜 (piányi), and 优待 (yōudài). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural and professional in Chinese.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 优惠 with 折扣
- 折扣 refers specifically to a percentage reduction (e.g., '打八折' means 20% off). 优惠 is the broader concept of a 'deal.' You can have a 优惠 that is not a 折扣, such as 'buy one get one free' or 'free shipping.' Don't say '这个优惠是八折' (This discount is 80%); instead, say '这个折扣是八折' or '优惠活动是打八折.'
“错误:这个商品很优惠。 (Incorrect: This item is very 'discount'.)
正确:这个商品的价格非常优惠。 (Correct: The price of this item is very favorable.)”
Another common error is using 优惠 to mean 'cheap' in a derogatory sense. In English, 'cheap' can mean low quality. In Chinese, 便宜 can also imply this. However, 优惠 never implies low quality. It always implies that you are getting a high-quality item or service for a better-than-usual price. If you want to say something is low quality, use 质量差 (zhìliàng chà), not 优惠.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 优惠 with 优待
- 优待 (yōudài) usually refers to 'preferential treatment' in a social or physical sense, like better seating or special care. 优惠 is almost always financial or contractual. While they overlap, you 'enjoy 优惠' at a store, but you 'receive 优待' as a war veteran or a VIP guest.
“这家餐厅给老客户很多优惠。(This restaurant gives old customers many discounts.)”
Finally, watch out for the word order with 优惠券 (coupon). Learners sometimes say '券优惠' which is incorrect. It must be '优惠券.' Also, remember that '享受优惠' (enjoy the discount) is the standard collocation. Using '得优惠' (get discount) sounds a bit too informal and grammatically thin in many contexts.
To truly understand 优惠, we must look at its neighbors in the Chinese lexicon. Each of these words deals with 'saving money' or 'special treatment,' but they are used in distinct scenarios.
- 1. 折扣 (zhékòu) - Discount/Percentage
- This is the most direct synonym but is more specific. It refers to the numerical reduction of a price. If a sign says '打折' (dǎzhé), it means a discount is being applied. 优惠 is the 'favor' itself; 折扣 is the 'math' of the favor.
- 2. 便宜 (piányi) - Cheap/Inexpensive
- This is an adjective describing the price level. Something can be 便宜 without being 优惠 (it's just always cheap). 优惠 implies a reduction from a higher standard price.
“虽然这件衣服不便宜,但现在的价格很优惠。” (Although this clothing isn't cheap, the current price is very favorable.)
Other related terms include 减价 (jiǎnjià), which literally means 'reduce price.' This is a very common verb-object phrase seen in shop windows. 特价 (tèjià) means 'special price,' usually referring to a specific item that has been heavily discounted for a promotion. While 优惠 is a general term for the benefit, 特价 is the specific price tag you see on the shelf.
In more formal or literary contexts, you might see 恩惠 (ēnhuì). This means 'favor' or 'grace' and is usually used for personal kindness rather than commercial discounts. If someone saves your life, they have given you 恩惠. If they give you 10% off a coffee, they have given you 优惠. Confusing these two would make a coffee shop transaction sound like a scene from an ancient drama!
“超市的特价商品通常放在门口。” (The supermarket's special price items are usually placed at the entrance.)
- 3. 优待 (yōudài) - Preferential Treatment
- As mentioned before, this is about service and status. VIPs receive 优待 (like a private lounge), while everyone might get a 优惠 (like a 10% discount).
- 4. 福利 (fúlì) - Welfare/Benefits
- This usually refers to employee benefits (like health insurance or free snacks) or social welfare. While a company might offer 优惠 to customers, it offers 福利 to its staff.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Resultative complements (e.g., 领到优惠)
Conditional sentences (如果...就...)
Passive voice with 被 or 所
Formal verb usage (给予, 提供, 享受)
Noun modification with 的
Examples by Level
这里有优惠吗?
Is there a discount here?
Simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure.
这张优惠券可以用。
This coupon can be used.
优惠券 (yōuhuìquàn) is a common compound noun.
现在的价格很优惠。
The current price is very favorable.
优惠 acts as an adjective here.
我有优惠码。
I have a promo code.
优惠码 (yōuhuìmǎ) is essential for online shopping.
买一送一,非常优惠。
Buy one get one free, very favorable.
Describes a specific type of promotion.
学生有优惠。
Students have a discount.
Short, common factual statement.
谢谢你的优惠。
Thank you for the discount.
Using 优惠 as a noun (the favor).
周末有优惠活动。
There are promotional activities on weekends.
优惠活动 is a standard phrase for 'promotion.'
如果你买两个,我可以给你优惠。
If you buy two, I can give you a discount.
Uses a conditional '如果...就...' structure.
这家超市的优惠很多。
This supermarket has many discounts.
优惠 used as a plural noun.
你可以享受八折优惠。
You can enjoy a 20% discount.
享受 (xiǎngshòu) is the standard verb for 'enjoying' a benefit.
这张优惠券快过期了。
This coupon is about to expire.
过期 (guòqī) means to expire.
我想找一些优惠的机票。
I want to find some discounted plane tickets.
优惠 modifies the noun 机票.
新用户可以领取优惠。
New users can collect discounts.
领取 (lǐngqǔ) is often used for digital coupons.
这个优惠只针对会员。
This discount is only for members.
针对 (zhēnduì) means 'aimed at' or 'for.'
网上买东西通常更优惠。
Buying things online is usually more favorable.
Comparative use of 优惠.
为了吸引顾客,他们推出了优惠政策。
To attract customers, they introduced preferential policies.
推出 (tuīchū) means to launch or introduce.
凭学生证可以享受半价优惠。
You can enjoy a half-price discount with a student ID.
凭 (píng) means 'based on' or 'with.'
这种优惠条件非常诱人。
These favorable terms are very attractive.
诱人 (yòurén) means attractive or tempting.
我们希望能得到更优惠的价格。
We hope to get a more favorable price.
Expressing a desire in a negotiation.
该优惠活动不与其他活动叠加。
This promotion cannot be combined with other offers.
叠加 (diéjiā) means to stack or combine.
这家餐厅周二有会员优惠日。
This restaurant has a member discount day on Tuesdays.
优惠日 is a compound for 'discount day.'
政府对小微企业有税收优惠。
The government has tax incentives for small and micro-enterprises.
税收优惠 (shuìshōu yōuhuì) is a formal term.
您可以关注我们的公众号获取优惠。
You can follow our official account to get discounts.
获取 (huòqǔ) is a formal word for 'get' or 'obtain.'
商家通过优惠活动来提高市场占有率。
Businesses use promotional activities to increase market share.
市场占有率 (shìchǎng zhànyǒulǜ) is 'market share.'
这种优惠待遇在业内是罕见的。
This kind of preferential treatment is rare in the industry.
业内 (yènèi) means 'within the industry.'
双方就优惠条款达成了共识。
Both parties reached a consensus on the preferential clauses.
达成共识 (dáchéng gòngshí) is a formal collocation.
优惠政策的实施带动了当地经济。
The implementation of preferential policies stimulated the local economy.
带动 (dàidòng) means to drive or stimulate.
他利用职务之便为亲友提供优惠。
He used his position to provide favors for his relatives and friends.
职务之便 (zhíwù zhī biàn) is a formal idiom for 'taking advantage of one's position.'
该地区的投资环境非常优惠。
The investment environment in this region is very favorable.
投资环境 (tóuzī huánjìng) means 'investment environment.'
消费者往往会被各种优惠手段所迷惑。
Consumers are often confused by various promotional tactics.
被...所迷惑 (bèi... suǒ míhuò) is a passive structure.
银行提供了优惠利率以吸引贷款客户。
The bank offered preferential interest rates to attract loan customers.
优惠利率 (yōuhuì lìlǜ) is 'preferential interest rate.'
最惠国待遇是国际贸易中的一项重要原则。
Most Favored Nation treatment is an important principle in international trade.
最惠国 (zuìhuìguó) is a specific diplomatic term.
企业应充分利用国家的税收优惠政策。
Enterprises should make full use of the state's tax incentive policies.
充分利用 (chōngfèn lìyòng) means 'make full use of.'
这些优惠措施旨在缓解中小企业的资金压力。
These preferential measures are aimed at easing the financial pressure on SMEs.
旨在 (zhǐzài) means 'is aimed at.'
该协议包含了一系列互惠互利的优惠条款。
The agreement contains a series of mutually beneficial preferential clauses.
互惠互利 (hùhuì hùlì) is an idiom for 'mutually beneficial.'
优惠的地理位置是该项目成功的关键。
The favorable geographical location is the key to the project's success.
优惠 here means 'advantageous' or 'favorable.'
在谈判中,适度的让步可以换取更大的优惠。
In negotiations, moderate concessions can be exchanged for greater favors.
让步 (ràngbù) means 'concession.'
过度依赖优惠政策可能导致企业竞争力下降。
Over-reliance on preferential policies may lead to a decline in corporate competitiveness.
过度依赖 (guòdù yīlài) means 'over-reliance.'
法律对特定群体给予了必要的优惠保护。
The law grants necessary preferential protection to specific groups.
给予 (jǐyǔ) is a very formal verb for 'give.'
普惠金融旨在让金融服务惠及更广泛的社会群体。
Inclusive finance aims to make financial services benefit a wider range of social groups.
普惠 (pǔhuì) is a formal term for 'inclusive/universal benefit.'
在全球化背景下,优惠原产地规则变得愈发复杂。
In the context of globalization, preferential rules of origin have become increasingly complex.
原产地规则 (yuánchǎndì guīzé) is 'rules of origin.'
该项政策的优惠力度之大,前所未有。
The magnitude of this policy's incentives is unprecedented.
前所未有 (qiánsuǒ wèiyǒu) is an idiom for 'unprecedented.'
我们必须审慎评估这些优惠条件背后的潜在风险。
We must cautiously evaluate the potential risks behind these favorable terms.
审慎评估 (shěnshèn pínggū) means 'cautiously evaluate.'
这种变相的优惠实际上是一种不正当竞争。
This disguised discount is actually a form of unfair competition.
变相 (biànxiàng) means 'in disguised form.'
通过差异化的优惠策略,品牌成功锁定了高端客群。
Through differentiated discount strategies, the brand successfully locked in high-end customers.
差异化 (chāyìhuà) means 'differentiated.'
政府应建立长效机制,而非仅仅依靠短期的优惠刺激。
The government should establish long-term mechanisms rather than relying solely on short-term preferential stimulus.
长效机制 (chángxiào jīzhì) is 'long-term mechanism.'
优惠的本质是资源的一种再分配过程。
The essence of 'favor' is a process of resource redistribution.
再分配 (zàifēnpèi) is 'redistribution.'
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Commercial/Financial favor.
Personal/Moral favor.
Special/Extra favor (often for specific groups).
Universal/Inclusive favor.
Practical/Substantial benefit (adjective).
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
It covers more than just price; it can include service and terms.
优惠 implies a 'favor' or 'kindness' from the seller.
It is the standard word for 'discount' in professional settings.
- Saying '这个衣服很优惠' instead of '这件衣服的价格很优惠'.
- Using 优惠 to mean 'cheap' (low quality).
- Confusing 优惠 (favor) with 恩惠 (moral grace).
- Saying '我优惠你' (I discount you) instead of '给你优惠'.
- Using 优惠 when you specifically mean a percentage (use 折扣 instead).
Tips
Look for the sign
In China, look for the characters 优惠 to find the best deals in any store.
Use in negotiation
Always ask for '优惠条件' to sound professional during contract talks.
App notifications
Apps like Meituan send '优惠通知' daily; learning this word helps you save on food.
Student IDs
Always carry your ID and ask '学生有优惠吗?' at museums and trains.
Verb pairing
Remember the verb 享受 (xiǎngshòu) - it's the most natural partner for 优惠.
The 'Heart' in Benefit
The heart radical in 惠 reminds you that a benefit is a kind gesture.
Festival Sales
Expect the biggest 优惠 during the '618' and '11.11' shopping festivals.
Interest Rates
Banks use '优惠利率' to attract new mortgage borrowers.
Group Buying
Join a '团购' (group buy) to get a '团购优惠'.
Word Family
Connect 优惠 with 优秀 (excellent) to remember its positive connotation.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
Giving a 优惠 is a way to give 'face' to a customer, making them feel special.
Double 11 (Nov 11) is the world's largest '优惠' event.
While fixed prices are common in malls, in smaller markets, asking for a 优惠 is expected.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"请问现在有什么优惠活动吗? (Are there any promotions right now?)"
"如果我多买几件,能有优惠吗? (If I buy more, can I get a discount?)"
"你们店的会员有什么特殊的优惠? (What special discounts do your store members have?)"
"这个优惠券怎么领取? (How do I collect this coupon?)"
"我觉得这个价格不够优惠。 (I feel this price isn't favorable enough.)"
Journal Prompts
描述一次你享受过的最划算的优惠活动。 (Describe the best discount you've ever enjoyed.)
你认为商家为什么要提供优惠? (Why do you think businesses provide discounts?)
在你的国家,学生通常有哪些优惠? (In your country, what discounts do students usually have?)
你会为了优惠而买不需要的东西吗? (Would you buy something you don't need just for a discount?)
讨论一下政府优惠政策对经济的影响。 (Discuss the impact of government preferential policies on the economy.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 折扣 is a percentage off, while 优惠 is any kind of favor or deal.
No, you don't call a person 优惠. You say they receive 优惠.
Yes, it is more formal than 便宜 and suitable for business.
It is a coupon or voucher.
Say '请问能优惠一点吗?'
Never. It implies high value at a better price.
A preferential policy, usually from a government or company.
Yes, to describe a price or a deal.
Usually 原价 (original price) or 涨价 (price increase).
Usually on social media, in apps, or via email marketing.
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Summary
优惠 is the professional way to discuss discounts and favors in Chinese. Whether you are haggling at a market, using a coupon on Taobao, or negotiating a business contract, this word signals a value-added benefit that goes beyond just being 'cheap.'
- 优惠 (yōuhuì) means 'preferential' or 'discounted,' used widely in shopping and formal business to describe special deals and favorable terms.
- It functions as both a noun (a discount) and an adjective (favorable), appearing in phrases like 优惠券 (coupon) and 优惠政策 (preferential policy).
- Unlike the word 'cheap' (便宜), 优惠 sounds professional and implies high value at a reduced cost, often used to build customer loyalty.
- Common collocations include 享受优惠 (enjoy a discount) and 提供优惠 (provide a discount), and it is essential for navigating Chinese e-commerce.
Look for the sign
In China, look for the characters 优惠 to find the best deals in any store.
Use in negotiation
Always ask for '优惠条件' to sound professional during contract talks.
App notifications
Apps like Meituan send '优惠通知' daily; learning this word helps you save on food.
Student IDs
Always carry your ID and ask '学生有优惠吗?' at museums and trains.
Example
现在买两件可以享受八折优惠。
Related Content
Related Phrases
More business words
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.