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A2 noun 10 min read

电费

diànfèi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 电费 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 电费 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '电费' (diànfèi) means 'electricity bill.' It is a very useful word because everyone has to pay for electricity! You can think of it as two parts: '电' (diàn) which is electricity (like lightning) and '费' (fèi) which is a fee or money you pay for something. In a simple sentence, you might say '我要交电费' (Wǒ yào jiāo diànfèi), which means 'I need to pay the electricity bill.' You will see this word often in your house or apartment. Usually, a person from the building or an app on your phone will tell you it is time to pay. Just remember that '交' (jiāo) is the action of giving the money for the bill. It is one of the first 'living' words you will learn because it is so practical for daily life in China or any Chinese-speaking place.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '电费' in more complete sentences and understand how it relates to other household costs. You will often hear it paired with '水费' (shuǐfèi - water bill) to form '水电费' (shuǐdiànfèi), which refers to utilities in general. For example, when looking for an apartment, you might ask: '房租包括水电费吗？' (Fángzū bāokuò shuǐdiànfèi ma? - Does the rent include water and electricity?). You should also know adjectives to describe the bill, such as '贵' (guì - expensive) or '便宜' (piányi - cheap). At this level, you might also start using apps like Alipay or WeChat to pay. You will see the button for '电费' and should know that clicking it allows you to enter your account number and pay your bill. It's about moving from just knowing the word to actually using it for basic survival and management of your home.

For B1 learners, '电费' becomes part of a larger conversation about budgeting and lifestyle. You should be comfortable discussing why a bill might be higher than usual. For instance, you could say: '因为夏天经常开空调，所以这个月的电费特别高' (Because we often use the AC in summer, this month's electricity bill is particularly high). You will also encounter different methods of payment, such as '预付费' (yùfùfèi - prepaid) versus '后付费' (hòufùfèi - postpaid). You might need to '充值' (chōngzhí - top up) your electricity account. Understanding the difference between '电费' (the total bill) and '电价' (the price per unit) is also important at this stage. You might read notices from your property management office about '电费调整' (adjustments to electricity fees) and should be able to understand the basic meaning and how it affects your wallet.

At the B2 level, you can use '电费' in more complex discussions involving social and economic issues. You might talk about '阶梯电价' (jiētī diànjià - tiered electricity pricing), where the unit cost of electricity increases as you use more. This is a common policy in China to encourage energy saving. You could argue for or against such policies using '电费' as a key point. You might also discuss '工业电费' (industrial electricity rates) versus '居民电费' (residential electricity rates) and how these differences affect the economy. Your vocabulary should include terms like '分摊电费' (to split the electricity bill) when talking about shared living or business spaces. You should also be able to understand more formal verbs like '缴纳' (jiǎonà - to pay/contribute) which frequently appear in official documents or news reports regarding utility fees.

At the C1 level, '电费' is used in nuanced discussions about energy policy, environmental sustainability, and economic indicators. You might analyze how '电费补贴' (electricity bill subsidies) affect low-income households or how fluctuating fuel prices impact the '上网电价' (feed-in tariff). You should be able to read and discuss academic or journalistic articles that use '电费' as a metric for measuring inflation or industrial productivity. For example, a decrease in '工业电费总额' (total industrial electricity expenditure) might be interpreted as a sign of a slowing manufacturing sector. You are expected to use the word fluently in debates about '绿色能源' (green energy) and how transitioning to renewables might change the structure of '居民电费' in the long term. Your understanding of the word is now deeply integrated with your knowledge of Chinese society and economy.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term '电费' and its implications across all registers of the language. You can interpret the subtle connotations of the word in literature or high-level political discourse. For instance, you might analyze a government white paper on '能源体制改革' (energy system reform) and how it aims to '理顺电费价格机制' (rationalize the electricity fee pricing mechanism). You can use '电费' in metaphorical contexts or as part of complex economic models in a professional setting. You understand the historical evolution of utility pricing in China and can discuss the socio-political ramifications of '电费' changes on different demographics with native-level precision. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated analysis of the intricate relationship between energy, economy, and society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

电费 in 30 Seconds

电费 (diànfèi) means electricity bill or charge, essential for managing daily life and household expenses in China.
It is composed of '电' (electricity) and '费' (fee), commonly used with verbs like '交' (pay) and '查' (check).
Modern payment is usually digital via WeChat or Alipay, often involving a tiered pricing system (阶梯电价).
Understanding this word helps in discussing rent, utilities, and energy conservation with roommates or landlords.

The term 电费 (diànfèi) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, particularly for anyone managing a household or business. It is a compound word formed by two distinct characters: 电 (diàn), which translates to electricity, and 费 (fèi), which refers to a fee, cost, or expense. Together, they specifically denote the electricity bill or the charge for electrical power consumption. In the context of modern Chinese society, this word is ubiquitous, appearing in digital payment apps, utility statements, and daily conversations about the cost of living.

Linguistic Breakdown: The character 电 originally depicted lightning and has evolved to represent all things electrical. The character 费 consists of the 'shell' radical (贝), which historically represented currency, and a phonetic component. This combination signifies the exchange of money for a service or resource.

You will encounter this word most frequently at the end of the month or whenever your prepaid meter runs low. In China, the system for paying 电费 has undergone a massive digital transformation. While older generations might remember going to the local power bureau (供电局) or a designated bank to settle their accounts, the vast majority of people now handle this through mobile platforms like WeChat (微信) and Alipay (支付宝). This shift has made the word synonymous with 'utility management' in the digital age.

这个月的电费怎么这么贵？ (Zhège yuè de diànfèi zěnme zhème guì? - Why is this month's electricity bill so expensive?)

In a broader sense, 电费 is used in discussions about energy conservation (节能) and environmental responsibility. When someone says they want to 'save electricity' (省电), the ultimate goal is often to 'reduce the electricity bill' (省电费). This connection makes the word a bridge between domestic habits and economic reality. Whether you are a tenant discussing utilities with a landlord or a homeowner checking your smart meter, 电费 is the standard term used to describe the financial cost of the power that keeps your lights on and your devices charged.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Paying through an app (在网上交电费). 2. Discussing shared costs with roommates (分摊电费). 3. Receiving a low-balance notification (电费余额不足).

别忘了交电费，不然会停电的。 (Bié wàngle jiāo diànfèi, bùrán huì tíngdiàn de. - Don't forget to pay the electricity bill, or the power will be cut off.)

Furthermore, the term extends into the commercial and industrial sectors. Factories monitor their 电费 as a major operational cost, and the government may adjust 电费 rates to encourage energy-efficient manufacturing. For a learner of Chinese, mastering this word is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding a vital component of the daily logistical rhythm in a Chinese-speaking society.

Using 电费 (diànfèi) correctly requires pairing it with the appropriate verbs and adjectives. Since it is a 'fee' or 'cost,' the most common verbs associated with it are 'to pay' (交 or 缴), 'to check' (查), and 'to owe' (欠). Understanding the nuance between these verbs will help you sound more natural in various contexts.

The Verb 'To Pay': In casual conversation, '交' (jiāo) is the most common verb for paying bills. For more formal documents or institutional contexts, '缴' (jiǎo) or '缴纳' (jiǎonà) is used. For example, '缴纳电费' (paying electricity charges) is a phrase you might see on an official receipt or app notification.

我刚才用手机交了电费。 (Wǒ gāngcái yòng shǒujī jiāole diànfèi. - I just paid the electricity bill using my phone.)

When describing the amount of the bill, adjectives like 贵 (guì - expensive), 便宜 (piányi - cheap), 高 (gāo - high), and 低 (dī - low) are used. Interestingly, while English speakers might say 'the bill is high,' Chinese speakers frequently use '电费很贵' (the electricity bill is expensive), treating the bill itself as a commodity or service cost.

Another important context is the 'electricity bill statement' or 'receipt,' which is 电费单 (diànfèidān). If you live in an apartment complex, the property management (物业) might stick a 电费通知单 (electricity bill notice) on your door or in the hallway. In these cases, 电费 acts as an attributive noun modifying the type of document.

门口有一张电费单，你看到了吗？ (Ménkǒu yǒu yī zhāng diànfèidān, nǐ kàndào le ma? - There is an electricity bill at the door, did you see it?)

Prepaid vs. Postpaid: In China, many residential systems are 'prepaid' (预付费). In this case, you don't 'pay a bill' in the traditional sense; instead, you 'recharge' or 'top up' your electricity balance. The phrase used is often '充电费' (chōng diànfèi), similar to topping up a SIM card.

If you forget to pay, you might 'owe' electricity fees, expressed as 欠电费 (qiàn diànfèi). This often leads to a 'power cut' (停电). Understanding these variations allows you to navigate the practicalities of living in a Chinese-speaking environment with confidence, whether you are dealing with a landlord, a roommate, or a service provider.

In a typical Chinese city, 电费 (diànfèi) is a word that echoes through hallways, resonates in digital notifications, and anchors many household budget discussions. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the lobby of an apartment building or from a property management worker (物业人员). They might remind residents: '该交电费了' (It's time to pay the electricity bill).

阿姨，我想查一下我的电费余额。 (Āyí, wǒ xiǎng chá yīxià wǒ de diànfèi yú'é. - Ma'am, I'd like to check my electricity bill balance.)

Digital environments are perhaps where the word is most visible today. When you open Alipay, there is a dedicated section called '生活缴费' (Living Expenses Payment). Inside, '电费' is usually the first or second option. You will receive automated push notifications on your phone saying something like: '您的电费余额不足，请及时充值' (Your electricity balance is insufficient, please recharge in time). This specific phrasing is a part of the daily 'soundtrack' of modern Chinese life.

You will also hear this word in the context of shared living arrangements. Roommates (合租伙伴) frequently discuss how to split the utilities. A common phrase is '平摊电费' (píngtān diànfèi), meaning to split the electricity bill equally. If one roommate uses a high-power appliance like a space heater, the conversation might become more specific about who is responsible for the increase in 电费.

Professional Contexts: In business settings, accountants and office managers talk about '电费支出' (electricity expenditure). In news broadcasts, you might hear reports on '电费调整' (electricity rate adjustments) or '工业电费' (industrial electricity charges), reflecting the economic health and policy shifts of the region.

夏天开空调，电费翻了一倍。 (Xiàtiān kāi kōngtiáo, diànfèi fānle yī bèi. - Turning on the AC in summer doubled the electricity bill.)

Finally, you might hear it in advice-giving contexts. Older family members often nag younger ones to '关灯省电费' (turn off the lights to save on the electricity bill). This simple phrase encapsulates a common cultural value of frugality and resourcefulness. Whether it's a nagging parent, a helpful neighbor, or a cold digital notification, 电费 is a word that signals a very real connection between our actions and their costs.

While 电费 (diànfèi) is a relatively straightforward term, English speakers and beginners often make specific errors related to word choice and collocation. The most frequent mistake is confusing 费 (fèi) with 钱 (qián) or 价 (jià). While all relate to money, they are not interchangeable in this context.

Mistake 1: Using '电钱' (diànqián): While '钱' means money, you cannot simply say '电钱' to mean electricity bill. While some very regional dialects might use it colloquially, in standard Mandarin, '电费' is the only correct term. Using '电钱' sounds uneducated or overly simplistic.

Another common error is the confusion between 电费 (diànfèi) and 电价 (diànjià). 电费 is the total amount you pay (the bill), whereas 电价 is the unit price of electricity (e.g., 0.5 yuan per kilowatt-hour). If you say '电价太贵了' when you mean your monthly bill was high, you are technically commenting on the government's pricing policy rather than your own consumption.

Incorrect: 我要去交电价。
Correct: 我要去交电费。

A third mistake involves the verb 'to charge.' In English, we say 'the company charges me for electricity.' In Chinese, use the verb 收 (shōu). For example: '物业每个月收两次电费' (The property management collects electricity fees twice a month). Beginners sometimes incorrectly use 充 (chōng) in this context, but 充 is only for when you top up your own account, not when someone else collects the money from you.

Mistake 4: Measure Words: When talking about the bill as a physical or digital document, use the measure word 张 (zhāng). Do not use '个' (gè). For example: '一张电费单' is correct; '一个电费' is incorrect.

我还没收到这月的电费单。 (I haven't received this month's electricity bill yet.)

Finally, watch out for the word order when using adjectives. It's '电费很贵' (The electricity bill is expensive), not '很贵电费'. While this seems basic, under pressure, learners often revert to English syntax. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the most common pitfalls and communicate your needs regarding utilities more effectively.

To truly master the vocabulary of utilities and expenses, it is helpful to compare 电费 (diànfèi) with its siblings in the 'utility' family. Most of these words follow the same pattern: [Resource] + 费.

The Utility Family

水费 (shuǐfèi): Water bill. Usually paid together with 电费.
网费 (wǎngfèi): Internet fee/bill.
燃气费 (ránqìfèi): Gas bill (used for cooking or heating).
话费 (huàfèi): Phone bill/credit.

While these words are structurally similar, their usage environments vary slightly. For instance, 话费 is almost exclusively prepaid in China, whereas 电费 can be either prepaid or postpaid depending on the building's infrastructure. Another related term is 物业费 (wùyèfèi), which is the general property management fee that sometimes includes water and electricity in serviced apartments, but usually excludes them in standard residential units.

房租不包括水电费。 (Fángzū bù bāokuò shuǐdiànfèi. - The rent does not include water and electricity bills.)

In formal or administrative contexts, you might encounter 电能费用 (diànnéng fèiyòng). This is a more technical term used in legal documents or engineering reports. For the average person, however, 电费 is the go-to word. Another alternative is 用电成本 (yòngdiàn chéngběn), which translates to 'electricity cost' and is used in business analysis to discuss the impact of power prices on production.

Comparison Table

Word	Meaning	Context
电费	Electricity bill	Daily life, bills
电价	Electricity price	Policy, unit cost
水电费	Water & Elec	Rent, shared costs

我们得算一下这个月的水电费。 (Wǒmen děi suàn yīxià zhège yuè de shuǐdiànfèi. - We need to calculate this month's water and electricity bills.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you are complaining about the government raising rates, use 电价. If you are complaining that your roommate left the heater on all night, use 电费. This precision is the hallmark of an advanced learner.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before electricity was common, '费' was used for water or carriage costs. When electricity was introduced in the late 19th century, the term was naturally adapted.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diæn.feɪ/

US /diæn.feɪ/

Both syllables are in the 4th tone (falling), so they are both stressed equally and sharply.

Rhymes With

见 (jiàn) 面 (miàn) 片 (piàn) 对 (duì) 贵 (guì) 位 (wèi) 内 (nèi) 背 (bèi)

Common Errors

Using the 1st tone for 'diàn' making it sound like 'diān' (top of head).
Pronouncing 'fèi' as 'fēi' (to fly).
Merging the two syllables into one blurred sound.
Forgetting the nasal 'n' ending in 'diàn'.
Pronouncing 'ei' in 'fèi' like 'ee' in 'feet'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are fairly common, especially '电'.

Writing 3/5

The character '费' has many strokes and requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Both 4th tones make it easy to emphasize clearly.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, unlikely to be confused with other common A2 words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

电 (diàn) 钱 (qián) 交 (jiāo) 贵 (guì) 便宜 (piányi)

Learn Next

水费 (shuǐfèi) 物业 (wùyè) 发票 (fāpiào) 节能 (jiénéng) 空调 (kōngtiáo)

Advanced

阶梯电价 (jiētī diànjià) 峰谷电价 (fēnggǔ diànjià) 供电局 (gōngdiànjú) 抄表 (chāobiǎo)

Grammar to Know

Nouns as Attributives

电费单 (Electricity bill), where 电费 modifies 单.

The 'Amount + Noun' Structure

两百元电费 (200 yuan of electricity fees).

Using '为了' for Purpose

为了省电费，他不开空调。

Comparison with '比'

这月的电费比上月贵。

The '是...的' construction for emphasis

电费是按月交的。

Examples by Level

我要去交电费。

I want to go pay the electricity bill.

Uses '我要' (I want/need) + '去' (go) + '交' (pay) + '电费'.

电费贵吗？

Is the electricity bill expensive?

Simple Subject + Adjective + 吗 question structure.

这是你的电费单。

This is your electricity bill.

Uses the measure word '单' for bill/form.

我没有钱交电费。

I don't have money to pay the electricity bill.

Negative structure '没有' + Noun + Verb + Object.

电费一共多少钱？

How much is the electricity bill in total?

Uses '一共' (in total) to ask for a sum.

他在查电费。

He is checking the electricity bill.

Continuous action using '在' + Verb.

电费很便宜。

The electricity bill is very cheap.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

别忘了交电费。

Don't forget to pay the electricity bill.

Imperative '别忘了' (Don't forget).

房租不包括水电费。

The rent does not include water and electricity bills.

Uses '包括' (include) in a negative sentence.

这个月的电费比上个月贵。

This month's electricity bill is more expensive than last month's.

Comparison structure 'A 比 B + Adjective'.

你可以用手机交电费。

You can pay the electricity bill with your phone.

Uses '可以用...交' (can use... to pay).

我已经交了电费了。

I have already paid the electricity bill.

Uses '已经...了' to indicate completed action.

我们需要分摊电费。

We need to split the electricity bill.

Uses '分摊' (to split/share costs).

如果你不交电费，会停电的。

If you don't pay the electricity bill, the power will be cut off.

Conditional '如果...就/会' structure.

我的电费余额只有十块钱了。

My electricity bill balance is only ten yuan.

Uses '余额' (balance) and '只有...了' (only have... left).

请帮我交一下电费。

Please help me pay the electricity bill.

Polite request using '请帮我' + Verb + '一下'.

为了省电费，我们应该关掉不用的灯。

In order to save on electricity bills, we should turn off unused lights.

Uses '为了' (in order to) to express purpose.

最近电价涨了，所以电费也高了。

Recently electricity prices rose, so the bill is also higher.

Cause and effect '因为/由于...所以'.

每个月我都会收到电费通知单。

Every month I receive an electricity bill notice.

Uses '都会' to indicate a regular occurrence.

商业电费通常比居民电费要贵一些。

Commercial electricity bills are usually a bit more expensive than residential ones.

Comparison between two specific categories.

我忘记查这个月的电费了。

I forgot to check this month's electricity bill.

Uses '忘记' (forget) followed by a verb phrase.

你可以去物业公司交电费。

You can go to the property management company to pay the electricity bill.

Directional/locational structure '去 [Place] + Verb'.

电费是按度数计算的。

The electricity bill is calculated based on the number of units (kWh).

Passive/descriptive '是按...计算的' (is calculated according to...).

如果欠了电费，可能会产生滞纳金。

If you owe electricity fees, a late fee might be generated.

Uses '欠' (owe) and '滞纳金' (late payment fee).

政府实施阶梯电价是为了控制电费支出。

The government implemented tiered pricing to control electricity expenditures.

Formal sentence with '实施' (implement) and '控制' (control).

随着气温升高，家庭电费也随之增加。

As temperatures rise, household electricity bills increase accordingly.

Uses '随着...随之...' (along with... accordingly...).

他在考虑如何通过节能来降低公司的电费。

He is considering how to reduce the company's electricity bill through energy conservation.

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

这栋写字楼的电费是由各租户自行承担的。

The electricity bills for this office building are borne by the tenants themselves.

Uses '由...承担' (to be borne/taken on by...).

缴纳电费是每个公民应尽的义务。

Paying electricity bills is an obligation that every citizen should fulfill.

Formal structure '...是...应尽的义务'.

如果电费账单有误，你可以向供电局投诉。

If there is an error in the electricity bill, you can complain to the power bureau.

Uses '有误' (contain errors) and '向...投诉' (complain to...).

由于系统升级，本月电费缴纳可能会延迟。

Due to a system upgrade, electricity bill payments may be delayed this month.

Formal cause '由于' (due to).

这些老旧电器是导致电费居高不下的主要原因。

These old appliances are the main reason the electricity bill remains high.

Uses '居高不下' (remain high/not come down).

阶梯电价政策旨在通过经济手段引导居民节约用电，从而减轻电费负担。

The tiered electricity pricing policy aims to guide residents to save electricity through economic means, thereby reducing the burden of electricity bills.

Uses '旨在' (aim to) and '从而' (thereby).

对于很多小微企业来说，电费是一笔不小的开支，直接影响其利润空间。

For many micro and small enterprises, the electricity bill is a significant expense that directly affects their profit margins.

Uses '对于...来说' (as for...) and '直接影响' (directly affect).

在能源危机期间，各国政府纷纷采取措施以稳定居民电费价格。

During the energy crisis, governments of various countries took measures to stabilize residential electricity prices.

Uses '纷纷' (one after another) and '以' (in order to).

智能电表的普及使得用户能够实时监控用电量，从而更精准地估算电费。

The popularization of smart meters allows users to monitor electricity consumption in real-time, thereby estimating electricity bills more accurately.

Uses '使得' (make/cause) and '实时监控' (real-time monitoring).

电费的透明度是衡量公共服务质量的重要指标之一。

The transparency of electricity billing is one of the important indicators for measuring the quality of public services.

Formal definition structure '...是...重要指标之一'.

如果我们能提高能源利用率，就能从根本上降低全国的电费支出。

If we can improve energy efficiency, we can fundamentally reduce the nation's electricity expenditure.

Uses '从根本上' (fundamentally).

这种新型节能灯虽然售价较高，但长期来看可以节省大量电费。

Although this new type of energy-saving lamp has a higher selling price, it can save a lot of electricity bills in the long run.

Uses '虽然...但...' and '长期来看' (in the long run).

供电公司应当定期公示电费构成，以接受社会监督。

Power supply companies should regularly publicize the composition of electricity fees to accept social supervision.

Uses '应当' (should) and '公示' (publicize/make public).

在宏观经济分析中，电费的波动往往被视为工业生产活跃度的晴雨表。

In macroeconomic analysis, fluctuations in electricity bills are often regarded as a barometer of industrial production activity.

Metaphorical use of '晴雨表' (barometer).

理顺电费价格机制是深化电力体制改革的关键环节，涉及多方利益博弈。

Rationalizing the electricity fee pricing mechanism is a key link in deepening the reform of the power system, involving a game of interests among multiple parties.

Uses '理顺' (rationalize/straighten out) and '利益博弈' (interest game/struggle).

电费补贴政策的精准实施，对于保障困难群众的基本生活具有重要意义。

The precise implementation of electricity bill subsidy policies is of great significance for ensuring the basic livelihood of people in difficulty.

Formal policy language '具有重要意义' (be of great significance).

随着碳达峰、碳中和目标的推进，电费结构中绿色能源的占比将显著提升。

With the advancement of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, the proportion of green energy in the electricity bill structure will increase significantly.

Uses '随着...' and '显著提升' (significantly increase).

该地区通过削峰填谷等电力调度手段，有效缓解了高峰时段电费过高的问题。

By means of power dispatching such as peak-shaving and valley-filling, the region effectively alleviated the problem of excessively high electricity bills during peak hours.

Uses technical terms '削峰填谷' (peak-shaving and valley-filling).

电费欠费风险管理系统能够通过大数据分析，提前识别潜在的违约风险。

The electricity bill arrears risk management system can identify potential default risks in advance through big data analysis.

Uses '识别' (identify) and '潜在的' (potential).

探讨电费成本对高耗能产业布局的影响，是当前区域经济研究的热点话题。

Exploring the impact of electricity costs on the layout of energy-intensive industries is a hot topic in current regional economic research.

Formal academic structure '探讨...的影响'.

在极端天气频发的背景下，电费的异常波动引起了监管部门的高度关注。

In the context of frequent extreme weather, abnormal fluctuations in electricity bills have attracted high attention from regulatory departments.

Uses '在...背景下' (in the context of).

Common Collocations

交电费

查电费

省电费

欠电费

电费单

电费余额

阶梯电费

商业电费

分摊电费

缴纳电费

Common Phrases

水电费自理

— Utilities are paid by the tenant themselves. Common in rental ads.

这间公寓房租便宜，但水电费自理。

电费翻倍

— The electricity bill has doubled. Used to express shock at high costs.

夏天一到，家里的电费就翻倍了。

催交电费

— To urge someone to pay their electricity bill. Usually done by property management.

物业又来催交电费了。

电费扣款

— Deduction of electricity fees from a bank account or digital wallet.

银行卡每个月会自动进行电费扣款。

电费补贴

— Electricity bill subsidy. Money provided to offset the cost of power.

低保户可以申请电费补贴。

电费通知

— Electricity bill notification. A message informing the user of the amount due.

我收到了一条电费通知短信。

电费标准

— Electricity fee standard/rate. The rules determining how much is charged.

不同城市的电费标准是不一样的。

预交电费

— To prepay electricity fees. Common in smart meter systems.

我先预交了五百块钱电费。

电费涨价

— Increase in electricity rates. A common topic of economic news.

大家都在讨论电费涨价的问题。

免电费

— Free of electricity charges. Often used in specific perks or deals.

新房入住前三个月免电费。

Often Confused With

电费 vs 电价 (diànjià)

Diànjià is the unit price (e.g., $0.10/kWh), while diànfèi is the total amount on the bill.

电费 vs 电钱 (diànqián)

A non-standard, colloquial way to say electricity money, avoid in formal settings.

电费 vs 话费 (huàfèi)

This is for phone bills/credit, don't mix it up with the electricity fee.

Idioms & Expressions

"省吃俭用"

— To live frugally; to save on food and expenses. Often used when someone is trying to save money, including on 电费.

他为了省电费，过着省吃俭用的生活。

Common

"精打细算"

— Careful calculation and strict budgeting. Often applied to household utilities.

主妇们总是精打细算，想办法省点电费。

Common

"入不敷出"

— Income does not cover expenses. Can be used if bills like 电费 are too high.

由于开支过大，他现在已经入不敷出了。

Literary

"开源节流"

— Increase income and reduce expenditure. Reducing 电费 is a form of '节流'.

公司为了生存，必须开源节流，减少电费开支。

Formal

"大手大脚"

— To spend money lavishly or wastefully. The opposite of saving on 电费.

他用电总是大手大脚，从不关灯。

Informal

"一贫如洗"

— As poor as if washed clean. Might be used hyperbolically after a huge bill.

交完这个月的电费，我就一贫如洗了。

Literary

"日积月累"

— Accumulate over a long period. Small savings on 电费 add up.

每天省一度电，日积月累也是一笔不少的钱。

Common

"斤斤计较"

— To haggle over every penny. Sometimes used when roommates argue over 电费.

他们为了几块钱电费斤斤计较。

Derogatory

"坐吃山空"

— To consume one's fortune without earning more. Used to warn about high expenses.

光交电费不赚钱，早晚会坐吃山空。

Common

"量入为出"

— Spend according to income. A principle for managing bills like 电费.

我们应该量入为出，合理控制电费支出。

Formal

Easily Confused

电费 vs 电费 (diànfèi)

Both relate to electricity and money.

Diànfèi is the bill you pay. Diànjià is the rate the company sets. You pay the diànfèi, but you complain about the diànjià.

虽然电价没变，但这个月的电费涨了。

电费 vs 水电费 (shuǐdiànfèi)

Often used interchangeably in rental contexts.

Shuǐdiànfèi is the collective term for water and electricity. Diànfèi is specific only to electricity.

我今天去交了水电费。

电费 vs 物业费 (wùyèfèi)

Both are paid to the apartment management.

Wùyèfèi covers security, cleaning, and maintenance. Diànfèi covers your personal power usage.

除了电费，还要交物业费。

电费 vs 燃气费 (ránqìfèi)

Both are household utilities.

Ránqìfèi is for gas (stove/heating), while diànfèi is for electricity.

家里没气了，得交燃气费。

电费 vs 网费 (wǎngfèi)

Both are monthly household bills.

Wǎngfèi is for internet service, diànfèi is for power.

网费和电费我都交了。

Sentence Patterns

我要交 [Utility].

我要交电费。

[Noun] 不包括 [Utility].

房租不包括电费。

为了 [Goal], [Action].

为了省电费，我们要关灯。

[Noun] 是按 [Criteria] 计算的。

电费是按度数计算的。

由于 [Reason], [Result].

由于天气热，电费涨了。

[Action] 是 [Person] 的义务。

缴纳电费是公民的义务。

[Factor] 旨在 [Purpose].

阶梯电价旨在节约用电。

[Noun] 被视为 [Metaphor].

电费被视为经济的晴雨表。

Word Family

Nouns

电力 (diànlì) - electric power

费用 (fèiyòng) - expense/cost

电表 (diànbiǎo) - electric meter

电费单 (diànfèidān) - electricity bill

Verbs

发电 (fādiàn) - to generate electricity

用电 (yòngdiàn) - to use electricity

省电 (shěngdiàn) - to save electricity

缴费 (jiǎofèi) - to pay a fee

Adjectives

费钱 (fèiqián) - costly/expensive

费电 (fèidiàn) - power-consuming

省电的 (shěngdiàn de) - energy-efficient

水费 (shuǐfèi)

网费 (wǎngfèi)

燃气费 (ránqìfèi)

物业费 (wùyèfèi)

话费 (huàfèi)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and household management.

Common Mistakes

Using '买电' (mǎi diàn) instead of '交电费'. → 交电费 (jiāo diànfèi)
While you are buying electricity, the standard expression is 'paying the fee'. '买电' is only used in some specific regional contexts with card-based meters.
Saying '电费很长' (diànfèi hěn cháng) for a high bill. → 电费很高 (diànfèi hěn gāo)
Bills are 'high' (高) or 'expensive' (贵), not 'long' (长).
Confusing '电费' with '电费单'. → 我收到了电费单。
You receive the 'bill' (the paper), but you owe the 'fee' (the money).
Using the measure word '个' for '电费单'. → 一张电费单 (yī zhāng diànfèidān)
Paper items like bills use the measure word '张'.
Saying '电费价钱' (diànfèi jiàqián). → 电费 (diànfèi) or 电价 (diànjià)
This is redundant. '电费' already implies the cost/money aspect.

Tips

Use the right verb

Always use '交' (jiāo) or '缴纳' (jiǎonà) for paying. Never use '买' (mǎi - buy) even though you are 'buying' power.

Watch the tiers

Be aware of '阶梯电价'. If you use a lot of power early in the year, your bill will get progressively more expensive toward the end of the year in some systems.

Save your User ID

Save your '用户编号' (User ID) in your phone's notes or favorite it in your payment app so you don't have to look for the paper bill every time.

Learn the sibling words

If you learn '电费', immediately learn '水费' (water) and '燃气费' (gas). They are almost always handled together.

Identify the sound

The two 4th tones in 'diànfèi' sound like two sharp chops. Practice saying it quickly and clearly.

Master the '费' character

The bottom part is '贝' (shell), which always relates to money. This helps you remember it's a financial term.

Read real bills

If you are in China, look at a physical '电费通知单'. It's a great way to learn terms like '度' (unit), '单价' (unit price), and '余额' (balance).

Ask for help

A great way to practice is asking a neighbor: '请问在哪里交电费？' (Excuse me, where do I pay the electricity bill?).

Lightning Fee

Remember: 电 is lightning. 费 is fee. It's your 'Lightning Fee'!

Avoid '电钱'

While people will understand '电钱', it sounds very informal and slightly uneducated. Stick to '电费' for standard Mandarin.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DIAN' as the sound of a spark and 'FEI' as the 'FE-e' you pay for that spark. DIAN-FEI = Spark-Fee.

Visual Association

Imagine a lightning bolt (电) hitting a pile of coins (费).

Word Web

电 (Electricity) 费 (Fee) 交 (Pay) 账单 (Bill) 贵 (Expensive) 空调 (AC) 灯 (Light) 钱 (Money)

Challenge

Try to find the '电费' section in a Chinese payment app like Alipay or WeChat today.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '电' (diàn) originally meant lightning. '费' (fèi) relates to spending currency, with the 'shell' radical (贝) indicating its financial nature.

Original meaning: The cost associated with the provision and consumption of electrical energy.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing '电费' with landlords; it can be a point of contention if the rates seem unfairly high.

In the West, electricity is often a monthly bill. In China, it's frequently a 'top-up' system where your power turns off if your balance hits zero.

Commonly mentioned in Chinese 'slice-of-life' TV dramas (生活剧) during scenes of household conflict. Featured in news reports about the 'State Grid' (国家电网). Mentioned in social media memes about the 'A/C lifestyle' in summer.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Renting an Apartment

水电费怎么算？
房租含电费吗？
我们要平摊电费。
电费单多久出一次？

Using a Payment App

点击‘电费’按钮。
输入用户编号。
查看往期电费。
电费余额充足。

Complaining about Costs

电费太吓人了！
肯定是空调费电。
电费怎么涨这么多？
得想办法省电费。

Talking to Property Management

我想交电费。
我的电费单丢了。
为什么我家停电了？
帮我查一下欠费。

Energy Saving

关灯能省电费。
买个节能冰箱省电费。
晚上用电电费便宜吗？
阶梯电费要注意。

Conversation Starters

"你这个月的电费是多少钱？ (How much is your electricity bill this month?)"

"你们家的电费是预付的还是后付的？ (Is your home's electricity bill prepaid or postpaid?)"

"夏天的时候，你家的电费会翻倍吗？ (Does your electricity bill double in the summer?)"

"你通常用什么方式交电费？支付宝还是微信？ (How do you usually pay your bill? Alipay or WeChat?)"

"你觉得现在的电费标准贵不贵？ (Do you think current electricity rates are expensive?)"

Journal Prompts

记录一下你这个月的电费支出，并分析一下为什么高或者低。 (Record your electricity bill this month and analyze why it's high or low.)

写一写你为了省电费而采取的三个措施。 (Write about three measures you took to save on your electricity bill.)

描述一次你忘记交电费的经历。 (Describe an experience when you forgot to pay your electricity bill.)

谈谈你对阶梯电费政策的看法。 (Talk about your views on the tiered electricity pricing policy.)

如果你是房东，你会如何向租户收取电费？ (If you were a landlord, how would you collect electricity fees from tenants?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Most people use Alipay or WeChat Pay. Go to 'Living Expenses' (生活缴费), select 'Electricity' (电费), enter your account number, and pay. You can also pay at property management offices or some banks.

It is a system where the price per unit of electricity increases as you use more. For example, the first 200 units might be cheap, but units 201-400 are more expensive. This is designed to encourage energy conservation.

Yes, as long as you have their 'User ID' (用户编号), you can add it to your payment app and pay for them. This is common for children helping elderly parents.

In a prepaid system, your power will automatically shut off when the balance is zero. In a postpaid system, you will receive reminders, and eventually, the power will be cut and you may owe a 'late fee' (滞纳金).

Air conditioning is the biggest consumer of electricity in most Chinese households. Using it frequently, especially on a 'tiered' system, causes the bill to spike significantly.

'交' (jiāo) is the general term for 'to pay.' '充' (chōng) specifically means 'to top up' or 'recharge,' used for prepaid smart meters.

You can check it on your payment app (Alipay/WeChat), on your smart meter display, or by calling the utility hotline (usually 95598 for State Grid).

Usually not. Most rental agreements state '水电费自理' (water and electricity are the tenant's responsibility). However, some serviced apartments or 'all-inclusive' rooms might include it.

Most roommates split the bill equally ('平摊'). If one person uses a high-power device like a mining rig or space heater, they might agree to pay a larger share.

In a city like Shanghai, it ranges from 50 to 150 RMB in mild weather, but can jump to 300-500 RMB in peak summer or winter months due to air conditioning.