Something is considered 'huásuàn' when the benefits gained significantly outweigh the costs incurred.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cost-effective; good value for money.
- Implies a favorable balance of cost and benefit.
- Commonly used in shopping and daily decisions.
Overview
“划算”是一个形容词，用来形容某件事物或某种行为是否物有所值。它强调的是付出与回报之间的比例关系，当付出的成本（金钱、时间、精力等）相对较低，而获得的好处或满足感相对较高时，就可以说它是“划算的”。这个词语在日常生活中非常常用，尤其是在购物、消费和做决定时。
“划算”通常用来评价购买的商品、享受的服务、参与的活动，甚至是某种选择或策略。它可以单独使用，也可以与“很”、“非常”、“有点”、“不太”等副词连用，来表示程度。例如：“这件衣服打五折，很划算。”；“这次旅行虽然花了不少钱，但收获很大，我觉得很划算。”
**便宜 (piányi)**：指价格低廉。强调的是绝对的价格水平，不一定包含回报的考量。比如，一件质量很差但价格很低的商品可以说是“便宜”，但不一定是“划算”。
- 1值 (zhí)：常用于“值钱”、“不值”、“物有所值”等。“值”更侧重于物品本身的价值或某项行为的意义。例如，“这幅画很值钱”或“这件事很值得做”。“划算”则更侧重于交易或消费过程中的成本效益。
- 1实惠 (shíhuì)：指价格公道，能带来实际的好处。它与“划算”非常接近，但“实惠”更强调“实在的好处”，有时也指价格不高但质量不错。例如，“买一送一”的活动就非常“实惠”。“划算”则更强调“性价比”。
Examples
这家超市的东西经常打折，买起来特别划算。
everydayThe items in this supermarket are often on sale, making it very cost-effective to buy them.
考虑到课程的深度和老师的专业水平，这笔学费还是很划算的。
formalConsidering the depth of the course and the professionalism of the instructor, the tuition fee is quite worthwhile.
哎， last minute 订的机票虽然贵了点，但能赶上朋友婚礼，也算划算。
informalSigh, the last-minute flight ticket was a bit expensive, but being able to make it to my friend's wedding makes it worth it.
通过优化生产流程，公司成功降低了单位成本，实现了效益最大化，这是一次非常划算的战略调整。
academicBy optimizing the production process, the company successfully reduced unit costs and maximized profits; this was a highly cost-effective strategic adjustment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
买得真划算
What a great deal I got!
这个价格很划算
This price is very reasonable/cost-effective.
不划算
Not worth it; not cost-effective.
Often Confused With
'便宜' (piányi) simply means 'cheap' or 'inexpensive' in terms of price. '划算' (huásuàn) implies a good deal where the value received exceeds the cost, focusing on the cost-benefit ratio rather than just the low price.
'值' (zhí) often means 'worth' or 'valuable' (e.g., '不值' - not worth it, '物有所值' - worth the price). While related, '划算' specifically emphasizes the favorable comparison between cost and benefit in a transaction or action.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
1. '划算' is a very common and practical adjective in Mandarin Chinese. 2. It's frequently used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing purchases, deals, or making decisions. 3. While it can be used in slightly more formal settings, its core meaning relates to practical value and is most at home in informal and neutral registers.
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing '划算' (cost-effective) with merely '便宜' (cheap). A cheap item might not be '划算' if its quality is poor. 2. Overusing '划算' for situations where only price is a factor, without considering the overall value or benefit. 3. Using it in highly formal or literary contexts where a more sophisticated synonym might be preferred.
Tips
Think Value, Not Just Price
Remember 'huásuàn' is about value for money, not just low price. Consider quality, benefits, and long-term gains.
Beware of False Savings
Sometimes a seemingly cheap item isn't 'huásuàn' if its quality is poor or it doesn't meet your needs, leading to wasted money.
Bargaining Culture
In some contexts, seeking a 'huásuàn' deal might involve negotiation or bargaining, reflecting a cultural emphasis on getting the best possible value.
Word Origin
The word '划算' (huásuàn) originates from the idea of 'calculating' or 'settling accounts'. The character '划' (huá) here implies 'to plan' or 'to calculate', and '算' (suàn) means 'to count' or 'to compute'. Together, they suggest a process of assessment where the outcome is deemed beneficial or worthwhile.
Cultural Context
The concept of '划算' reflects a pragmatic approach to consumption and decision-making, valuing efficiency and good returns on investment, whether financial or otherwise. It aligns with a general cultural appreciation for thriftiness and smart spending.
Memory Tip
Think of '划算' (huásuàn) as 'drawing a calculation' (划 - draw/calculate, 算 - count/calculate) that results in a positive outcome – you calculated the costs and benefits, and it came out favorably for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“便宜”只指价格低，不一定代表质量好或性价比高。而“划算”则强调价格与价值的平衡，表示付出的成本带来了超值的回报，是物有所值的。
当你在购物、消费、选择服务或做任何决定时，如果觉得付出的成本（金钱、时间、精力）与获得的好处相比非常值得，就可以用“划算”来形容。
可以。如果投入的时间能够带来显著的、超出预期的回报或收益，也可以说这时间花得很“划算”。
“划算”通常是褒义词，因为它表达了对某项交易或选择的满意，认为自己得到了好的价值。
Test Yourself
这次打折力度很大，买这件衣服真是太______了！
句意是说购买衣服获得了很大的价值，所以用“划算”最合适。“便宜”只说明价格低，但没强调价值。“昂贵”和“浪费”意思相反。
“划算”最侧重于表达哪种含义？
“划算”的核心意思是成本效益高，即付出少，收获多，物超所值。
造句：
这个句子清晰地表达了尽管价格可能不低，但综合考虑了质量和功能后，认为其价值超过了成本，因此是“划算”的。
Score: /3
Summary
Something is considered 'huásuàn' when the benefits gained significantly outweigh the costs incurred.
- Cost-effective; good value for money.
- Implies a favorable balance of cost and benefit.
- Commonly used in shopping and daily decisions.
Think Value, Not Just Price
Remember 'huásuàn' is about value for money, not just low price. Consider quality, benefits, and long-term gains.
Beware of False Savings
Sometimes a seemingly cheap item isn't 'huásuàn' if its quality is poor or it doesn't meet your needs, leading to wasted money.
Bargaining Culture
In some contexts, seeking a 'huásuàn' deal might involve negotiation or bargaining, reflecting a cultural emphasis on getting the best possible value.
Examples
4 of 4这家超市的东西经常打折，买起来特别划算。
The items in this supermarket are often on sale, making it very cost-effective to buy them.
考虑到课程的深度和老师的专业水平，这笔学费还是很划算的。
Considering the depth of the course and the professionalism of the instructor, the tuition fee is quite worthwhile.
哎， last minute 订的机票虽然贵了点，但能赶上朋友婚礼，也算划算。
Sigh, the last-minute flight ticket was a bit expensive, but being able to make it to my friend's wedding makes it worth it.
通过优化生产流程，公司成功降低了单位成本，实现了效益最大化，这是一次非常划算的战略调整。
By optimizing the production process, the company successfully reduced unit costs and maximized profits; this was a highly cost-effective strategic adjustment.
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