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A2 noun 9 min read

经费

jīngfèi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 经费 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 经费 in your Level:

400+w

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

经费 in 30 Seconds

经费 (jīngfèi) means funds or expenditure.
It refers to money set aside for a specific purpose.
Used in business, education, government, and personal projects.
Key term for budgeting and financial planning.

The Chinese word 经费 (jīngfèi) is a noun that directly translates to 'funds' or 'expenditure' in English. It refers to the money allocated or spent for a specific purpose, project, activity, or organization. Think of it as the budget or financial resources set aside for something to happen.

People commonly use 经费 when discussing financial planning, budgeting, and the allocation of money in various contexts, from personal projects to large-scale organizational operations. It's a practical term used in everyday conversations about money management and resource distribution.

Usage Contexts: Business and Organizations: Companies allocate 经费 for marketing campaigns, research and development, employee salaries, and operational costs. Non-profit organizations use 经费 for their projects and charitable activities.; Government and Public Services: Governments allocate 经费 for public infrastructure, education, healthcare, defense, and social programs. This ensures that essential services are funded and maintained.; Education: Schools and universities use 经费 for academic programs, facility maintenance, student activities, and faculty salaries. Parents might discuss the 经费 for their children's extracurricular activities.; Personal Projects and Events: Individuals might talk about the 经费 for a wedding, a vacation, a home renovation, or a personal project like starting a small business. It's about the money they plan to spend.

Understanding 经费 is crucial for comprehending discussions about financial responsibility, resource management, and the practicalities of funding any endeavor. It's a word that signifies the financial backbone of any planned activity or ongoing operation.

这个项目需要大量的经费来支持研究和开发。

This project requires a large amount of funds to support research and development.

学校正在为新的图书馆建设筹集经费。

The school is raising funds for the construction of a new library.

如果没有足够的经费，这个计划就无法实施。

Without sufficient funds, this plan cannot be implemented.

Financial Planning: The term 经费 is central to financial planning. When an organization or individual plans an activity, they must consider the 经费 required. This involves estimating costs, securing funding, and managing the expenditure to ensure the project stays within its financial limits.

Resource Allocation: 经费 is essentially about resource allocation. It's about deciding where the money goes and how it will be used to achieve specific objectives. Effective management of 经费 ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Using 经费 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun representing designated funds or expenditures. It typically appears in sentences discussing budgets, financial needs, spending, and funding sources.

Here are some common sentence structures and examples:

Subject + Verb + 经费 (for/to do something): This structure highlights who or what is responsible for the funds or how they are being used.

政府增加了教育经费。

The government increased educational funds.

公司削减了研发经费。

The company cut R&D expenditure.

需要/需要...经费 (Need/Require...funds): This indicates a requirement for funds.

这个项目需要大量的经费。

This project requires a large amount of funds.

我们需要为这次活动准备足够的经费。

We need to prepare sufficient funds for this event.

...的经费 (...'s funds/expenditure): This shows possession or association of funds with a specific entity or purpose.

这是学校的年度经费预算。

This is the school's annual budget expenditure.

请提交您的差旅经费报销申请。

Please submit your travel expense reimbursement application.

申请/批准/分配经费 (Apply for/Approve/Allocate funds): These verbs are commonly used with 经费 in administrative or planning contexts.

他们正在为这个新项目申请研究经费。

They are applying for research funds for this new project.

董事会批准了市场的经费。

The board approved the marketing funds.

如果没有额外的经费，我们只能维持现状。

Without additional funds, we can only maintain the status quo.

他负责管理部门的经费。

He is responsible for managing the department's funds.

You'll encounter the word 经费 (jīngfèi) in a wide range of real-life situations, particularly where financial matters are being discussed. It's a staple in professional, academic, and even some more serious personal contexts.

Business Meetings and Reports: In corporate settings, 经费 is frequently used when discussing budgets, financial performance, and investment plans. You might hear executives talking about 'project 经费', 'marketing 经费', or 'operational 经费'. Financial reports will often detail the allocation and expenditure of 经费.

我们必须严格控制这次活动的经费。

We must strictly control the funds for this event.

Academic and Research Institutions: Universities and research centers rely heavily on 经费. Discussions about grant proposals, departmental budgets, and research funding will invariably involve this term. Professors might discuss the 经费 available for their research projects, and students might hear about the 经费 allocated for student activities.

这项研究的经费来自国家科学基金会。

The funds for this research come from the National Science Foundation.

Government and Public Policy Discussions: When governments discuss budgets, public spending, or allocate resources to different sectors like healthcare, education, or infrastructure, 经费 is a core term. News reports on government spending will often feature discussions about 经费 allocated to various ministries or projects.

政府承诺增加对环保项目的经费投入。

The government promised to increase funding for environmental protection projects.

Non-Profit and Charity Work: Organizations dedicated to social causes rely on donations and grants, which are then managed as 经费. Discussions about how these funds are used to achieve charitable goals will involve this term.

募捐活动旨在为孤儿院筹集经费。

The fundraising event aims to raise funds for the orphanage.

我们部门的经费预算非常紧张。

Our department's budget expenditure is very tight.

While 经费 (jīngfèi) is a straightforward noun, learners might make a few common mistakes that affect clarity and naturalness in their speech and writing.

Confusing 经费 with general 'money' (钱 qián): Mistake: Using 经费 when simply referring to money in general, like 'I have money' (我有钱 wǒ yǒu qián). 经费 specifically refers to funds allocated for a particular purpose or expenditure.; Correct Usage: 经费 is used when talking about budgets, project funding, or specific spending. For example, 'This project requires a lot of funds' (这个项目需要很多经费 zhège xiàngmù xūyào hěn duō jīngfèi), not 'This project needs a lot of money' (这个项目需要很多钱 zhège xiàngmù xūyào hěn duō qián) if you mean designated funds.

Incorrect: 我今天花了好多经费买东西。

Incorrect: I spent a lot of funds today buying things.

Correct: 我今天花了好多钱买东西。

Correct: I spent a lot of money today buying things.

Using 经费 as a verb: Mistake: Attempting to use 经费 as a verb, like 'to fund' or 'to spend money on'. 经费 is strictly a noun.; Correct Usage: To express the action of funding or spending, you would use other verbs. For example, 'to allocate funds' might be 拨款 (bōkuǎn) or 安排经费 (ānpái jīngfèi), and 'to spend money' is 花钱 (huā qián).

Incorrect: 我们需要经费这个项目。

Incorrect: We need to fund this project (using 经费 as a verb).

Correct: 我们需要为这个项目拨款。

Correct: We need to allocate funds for this project.

Correct: 我们需要为这个项目提供经费。

Correct: We need to provide funds for this project.

Overuse in informal contexts: Mistake: Using 经费 in very casual, everyday conversations where simpler terms like 钱 (qián) or 费用 (fèiyong - cost/fee) would be more natural.; Correct Usage: While 经费 can be used in a semi-formal personal context (e.g., 'the funds for my vacation'), it's less common for simple daily expenses. For instance, instead of saying 'I need 经费 for lunch', you'd say 'I need money for lunch' (我需要钱吃午饭 wǒ xūyào qián chī wǔfàn).

Incorrect: 我没经费买咖啡。

Incorrect: I don't have funds to buy coffee (too formal/specific for a casual purchase).

Correct: 我没钱买咖啡。

Correct: I don't have money to buy coffee.

While 经费 (jīngfèi) is the primary term for designated funds or expenditure, several other words share related meanings or can be used as alternatives depending on the context and nuance.

费用 (fèiyong): Meaning: Cost, fee, expense.; Comparison: 费用 refers to the amount of money required for something or the actual cost incurred. It's often more about the price of a service or good, or a general expense. 经费 is about the allocated money pool for a project or activity, which might cover various 费用.; Example:; - 交通费用很高。(Jiāotōng fèiyong hěn gāo.) - The transportation costs are very high.; - 这个项目的经费足够支付所有费用。(Zhège xiàngmù de jīngfèi zúgòu zhīfù suǒyǒu fèiyong.) - The funds for this project are sufficient to cover all expenses.

预算 (yùsuàn): Meaning: Budget.; Comparison: 预算 is the plan for how 经费 will be spent. It's the approved allocation of funds. 经费 is the actual money itself or the expenditure, while 预算 is the forecast or plan for that money.; Example:; - 我们需要制定一个详细的预算。(Wǒmen xūyào zhìdìng yīgè xiángxì de yùsuàn.) - We need to create a detailed budget.; - 这个项目的预算是多少？(Zhège xiàngmù de yùsuàn shì duōshao?) - What is the budget for this project?; - 经费必须在预算范围内使用。(Jīngfèi bìxū zài yùsuàn fànwéi nèi shǐyòng.) - Funds must be used within the budget.

资金 (zījīn): Meaning: Funds, capital, money (often in a larger or more formal sense).; Comparison: 资金 is a broader term for money or capital available for investment or use. 经费 is a more specific term for funds allocated for a particular purpose or project. You might secure 资金 to then allocate as 经费.; Example:; - 公司正在寻求新的资金。(Gōngsī zhèngzài xúnqiú xīn de zījīn.) - The company is seeking new capital.; - 这笔资金将用于支持各项研究经费。(Zhè bǐ zījīn jiāng yòng yú zhīchí gè xiàng yánjiū jīngfèi.) - This capital will be used to support various research funds.

开支 (kāizhī): Meaning: Expenditure, spending, expense.; Comparison: 开支 is very similar to 费用 and often refers to the actual act or amount of spending. It's the outflow of money. 经费 is the pool of money allocated for spending, and 开支 is how that money is used.; Example:; - 减少不必要的开支。(Jiǎnshǎo bù bìyào de kāizhī.) - Reduce unnecessary expenditures.; - 经费的开支需要详细记录。(Jīngfèi de kāizhī xūyào xiángxì jìlù.) - The expenditure of funds needs to be recorded in detail.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '精 (jīng)' also appears in words like 精神 (jīngshén - spirit, mind) and 精华 (jīnghuá - essence, quintessence), highlighting its connotation of something vital or refined. The character '费 (fèi)' is common in words related to spending and cost, such as 消费 (xiāofèi - consumption) and 费用 (fèiyong - cost).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒɪŋ˥ fɛɪ̯˥/

US /dʒɪŋ˥ fɛɪ̯˥/

Both syllables carry a high, stressed tone, making them equally prominent.

Rhymes With

景敬竞境姓费绘贵队泪

Common Errors

Incorrect tones: Pronouncing 'jīng' or 'fèi' with flat or falling tones can change the meaning or sound unnatural.
Weak enunciation: Not pronouncing the tones clearly can lead to misunderstanding.
Confusing with similar-sounding words: While less common for 经费, mispronouncing tones can lead to confusion with other words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

CEFR A2 level. The word is common in everyday contexts and straightforward to understand when read in sentences related to budgets and spending.

Writing 2/5

CEFR A2 level. Learners should be able to use it correctly in simple sentences describing allocated money.

Speaking 2/5

CEFR A2 level. Can be used in basic conversations about personal or project finances.

Listening 2/5

CEFR A2 level. Easily recognizable when heard in contexts of money and spending.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

钱 (qián - money) 花 (huā - to spend) 用 (yòng - to use) 项目 (xiàngmù - project) 公司 (gōngsī - company)

Learn Next

预算 (yùsuàn - budget) 费用 (fèiyong - cost, fee) 资金 (zījīn - funds, capital) 开支 (kāizhī - expenditure) 拨款 (bōkuǎn - to allocate funds)

Advanced

财政 (cáizhèng - finance, fiscal) 经济 (jīngjì - economy) 投资 (tóuzī - investment) 盈利 (yínglì - profit) 亏损 (kuīsǔn - loss)

Grammar to Know

Using measure words with nouns.

一笔经费 (yī bǐ jīngfèi) - a sum of funds. While 经费 is uncountable, it can be quantified with measure words like '笔' (bǐ) for sums of money.

Using adjectives before nouns.

充足的经费 (chōngzú de jīngfèi) - sufficient funds. Adjectives like '充足' (sufficient), '大量' (large amount), '有限' (limited) modify 经费.

Using prepositions with verbs.

为项目申请经费 (wèi xiàngmù shēnqǐng jīngfèi) - apply for funds for the project. Prepositions like '为' (for) indicate the purpose or recipient of the funds.

Noun phrases with '的'.

公司的经费 (gōngsī de jīngfèi) - the company's funds. The possessive particle '的' is used to show ownership or association.

Using verbs with 经费.

管理经费 (guǎnlǐ jīngfèi) - manage funds. Verbs like '申请' (apply for), '分配' (allocate), '管理' (manage), '削减' (cut) are commonly used with 经费.

Examples by Level

学校有活动经费。

School has activity funds.

Simple noun usage.

这是我的旅行经费。

These are my travel funds.

Possessive usage.

我们需要经费。

We need funds.

Basic need statement.

项目经费是多少？

How much are the project funds?

Question about quantity.

爸爸给了我一些经费。

Dad gave me some funds.

Giving/receiving funds.

这个活动没有经费。

This event has no funds.

Negation.

请管理好你的经费。

Please manage your funds well.

Imperative command.

我需要为生日派对准备经费。

I need to prepare funds for the birthday party.

Purposeful preparation.

公司为新项目提供了充足的经费。

The company provided ample funds for the new project.

Using adjectives with 经费.

我们必须在预算内使用这笔经费。

We must use these funds within the budget.

Prepositional phrase indicating limitation.

政府增加了对教育的经费投入。

The government increased its investment in educational funds.

Verb + 经费.

如果没有足够的经费，这个计划就无法实施。

Without sufficient funds, this plan cannot be implemented.

Conditional clause.

他负责管理部门的年度经费。

He is responsible for managing the department's annual funds.

Possessive and temporal modifiers.

请提交您的差旅经费报销申请。

Please submit your travel expense reimbursement application.

Formal request context.

学校正在为新的实验室筹集经费。

The school is raising funds for a new laboratory.

Action verb + 经费.

这次活动的主要经费来自赞助商。

The main funds for this event come from sponsors.

Source of funds.

公司决定削减非必要项目的经费。

The company decided to cut funds for non-essential projects.

Using adjectives to specify the type of funds.

为了完成这个研究，我们需要申请更多的经费。

To complete this research, we need to apply for more funds.

Purpose clause with 经费.

政府在环保方面的经费投入逐年增加。

The government's investment in environmental protection funds has increased year by year.

Temporal and thematic specification of funds.

这项工程的经费预算超出了预期。

The budget for this engineering project has exceeded expectations.

Linking 经费 with 预算 (budget).

他成功地为他的创业公司争取到了早期经费。

He successfully secured seed funding for his startup company.

Action verb indicating successful acquisition of funds.

在分配经费时，必须考虑项目的长期效益。

When allocating funds, the long-term benefits of the project must be considered.

Gerundial phrase for context.

由于经济衰退，许多机构面临经费短缺的问题。

Due to the economic recession, many institutions are facing a shortage of funds.

Describing a state of lack of funds.

艺术家们呼吁政府增加文化艺术领域的经费。

Artists are calling on the government to increase funds for the cultural and arts sector.

Advocacy and specific sector funding.

该大学的科研经费主要来源于政府拨款和企业捐赠。

The university's research and development funds primarily come from government grants and corporate donations.

Specifying multiple sources of funds.

在制定下一年度的财务计划时，我们必须优先考虑核心业务的经费需求。

When formulating next year's financial plan, we must prioritize the funding needs of core business operations.

Complex sentence structure with financial planning context.

尽管面临经费压力，项目团队仍致力于按时完成目标。

Despite facing funding pressure, the project team remains committed to completing the goals on time.

Concessive clause indicating challenge.

对公共卫生体系的经费投入不足是导致其效率低下的一个重要原因。

Insufficient investment in the public health system is a significant reason for its low efficiency.

Causal relationship with funding.

公司正在重新评估其广告宣传活动的经费分配策略。

The company is reassessing its funding allocation strategy for advertising campaigns.

Sophisticated vocabulary for financial strategy.

为了确保项目的可持续性，我们需要建立一个稳定的经费来源。

To ensure the project's sustainability, we need to establish a stable source of funding.

Focus on long-term funding stability.

审计报告指出，部分经费的使用存在不当之处。

The audit report indicated that the use of some funds was improper.

Formal reporting and accountability.

随着技术的进步，许多初创企业能够以更低的初始经费启动。

With technological advancements, many startups can launch with lower initial funding.

Economic and technological context.

该非营利组织的核心使命是为弱势群体争取更多的社会福利经费。

The core mission of this non-profit organization is to advocate for increased social welfare funds for disadvantaged groups.

Complex sentence with abstract concepts like 'mission' and 'advocacy'.

在讨论国家财政赤字问题时，对政府部门经费的审慎评估至关重要。

When discussing the issue of the national fiscal deficit, a prudent assessment of government department funding is crucial.

Formal political and economic discourse.

企业社会责任的履行需要有明确的经费保障和有效的监管机制。

The fulfillment of corporate social responsibility requires clear financial guarantees and effective oversight mechanisms.

Abstract concepts of responsibility, guarantee, and mechanism.

文化遗产的保护与修复工作往往面临资金匮乏的困境，亟需社会各界的经费支持。

The protection and restoration of cultural heritage often face the predicament of funding scarcity, urgently requiring financial support from all sectors of society.

Elevated vocabulary and complex sentence structure.

研究表明，对早期儿童教育的经费投入能够带来长远且显著的社会经济效益。

Research indicates that investment in early childhood education funds can yield long-term and significant socio-economic benefits.

Academic and research-oriented language.

在制定国际援助政策时，如何确保发展中国家获得充足且可持续的经费支持是一个复杂的问题。

When formulating international aid policies, ensuring that developing countries receive adequate and sustainable funding is a complex issue.

Global policy and complex problem-solving.

该基金会的运作模式高度依赖于捐赠者持续稳定的经费注入。

The foundation's operational model relies heavily on continuous and stable funding injections from donors.

Business model and operational dependency.

城市基础设施的更新换代需要巨额的公共及私人经费。

The renewal and upgrading of urban infrastructure require enormous public and private funding.

Large-scale development and diverse funding sources.

在全球经济一体化的浪潮中，跨国企业在资源配置和经费管理方面面临着前所未有的挑战与机遇。

Amidst the wave of global economic integration, multinational corporations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in resource allocation and fund management.

Advanced economic and business terminology.

政府在制定宏观经济调控政策时，必须审慎考量财政收支的平衡，以及各项公共事业的经费保障机制。

When formulating macroeconomic control policies, the government must prudently consider the balance of fiscal revenue and expenditure, as well as the funding guarantee mechanisms for various public services.

Highly formal and technical economic discourse.

可持续发展目标的实现，离不开各国在环保、教育、医疗等关键领域持续、充足的经费投入。

The achievement of sustainable development goals is inseparable from continuous and sufficient funding investment by all countries in key areas such as environmental protection, education, and healthcare.

Complex sentence structure linking global goals with funding.

该研究机构的独立性，在很大程度上取决于其能否摆脱单一经费来源的束缚，实现多元化资金的募集。

The independence of this research institution largely depends on its ability to break free from the constraints of a single funding source and achieve diversified capital raising.

Abstract concepts of independence and diversified funding.

在评估一项大型基础设施项目的可行性时，对项目全生命周期的经费需求进行详尽的预测和分析是不可或缺的环节。

When assessing the feasibility of a large-scale infrastructure project, a detailed forecast and analysis of the project's funding needs throughout its entire lifecycle is an indispensable step.

Technical project management and financial forecasting.

艺术创作的自由度，往往与其所能获得的经费支持形成一种微妙的张力关系。

The degree of freedom in artistic creation often forms a subtle tension with the funding support it can obtain.

Philosophical and artistic context with financial implications.

国家层面的科技创新体系建设，需要系统性的顶层设计和长期稳定的经费保障。

The construction of a national-level scientific and technological innovation system requires systematic top-level design and long-term stable funding guarantees.

High-level policy and strategic planning.

对文化产业的扶持政策，其有效性很大程度上取决于政府能否提供足够且灵活的经费支持，以应对市场变化。

The effectiveness of support policies for the cultural industry largely depends on whether the government can provide sufficient and flexible funding support to cope with market changes.

Policy evaluation and market adaptability.

Common Collocations

充足的经费

大量的经费

有限的经费

申请经费

分配经费

削减经费

增加经费

管理经费

经费不足

经费预算

Common Phrases

申请经费

— To apply for funds. This is a common action in research, business, and non-profit sectors.

科学家们正在为他们的实验申请经费。

削减经费

— To cut funding or reduce expenditure. Often used in contexts of budget cuts or financial difficulties.

学校面临财政困难，不得不削减一些课程的经费。

增加经费

— To increase funding or expenditure. Usually indicates an expansion of activities or priorities.

政府决定增加对医疗保健的经费投入。

经费不足

— Lack of sufficient funds or insufficient funding. A common problem in many projects and organizations.

由于经费不足，很多有潜力的项目无法启动。

管理经费

— To manage funds or expenditure. Refers to the process of budgeting, allocating, and overseeing the use of money.

项目经理需要有效地管理项目经费。

经费来源

— Source of funds. Refers to where the money comes from (e.g., government, donations, investment).

我们需要找到稳定的经费来源。

经费预算

— Budget for funds or expenditure. The plan detailing how funds will be used.

请提交下一季度的经费预算。

项目经费

— Project funds. The money specifically allocated for a particular project.

这个项目经费已经用完。

研究经费

— Research funds. Money allocated for scientific or academic research.

他获得了大量的研究经费。

运营经费

— Operational funds. Money required to run an organization or business on a day-to-day basis.

公司需要支付员工工资和办公室租金等运营经费。

Often Confused With

经费 vs 费用 (fèiyong)

费用 refers to costs or fees, the price of something. 经费 refers to the allocated funds to cover those costs. You use 经费 to pay for 费用.

经费 vs 钱 (qián)

钱 is the general word for money. 经费 is specifically money designated for a particular purpose or expenditure.

经费 vs 预算 (yùsuàn)

预算 is the plan for spending money. 经费 is the money itself or the expenditure. The 预算 guides how the 经费 is used.

Idioms & Expressions

"量入为出"

— To live within one's means; to spend according to one's income. While not directly containing 经费, it's a principle related to managing funds wisely.

我们应该量入为出，合理规划我们的经费。

General

"开源节流"

— To increase income and reduce expenditure. This idiom directly relates to managing 经费 effectively by both increasing available funds and reducing spending.

为了改善公司财务状况，我们需要开源节流，并优化经费的使用。

Business/Financial

"捉襟见肘"

— To have one's clothes worn out at the lapel and elbow; to be in financial straits; to be unable to make ends meet. This describes a situation of severe lack of funds.

由于经费严重不足，这个部门已经捉襟见肘了。

Figurative/Informal

"坐吃山空"

— To live idly and spend all one's fortune; to deplete one's savings without earning. This describes the unsustainable spending of funds without replenishment.

如果只花不赚，早晚会坐吃山空，经费也会耗尽。

Figurative

"囊中羞涩"

— To be short of money; to have little money in one's purse. Similar to 捉襟见肘, it describes a lack of funds.

因为经费有限，这次旅行我只能选择经济型的住宿。

Figurative/Informal

"一掷千金"

— To spend money lavishly; to throw away money. Describes extravagant spending, often of large amounts of 经费.

他对待经费的态度是一掷千金，从不考虑后果。

Figurative

"精打细算"

— To budget carefully; to economize. The opposite of extravagant spending, focusing on careful management of 经费.

我们需要精打细算，确保每一分经费都用在刀刃上。

General

"入不敷出"

— Expenses exceed income; unable to make ends meet. Similar to 捉襟见肘 and 坐吃山空, it describes a deficit in funds.

如果经费的开支总是大于收入，就会入不敷出。

Financial

"大手大脚"

— Extravagant; prodigal. Similar to 一掷千金, describes generous and often wasteful spending of 经费.

他花钱总是大手大脚，经费很快就没了。

Informal

"精打细磨"

— To refine and polish meticulously; to work with great care. While not directly about money, it implies careful use of resources, including 经费, for quality.

这个项目需要精打细磨，确保经费都花在最关键的环节上。

Figurative

Easily Confused

经费 vs 费用

Both relate to money and spending.

经费 refers to the allocated funds or money set aside for a purpose, like a project budget. 费用 refers to the actual costs or expenses incurred for goods, services, or activities. You need 经费 to cover 费用.

为了支付旅费用，我需要一些旅行经费。

经费 vs 钱

Both are terms for money.

钱 is the general term for money. 经费 is money designated or allocated for a specific purpose or expenditure. For instance, you have 钱 in your pocket, but you might have 经费 for a specific project.

我需要经费来完成这个项目，而不是一般的钱。

经费 vs 预算

Both are related to financial planning and spending.

预算 is a plan or an estimate of expected income and expenditure for a given period. 经费 is the actual money allocated or spent according to that plan. The 预算 tells you how much 经费 you have or need.

我们的经费必须符合预算。

经费 vs 资金

Both refer to financial resources.

资金 is a more general term for capital or funds available, often in larger amounts or for investment. 经费 is more specific to funds allocated for a particular project, operation, or expenditure. You might raise 资金 to then allocate as 经费.

公司正在筹集资金，用于扩大生产经费。

经费 vs 开支

Both relate to the outflow of money.

开支 refers to the act or amount of spending, the expenditure itself. 经费 is the pool of money that is being spent or allocated for spending. 经费 is the source, and 开支 is how it is used.

我们需要控制经费的开支。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 有/没 + 经费 + (for X)

学校有活动经费。

Subject + 需要 + 经费

我需要经费。

Subject + 为 + X + 提供/增加 + 经费

公司为项目提供了经费。

Subject + 在 + X + 方面 + 投入 + 经费

政府在教育方面投入经费。

如果/没有 + 足够的 + 经费, + Clause

如果没有足够的经费，计划就无法实施。

Subject + 负责 + 管理 + 经费

他负责管理部门的经费。

Subject + 面临 + 经费 + 问题/短缺

许多机构面临经费短缺的问题。

Subject + 来源于 + X + 的 + 经费

科研经费来源于政府拨款。

Word Family

Nouns

经费

费用

预算

资金

开支

拨款

How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes

Using 经费 for general money. → Using 钱 (qián) for general money and 经费 for allocated funds.
Learners often use 经费 when simply referring to money they have or spend casually. 经费 specifically denotes money set aside or spent for a defined purpose, like a project or event. For everyday money, 钱 is the correct term.
Treating 经费 as a verb. → Using verbs like 申请 (apply), 分配 (allocate), or 管理 (manage) with 经费 as a noun.
经费 is a noun. Learners might mistakenly try to use it as a verb, meaning 'to fund'. The correct way to express this action is by using verbs like 拨款 (bōkuǎn - to allocate funds) or providing funding.
Confusing 经费 with 费用. → Using 经费 for allocated funds and 费用 for costs or expenses.
经费 is the money allocated to cover expenses. 费用 are the actual costs incurred. You need 经费 to pay for 费用. For example, 'The project needs funds (经费) to cover material costs (费用).'
Using 经费 in overly informal situations. → Using 钱 (qián) for casual, everyday spending and 经费 for more formal or specific financial allocations.
While technically possible, using 经费 for something like buying a coffee sounds overly formal or specific. For casual purchases, 钱 is the natural choice. 经费 is more suited for budgets, projects, or business expenses.
Ignoring the importance of tone. → Pronouncing both syllables of 经费 (jīngfèi) with clear, high, rising tones.
The tones are crucial in Chinese. Mispronouncing the tones for 'jīng' or 'fèi' can lead to misunderstanding or sound unnatural. Practicing the tones diligently is essential for accurate pronunciation.

Tips

Master the Tones

The tones for 经费 (jīngfèi) are both high and rising (jīng˥ fèi˥). Practicing these tones clearly is crucial for accurate pronunciation and understanding.

Distinguish from General 'Money'

Remember that 经费 is not just any money; it's money allocated for a specific purpose. If you're talking about general cash, use 钱 (qián). If it's for a project, budget, or specific expenditure, 经费 is more appropriate.

Learn Related Terms

Expand your understanding by learning related words like 预算 (yùsuàn - budget), 费用 (fèiyong - cost), and 资金 (zījīn - capital/funds). This will help you use 经费 more precisely.

Observe in Real Scenarios

Pay attention to how 经费 is used in news reports, business meetings, or financial discussions. This will provide real-world context and reinforce your understanding.

Construct Your Own Sentences

Actively create sentences using 经费 in various contexts – applying for funds, managing budgets, or describing project expenses. This active recall significantly aids memorization.

Visual Association

Create a mental image of 'essential gems' (精) being paid out (费) for a project. This visual aid can help recall the meaning and usage.

Understand Collocations

Learn common phrases like '申请经费' (apply for funds) and '经费不足' (lack of funds). These collocations are frequently used and will improve fluency.

Appreciate Financial Responsibility

Understand that in Chinese culture, careful management of 经费 is valued. This cultural context can help you grasp the importance and nuances of the word.

Listen for Purpose

When you hear 经费, ask yourself: 'What is this money for?' The answer will usually clarify the specific purpose, reinforcing the meaning of 经费.

Compare with Similar Words

Actively compare 经费 with 费用, 钱, and 预算. Understanding their differences and overlaps will prevent confusion and enhance precision in your language use.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'gem' (精 - jīng, sounds like gem) being carefully spent (费 - fèi, sounds like pay) on something important. The gem represents valuable, refined funds that are paid out for a specific purpose.

Visual Association

Picture a detailed budget spreadsheet with 'gem' icons (精) representing allocated funds, and a 'payment' symbol (费) indicating expenditure.

Word Web

Funds Expenditure Budget Allocation Spending Money Cost Finance Resources Project Organization

Challenge

Try to use 经费 in five different sentences describing how money is spent for various purposes, such as a personal trip, a company project, and a government initiative. Ensure you correctly distinguish it from the general word for money (钱).

Word Origin

The word 经费 is a compound word formed from two characters. '精 (jīng)' originally meant 'essence', 'spirit', or 'refined', and in this context, it implies 'essential' or 'refined' resources. '费 (fèi)' means 'expense' or 'cost'. Together, they represent the essential expenses or allocated funds.

Original meaning: Refined expenses or essential costs.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

When discussing 经费, especially in formal settings, it's important to be precise and respectful of financial matters. Inappropriate or wasteful spending of 经费 can be a sensitive topic.

In English-speaking contexts, 'funds', 'expenditure', 'budget', and 'funding' are common equivalents. The nuance of 经费 often aligns with 'allocated funds' or 'project budget'.

Government budget reports often detail 经费 allocations for various ministries and projects. Corporate annual reports discuss 经费 for R&D, marketing, and operations. News articles about educational institutions frequently mention 经费 for campus development or academic programs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Discussing a project's financial needs.

这个项目需要大量的经费。
我们申请了研究经费。
请管理好项目经费。

Talking about organizational budgets.

学校的年度经费是多少？
公司削减了运营经费。
我们需要增加宣传经费。

Personal financial planning.

这是我的旅行经费。
我的每月经费很有限。
请合理安排你的经费。

Government and public spending.

政府增加了教育经费。
公共卫生经费不足。
如何分配这些经费？

Explaining funding sources.

经费主要来自捐赠。
这笔经费是国家拨款的。
我们正在寻找新的经费来源。

Conversation Starters

"What are the main sources of funding for your organization?"

"How do you manage the budget for your personal projects?"

"Do you think government spending on education is sufficient?"

"What are some common challenges organizations face regarding their funding?"

"If you were to start a new project, what would be your first step in securing funds?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to manage a limited budget for a personal goal. What strategies did you use?

Imagine you are a finance minister. What would be your top priorities for allocating national funds?

Reflect on the importance of transparency in the management of public funds. What are the potential consequences of mismanagement?

Write about a hypothetical scenario where a company needs to significantly cut its expenditure. How should they decide where to reduce funding?

Consider the difference between 'money' and 'funds' (经费). When is it more appropriate to use 经费 instead of just 'money'?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

钱 (qián) is the general word for money. 经费 (jīngfèi) specifically refers to funds that are allocated or designated for a particular purpose, such as a project, an event, or an organization's operations. For example, you have money (钱) in your wallet, but a company has funds (经费) for marketing.

Yes, but usually in a more specific context. For instance, you might refer to 'travel funds' (旅行经费) or 'funds for a hobby' (爱好经费). It's less common for casual daily expenses where 钱 (qián) would be more appropriate. For example, you'd say 'I need money for lunch' (我需要钱吃午饭), not 'I need funds for lunch' (我需要经费吃午饭).

预算 (yùsuàn) is a budget, which is a plan for how funds will be spent. 经费 (jīngfèi) is the actual money or the expenditure itself. The budget (预算) outlines how the funds (经费) should be allocated and used.

Common actions include 申请经费 (apply for funds), 分配经费 (allocate funds), 管理经费 (manage funds), 削减经费 (cut funds), and 增加经费 (increase funds).

经费 is generally treated as an uncountable noun in Chinese, referring to the abstract concept of funds or expenditure. While you can talk about 'sums of funds' using measure words like 笔 (bǐ), the word itself doesn't typically take a plural form.

经费不足 (jīngfèi bùzú) means there is a lack of sufficient funds or funding. This indicates that the organization or project does not have enough money to cover its planned expenses or operations.

Yes, for example, discussing 'improper use of funds' (经费使用不当) or 'funding shortages' (经费短缺). It can also be used to describe wasteful spending, like '一掷千金' (spending lavishly).

Research often requires significant 经费 (research funds) to cover equipment, salaries, materials, and other operational costs. Researchers frequently need to apply for grants or secure funding to support their work.

经费 refers to the allocated money for a purpose, while 费用 refers to the actual costs or fees incurred. For example, a project might have a budget of 10,000 yuan in 经费, which is used to pay for various 费用 like materials and labor.

You would commonly hear 经费 in discussions about business, government budgets, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and financial planning for projects or events.