At the A1 level, you don't need to know the complex economic theory behind 通货膨胀. You can think of it as a fancy way to say 'everything is becoming more expensive.' Imagine you have 10 Yuan. Last year, you could buy two apples with it. This year, you can only buy one apple. Why? Because the 'money' (通货) has 'expanded' or 'swollen' (膨胀) in number but decreased in value. In very simple Chinese, we often just say '东西贵了' (things are expensive). But as you learn more, you will hear this word on the news. Just remember: 通货 = money, 膨胀 = getting bigger. When money gets 'too big' in the system, it loses its power to buy things. This explanation helps A1 learners associate a big, scary word with a simple everyday experience: the price of snacks going up.
For A2 learners, 通货膨胀 is an important word to recognize in news headlines. At this stage, you should understand that it is a noun used to describe a general trend in the economy. You might see it in sentences like '这里的通货膨胀很严重' (The inflation here is very serious). You should start to distinguish between 'one thing getting expensive' and 'everything getting expensive.' A2 learners can use this word to sound more professional when talking about their travels or living costs in different countries. It is a 'level up' from saying '物价高' (high prices). Think of it as the 'scientific name' for why your wallet feels lighter even when it's full of bills.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 通货膨胀 in sentences and understand its impact on daily life. You are expected to know common collocations like '通货膨胀率' (inflation rate) and '应对通货膨胀' (cope with inflation). You should understand that inflation is a process that affects 'purchasing power' (购买力). For example, '通货膨胀降低了人们的购买力' (Inflation has reduced people's purchasing power). B1 learners should be able to discuss simple causes, such as '政府印了太多钱' (the government printed too much money). This word is a key part of the HSK 4 and 5 vocabulary, making it essential for intermediate learners who want to read Chinese newspapers or watch the news.
B2 learners should have a nuanced understanding of 通货膨胀. You should be able to discuss its different types, such as '温和的' (mild) versus '恶性的' (hyper/malignant). You should also be able to use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as '随着通货膨胀的加剧...' (As inflation intensifies...). At this level, you should understand the relationship between inflation and other economic factors like '利率' (interest rates) and '就业' (employment). You might participate in a debate about whether a certain policy will '导致通货膨胀.' You are no longer just recognizing the word; you are using it as a tool to analyze and discuss social and economic issues in Mandarin.
At the C1 level, 通货膨胀 is a core concept for professional and academic discourse. You should be familiar with technical terms like '通货膨胀预期' (inflation expectations), '输入型通货膨胀' (imported inflation), and '通货膨胀压力' (inflationary pressure). You should be able to read and summarize complex financial reports that analyze the 'CPI' (Consumer Price Index) and its implications for '货币政策' (monetary policy). A C1 learner can explain the 'wage-price spiral' in Chinese and discuss how '通货膨胀' affects different social strata differently. Your use of the word should be precise, and you should be able to use its shortened form '通胀' naturally in professional contexts.
For C2 learners, 通货膨胀 is a concept you can discuss with the depth of a native-speaking economist. You can analyze the historical context of inflation in China, such as the period in the late 1940s or the reforms of the 1980s. You understand the subtle differences between '通货膨胀' and related phenomena like '资产泡沫' (asset bubbles) or '流动性过剩' (excess liquidity). You can critique government interventions and discuss the '菲利普斯曲线' (Phillips Curve) in Mandarin. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a gateway to high-level intellectual exchange regarding global finance, historical cycles, and the philosophical nature of value and currency.

通货膨胀 in 30 Seconds

  • 通货膨胀 (Inflation) means prices go up and money value goes down.
  • It is a formal economic term used in news and academic settings.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '导致' (lead to) or '抑制' (curb).
  • It is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in modern economies.

The term 通货膨胀 (tōnghuò péngzhàng) is a formal economic expression used to describe the phenomenon where the general level of prices for goods and services rises, and subsequently, the purchasing power of currency falls. To understand this word deeply, one must look at its components: 通货 (tōnghuò) refers to 'currency' or 'money in circulation,' and 膨胀 (péngzhàng) means 'to expand' or 'to swell.' Literally, it describes a situation where the money supply 'swells' beyond the actual value of goods available, leading to a decrease in what each unit of money can buy. In daily life, while people might simply say 'prices are going up' (物价上涨), 通货膨胀 is the technical term you will encounter in news broadcasts, financial newspapers, and academic discussions. It is used when discussing the macroeconomy, government policy, or the long-term cost of living.

Formal Usage
Used in news reports: '国家统计局发布了上个月的通货膨胀数据' (The National Bureau of Statistics released last month's inflation data).

由于严重的通货膨胀,这里的物价在一年内翻了一倍。(Due to severe inflation, prices here doubled within a year.)

Economists often distinguish between different levels of this phenomenon. For instance, a low and steady rate is often seen as a sign of a healthy, growing economy, as it encourages consumers to buy now rather than wait. However, when it becomes 'hyperinflation' (恶性通货膨胀), it can lead to economic collapse. People use this word most frequently when complaining about the rising cost of eggs, pork, or housing in a broader economic context. It is not just about one item getting expensive; it is about the systemic trend of money losing its value. If you are at a dinner party discussing why your salary doesn't seem to cover as much as it did five years ago, using the term 通货膨胀 adds a layer of intellectual depth to your observation.

政府正在采取措施抑制通货膨胀。(The government is taking measures to curb inflation.)

Economic Context
Discussing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) often leads to a discussion about inflation levels.

Culturally, in China, the memory of historical periods of high inflation often leads to a strong societal preference for 'hard assets' like real estate or gold. When people discuss 通货膨胀, they are often expressing a deep-seated concern about the erosion of their life savings. It is a word that carries weight, anxiety, and a call for fiscal prudence. Whether you are a student of Chinese finance or just someone trying to understand why a bowl of noodles costs more today than it did last year, mastering this term is essential for high-level literacy in modern Mandarin.

在全球化的背景下,通货膨胀往往具有传导性。(In the context of globalization, inflation often has a transmissive effect.)

投资者通常购买黄金来抵御通货膨胀。(Investors usually buy gold to hedge against inflation.)

Daily Observation
If you notice your 100 RMB bill buys fewer groceries than before, you are witnessing the effects of 通货膨胀.

Using 通货膨胀 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It often functions as the subject or object of a sentence, and is frequently modified by adjectives like '严重的' (yánzhòng de - severe), '温和的' (wēnhé de - mild), or '持续的' (chíxù de - sustained). Because it is a formal term, it is usually paired with formal verbs such as '导致' (dǎozhì - to lead to), '引起' (yǐnqǐ - to cause), '抑制' (yìzhì - to curb/restrain), or '应对' (yìngduì - to cope with). In professional writing, you will see it combined with other nouns to form compound concepts like '通货膨胀率' (inflation rate) or '通货膨胀压力' (inflationary pressure).

Verb Pairing
Common verbs: 导致 (lead to), 抑制 (suppress), 缓解 (alleviate), 抵御 (hedge against).

由于原材料价格上涨,企业面临着巨大的通货膨胀压力。(Due to the rising cost of raw materials, enterprises are facing huge inflationary pressure.)

When constructing a sentence, remember that 通货膨胀 is an abstract concept. You don't 'buy' or 'sell' inflation; you experience it or manage it. For example, if you want to say 'Inflation is making life difficult,' you would say '通货膨胀让生活变得困难.' If you want to talk about the cause, you might say '过度印钞会导致通货膨胀' (Excessive printing of money will lead to inflation). Notice how the word maintains its formal tone even when discussing personal difficulties. It shifts the conversation from a simple complaint about prices to a structural economic critique.

目前的通货膨胀率已经超出了中央银行的预期目标。(The current inflation rate has exceeded the central bank's target.)

Adjective Modifiers
Use '恶性' (malignant/hyper) for extreme cases and '温和' (mild) for manageable levels.

In a comparative sense, you can discuss how different countries handle 通货膨胀 differently. '与去年相比,今年的通货膨胀有所缓解' (Compared to last year, this year's inflation has eased somewhat). Here, '缓解' (huǎnjiě) is a sophisticated verb choice that fits the formal register of the noun. If you are writing a business report or an essay for a Chinese proficiency exam like the HSK, using these specific collocations will significantly boost your score. It shows you understand not just the word, but the linguistic ecosystem it inhabits.

高额的债务和持续的通货膨胀是该国经济面临的两大难题。(High debt and sustained inflation are the two major problems facing the country's economy.)

我们必须考虑通货膨胀对退休金实际购买力的影响。(We must consider the impact of inflation on the actual purchasing power of pensions.)

Subject/Object usage
Subject: 通货膨胀正在加剧。 Object: 我们要控制通货膨胀。

You will encounter 通货膨胀 in several specific environments. First and foremost is the world of **financial news**. Whether it is CCTV Finance (CCTV-2) or digital platforms like Caixin, the word is a staple. Anchors will discuss the 'CPI' (Consumer Price Index) and immediately link it to '通胀' or '通货膨胀.' If you are listening to a podcast about global markets or reading a stock market analysis, this word will appear whenever there is a discussion about interest rates. Central banks often raise interest rates to '抑制通货膨胀,' so these two concepts are linguistically linked in media discourse.

News Media
Headlines like '美联储加息以对抗通货膨胀' (The Fed raises rates to fight inflation) are ubiquitous.

在今天的财经新闻中,专家们讨论了全球通货膨胀的趋势。(In today's financial news, experts discussed global inflation trends.)

Second, you will hear it in **academic and educational settings**. In Chinese universities, any introductory macroeconomics course will spend significant time defining and analyzing 通货膨胀. Students learn about '需求拉动型' (demand-pull) and '成本推动型' (cost-push) inflation. Therefore, if you are in a classroom or at a lecture, expect the term to be used with high precision. Even in high school politics and economics textbooks (政治与经济), this is a mandatory vocabulary item that students must master for the Gaokao (college entrance exam).

教授详细解释了通货膨胀与失业率之间的关系。(The professor explained in detail the relationship between inflation and unemployment.)

Professional Meetings
In corporate budget meetings, managers might say: '考虑到通货膨胀,我们需要调整明年的预算。'

Third, while less common in casual slang, it does appear in **serious social discussions**. When middle-aged or elderly Chinese people discuss their '养老金' (pension) or '储蓄' (savings), they might express worry about 通货膨胀 eating away at their future security. It is a word that signals a concern for the future. You might hear it at a family gathering when an uncle explains why he is investing in a new apartment: '钱放在银行里只会因为通货膨胀而贬值' (Money kept in the bank will only depreciate because of inflation). In this way, the word bridges the gap between high-level economic theory and the practical reality of household financial management.

老百姓最关心的就是如何让资产在通货膨胀中保值。(What ordinary people care about most is how to keep their assets' value during inflation.)

如果工资涨幅赶不上通货膨胀,人们的生活水平就会下降。(If wage growth cannot keep up with inflation, people's standard of living will fall.)

Public Policy
Governments often mention '控制通胀' as a primary goal in their annual work reports.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 通货膨胀 is confusing it with the simple phrase '物价上涨' (wùjià shàngzhǎng - price rise). While they are related, they are not identical. '物价上涨' can refer to a specific item, like 'the price of apples rose.' You cannot say 'apples are having inflation.' 通货膨胀 is a systemic, economy-wide condition. If only the price of oil goes up, it's '油价上涨'; if the value of money itself is dropping across the board, it's 通货膨胀. Using the formal term for a singular price change sounds awkward and technically incorrect.

Confusion with Specific Prices
Mistake: '苹果通货膨胀了' (The apples have inflated). Correction: '苹果涨价了' (The apples have increased in price).

不要把个别商品的涨价误认为是整体的通货膨胀。(Don't mistake the price increase of individual goods for overall inflation.)

Another error involves the word '膨胀' (péngzhàng) itself. In non-economic contexts, '膨胀' means to physically swell or to become conceited (e.g., '自我膨胀' - ego inflation). Learners sometimes try to use 通货膨胀 to describe things like a balloon expanding or a person's belly growing. This is a categorical error. The word 通货 (currency) is an integral part of the term; without it, the economic meaning is lost, but '膨胀' alone has many other uses. Always keep the four characters together when talking about the economy.

虽然他的自信心过度膨胀,但这与经济学中的通货膨胀无关。(Although his self-confidence is over-inflated, this has nothing to do with economic inflation.)

Register Mismatch
Avoid using this word in very casual settings where '物价贵' (prices are expensive) would suffice, unless you want to sound like an economist.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the verbs that precede 通货膨胀. You cannot 'do' (做) or 'make' (做) inflation. The government might '引起' (cause) or '造成' (result in) inflation through policy, but '做通货膨胀' is incorrect. Similarly, when inflation goes down, we say it '下降' (falls) or '放缓' (slows down), but we don't say inflation '变小' (becomes small). Using these precise verbs is the difference between a beginner and an advanced speaker.

政府的目标是将通货膨胀率控制在3%以内。(The government's goal is to control the inflation rate within 3%.)

通货膨胀时期,现金的价值会迅速缩水。(In times of inflation, the value of cash shrinks rapidly.)

Antonym Confusion
The opposite is '通货紧缩' (deflation), not '通货缩小'.

When discussing the economy, several words orbit the concept of 通货膨胀. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the right word for the right context. The most common alternative is **物价上涨** (wùjià shàngzhǎng). This is a broader, more descriptive term that simply means 'prices are going up.' It is the visible symptom of inflation. While 通货膨胀 focuses on the monetary cause, **物价上涨** focuses on the consumer's experience at the store.

Comparison: 通货膨胀 vs. 物价上涨
通货膨胀 is the economic theory/condition; 物价上涨 is the physical phenomenon of higher price tags.

虽然通货膨胀率很低,但某些地区的物价上涨依然很明显。(Although the inflation rate is low, price increases in certain areas are still obvious.)

Another related term is **货币贬值** (huòbì biǎnzhí - currency devaluation/depreciation). This refers specifically to the decrease in the value of a currency, either relative to other currencies (exchange rate) or relative to goods and services. Inflation always leads to domestic currency depreciation in terms of purchasing power, but '货币贬值' is often used when comparing the Yuan to the Dollar or Euro. If you are talking about international trade, '贬值' is more likely the word you need.

持续的通货膨胀最终会导致货币贬值。(Sustained inflation will eventually lead to currency devaluation.)

For extreme situations, you might use **物价飞涨** (wùjià fēizhǎng - skyrocketing prices). This is a more dramatic, vivid expression often used in news headlines or when people are very frustrated. It implies a speed and intensity that the more clinical 通货膨胀 doesn't necessarily convey. Finally, there is the opposite term, **通货紧缩** (tōnghuò jǐnsuō - deflation), which occurs when prices fall and the value of money increases, often leading to decreased economic activity.

Register and Intensity
物价飞涨 (Informal/Dramatic) < 通货膨胀 (Formal/Neutral) < 恶性通货膨胀 (Technical/Extreme).

在经济危机期间,该国经历了严重的物价飞涨和通货膨胀。(During the economic crisis, the country experienced severe skyrocketing prices and inflation.)

有些经济学家担心,长期的低增长会导致通货紧缩,而不是膨胀。(Some economists worry that long-term low growth will lead to deflation rather than inflation.)

Contextual Choice
Choose '通胀' when discussing policy or macroeconomics. Choose '涨价' when talking about your grocery bill.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '通货' (tōnghuò) originally meant 'goods that circulate' in ancient Chinese, but in modern economics, it was redefined to specifically mean 'currency.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK tʰʊŋ⁵⁵ xuɔ⁴⁸ pʰəŋ³⁵ tʂɑŋ⁵¹
US tʰʊŋ⁵⁵ xuɔ⁴⁸ pʰəŋ³⁵ tʂɑŋ⁵¹
The primary stress is on the first and third syllables (Tōng and Péng).
Rhymes With
中 (zhōng) 红 (hóng) 货 (huò) rhymes with 过 (guò) 胀 (zhàng) rhymes with 放 (fàng) 唱 (chàng) 旺 (wàng) 抗 (kàng) 上 (shàng)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'huò' as 'huǒ' (third tone instead of fourth).
  • Confusing 'péng' with 'pèng' (fourth tone).
  • Failing to aspirate the 't' in 'tōng'.
  • Pronouncing 'zhàng' like 'zàng' (missing the retroflex sound).
  • Treating 'tōnghuò' as two separate words rather than a single concept.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of four distinct characters, but '通' and '货' are common.

Writing 5/5

Characters like '膨' and '胀' have many strokes and are tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in news contexts due to its rhythmic 4-character structure.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

物价 上涨 银行

Learn Next

利息 投资 经济增长 购买力 财政政策

Advanced

量化宽松 菲利普斯曲线 滞胀 流动性陷阱 基准利率

Grammar to Know

Using '导致' (dǎozhì) for negative results

过度印钞导致了通货膨胀。

Noun + 率 (lǜ) to indicate rate

通货膨胀率 (Inflation rate).

Using '对...的影响' (duì...de yǐngxiǎng)

通货膨胀对老百姓的影响很大。

Measure words for '通货膨胀'

一场严重的通货膨胀 (Use '场' for events/phenomena).

Using '随着' (suízhē) for simultaneous changes

随着通货膨胀的加剧,生活成本也在上升。

Examples by Level

1

现在的通货膨胀很高。

Inflation is very high now.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

2

通货膨胀让东西变贵了。

Inflation makes things become expensive.

Using '让' to show cause and effect.

3

我不喜欢通货膨胀。

I don't like inflation.

Direct object usage.

4

通货膨胀是因为钱太多吗?

Is inflation because there is too much money?

Simple question using '是因为...吗'.

5

这里的通货膨胀很严重。

The inflation here is very serious.

Using '严重' (serious) as a modifier.

6

去年的通货膨胀不太高。

Last year's inflation wasn't too high.

Time phrase + Subject.

7

你知道通货膨胀吗?

Do you know about inflation?

Asking about knowledge of a noun.

8

通货膨胀对我们不好。

Inflation is bad for us.

Using '对...不好' (bad for...).

1

通货膨胀导致物价上涨。

Inflation leads to rising prices.

Using the verb '导致' (lead to).

2

我们担心未来的通货膨胀。

We are worried about future inflation.

Using '担心' (to worry) + noun phrase.

3

这个国家的通货膨胀率是多少?

What is the inflation rate of this country?

Introducing '率' (rate).

4

因为通货膨胀,我的工资不够花了。

Because of inflation, my salary is not enough to spend.

Using '因为' (because) to explain a personal situation.

5

政府想要控制通货膨胀。

The government wants to control inflation.

Using '想要' + verb '控制'.

6

通货膨胀是一个经济问题。

Inflation is an economic problem.

Identifying the noun as a category.

7

我们需要讨论通货膨胀的影响。

We need to discuss the impact of inflation.

Using '影响' (impact/influence).

8

去超市就能感受到通货膨胀。

You can feel the inflation just by going to the supermarket.

Using '感受到' (to feel/perceive).

1

通货膨胀削弱了货币的购买力。

Inflation has weakened the purchasing power of the currency.

Using the sophisticated verb '削弱' (weaken).

2

温和的通货膨胀对经济是有利的。

Mild inflation is beneficial to the economy.

Using '温和的' (mild) and '有利的' (beneficial).

3

为了抵御通货膨胀,他买了黄金。

In order to hedge against inflation, he bought gold.

Using '为了...抵御' (in order to... resist/hedge).

4

通货膨胀率已经连续三个月上升了。

The inflation rate has been rising for three consecutive months.

Using '连续' (consecutive) + time duration.

5

高通货膨胀往往会导致社会不稳定。

High inflation often leads to social instability.

Using '往往' (often/tend to) and '不稳定' (instability).

6

银行通过提高利率来应对通货膨胀。

The bank responds to inflation by raising interest rates.

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

7

我们需要关注通货膨胀对低收入家庭的影响。

We need to pay attention to the impact of inflation on low-income families.

Using '关注' (pay attention to) and '低收入' (low income).

8

恶性通货膨胀会让货币变成废纸。

Hyperinflation can turn currency into waste paper.

Using '恶性' (malignant/hyper) and '变成' (become).

1

这种扩张性的财政政策可能会引发通货膨胀。

This expansionary fiscal policy might trigger inflation.

Technical term '扩张性财政政策' (expansionary fiscal policy).

2

通货膨胀预期会影响消费者的行为。

Inflation expectations will affect consumer behavior.

Using '预期' (expectation) as a noun modifier.

3

在通货膨胀的环境下,固定收入者损失最大。

In an inflationary environment, fixed-income earners lose the most.

Using '固定收入者' (fixed-income earners).

4

经济学家正在争论通货膨胀的根本原因。

Economists are debating the root causes of inflation.

Using '根本原因' (root cause).

5

通货膨胀与失业率之间存在着某种替代关系。

There exists a certain trade-off relationship between inflation and unemployment.

Discussing the Phillips Curve concept.

6

由于供应链中断,输入型通货膨胀变得更加严重。

Due to supply chain disruptions, imported inflation has become more severe.

Technical term '输入型' (imported).

7

实际利率等于名义利率减去通货膨胀率。

The real interest rate equals the nominal interest rate minus the inflation rate.

Using '等于' (equals) and '减去' (minus).

8

控制通货膨胀是中央银行的首要任务。

Controlling inflation is the central bank's primary task.

Using '首要任务' (primary task).

1

通货膨胀的自我实现预言使得物价难以平抑。

The self-fulfilling prophecy of inflation makes it difficult to stabilize prices.

Using '自我实现预言' (self-fulfilling prophecy).

2

该报告深入分析了结构性通货膨胀的成因。

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the causes of structural inflation.

Using '结构性' (structural) and '成因' (causes).

3

通货膨胀的传导机制从上游产业延伸到了消费端。

The transmission mechanism of inflation extends from upstream industries to the consumer end.

Using '传导机制' (transmission mechanism).

4

为了抑制通货膨胀,政府不得不采取紧缩性的货币政策。

To suppress inflation, the government had to adopt a restrictive monetary policy.

Using '不得不' (had to) and '紧缩性' (restrictive/tightening).

5

通货膨胀对财富再分配产生了深远的影响。

Inflation has had a profound impact on wealth redistribution.

Using '财富再分配' (wealth redistribution).

6

在恶性通货膨胀期间,物价几乎每小时都在变动。

During hyperinflation, prices change almost every hour.

Describing extreme economic conditions.

7

核心通货膨胀率剔除了受季节影响较大的食品和能源价格。

The core inflation rate excludes food and energy prices, which are highly affected by seasons.

Using '核心' (core) and '剔除' (exclude/filter out).

8

通货膨胀的持续走高引发了公众对经济前景的担忧。

The continued rise in inflation has sparked public concern about economic prospects.

Using '走高' (rising trend) and '前景' (prospects).

1

通货膨胀的本质是货币供应量超过了实体经济的需求。

The essence of inflation is that the money supply exceeds the demand of the real economy.

Defining the '本质' (essence) of the concept.

2

历史证明,长期的恶性通货膨胀往往是政权更迭的先兆。

History proves that long-term hyperinflation is often a precursor to regime change.

Historical/Political analysis using '先兆' (precursor).

3

通货膨胀的粘性使得货币政策的调整具有一定的滞后性。

The stickiness of inflation makes the adjustment of monetary policy have a certain lag.

Using technical terms like '粘性' (stickiness) and '滞后性' (lag).

4

在全球价值链中,通货膨胀的跨国传导变得日益复杂。

In global value chains, the cross-border transmission of inflation has become increasingly complex.

Discussing '全球价值链' (global value chains).

5

通货膨胀税是一种无形的财富剥夺,对中产阶级打击尤甚。

Inflation tax is an invisible deprivation of wealth, hitting the middle class particularly hard.

Using the metaphor '通货膨胀税' (inflation tax).

6

我们需要警惕通货膨胀与资产价格泡沫之间的恶性循环。

We need to be wary of the vicious cycle between inflation and asset price bubbles.

Using '警惕' (be wary of) and '恶性循环' (vicious cycle).

7

名义工资的增长若被通货膨胀抵消,则实际工资并未增加。

If the growth of nominal wages is offset by inflation, real wages have not increased.

Using '抵消' (offset) and '若' (if).

8

后疫情时代的通货膨胀具有多重因素交织的特征。

Inflation in the post-pandemic era is characterized by the intertwining of multiple factors.

Using '多重因素交织' (intertwining of multiple factors).

Synonyms

通胀 物价上涨 货币贬值 物价膨胀

Antonyms

通货紧缩 物价稳定

Common Collocations

通货膨胀率
抑制通货膨胀
恶性通货膨胀
温和的通货膨胀
抵御通货膨胀
通货膨胀压力
引发通货膨胀
应对通货膨胀
通货膨胀预期
结构性通货膨胀

Common Phrases

通胀预期

— What people think inflation will be in the future.

通胀预期会直接影响当下的物价。

通胀水平

— The current degree of inflation.

目前的通胀水平还算稳定。

抗通胀

— Short for 'resisting inflation', often used in investment.

黄金是传统的抗通胀资产。

通胀数据

— Statistical information regarding inflation.

市场正在等待最新的通胀数据。

通胀风险

— The danger posed by rising inflation.

投资者需要警惕通胀风险。

核心通胀

— Inflation excluding volatile items like food and energy.

核心通胀更能反映长期趋势。

通胀目标

— The specific rate a central bank wants to achieve.

美联储的通胀目标是2%。

通胀螺旋

— A cycle where rising prices lead to rising wages, which lead to higher prices.

我们要避免陷入通胀螺旋。

通胀红利

— Benefits some sectors might get from rising prices.

某些大宗商品企业享受到了通胀红利。

通胀压力加大

— Inflationary pressure is increasing.

下半年通胀压力可能进一步加大。

Often Confused With

通货膨胀 vs 通货紧缩

The opposite (deflation). People often mix up the two terms because they both start with '通货'.

通货膨胀 vs 货币贬值

Focuses on exchange rates or value loss, whereas inflation is the price rise itself.

通货膨胀 vs 经济危机

A broader term for economic crisis. Inflation can be a part of it, but isn't the whole thing.

Idioms & Expressions

"节衣缩食"

— To save money by living frugally; often a response to high inflation.

在通胀严重的时期,大家只能节衣缩食。

Literary/Common
"债台高筑"

— To be heavily in debt; inflation can sometimes help those in debt.

虽然他债台高筑,但通货膨胀减轻了他的负担。

Common
"物极必反"

— Things reverse when they reach the extreme; applied to economic cycles.

通胀到了一定程度,物极必反,可能会迎来紧缩。

Literary
"民不聊生"

— The people have no way to make a living; describes the effect of hyperinflation.

恶性通胀导致民不聊生。

Literary
"杯水车薪"

— A cup of water for a cartload of wood (useless effort); small raises during high inflation.

涨的这点工资对于通胀来说简直是杯水车薪。

Common
"坐吃山空"

— To consume one's wealth without earning more; inflation accelerates this.

如果只有储蓄,通胀会让你坐吃山空。

Common
"水涨船高"

— When the river rises, the boat floats higher; prices rising with inflation.

通胀之下,所有成本都水涨船高。

Common
"日新月异"

— Changing with each passing day; sometimes used for price changes in hyperinflation.

在恶性通胀中,物价的变化真是日新月异。

Literary (Sarcastic here)
"入不敷出"

— Income falls short of expenditure.

通胀严重,许多家庭入不敷出。

Common
"未雨绸缪"

— To prepare for a rainy day; investing to beat inflation.

面对通胀,我们要未雨绸缪,做好资产配置。

Literary

Easily Confused

通货膨胀 vs 物价上涨

They both mean things cost more.

物价上涨 is the symptom; 通货膨胀 is the economic state/cause.

超市的白菜涨价了 (物价上涨), 但这是通货膨胀的结果。

通货膨胀 vs 货币贬值

Both involve money losing value.

贬值 (Devaluation) often refers to currency vs currency; 通胀 (Inflation) is currency vs goods.

人民币贬值了 (vs USD), 而国内出现了通货膨胀。

通货膨胀 vs 膨胀

The second half of the word.

膨胀 can be physical (balloon) or metaphorical (ego); 通货膨胀 is strictly economic.

气球膨胀了 (The balloon expanded).

通货膨胀 vs 通货

The first half of the word.

通货 is just the currency itself; 通货膨胀 is what happens to it.

该国的通货供应量很大。

通货膨胀 vs 涨价

Short and common.

涨价 is for specific items; 通货膨胀 is for the whole system.

油涨价了 (Oil price rose).

Sentence Patterns

A1

这里有通货膨胀。

这里有严重的通货膨胀。

A2

通货膨胀让...变...

通货膨胀让生活变难了。

B1

由于...,出现了通货膨胀。

由于战争,出现了通货膨胀。

B1

为了...,我们要抑制通货膨胀。

为了稳定经济,我们要抑制通货膨胀。

B2

...是应对通货膨胀的手段。

加息是应对通货膨胀的手段。

C1

通货膨胀的...效应不容忽视。

通货膨胀的财富缩水效应不容忽视。

C1

在...的影响下,通胀压力持续释放。

在能源危机的影响下,通胀压力持续释放。

C2

通货膨胀与...构成了复杂的因果链条。

通货膨胀与社会分配构成了复杂的因果链条。

Word Family

Nouns

通货
膨胀
通胀率
通货紧缩

Verbs

膨胀
导致通胀
引起通胀

Adjectives

通货膨胀性的
膨胀的

Related

货币
物价
购买力
CPI
利率

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, finance, and social commentary.

Common Mistakes
  • 苹果通货膨胀了。 苹果涨价了。

    Inflation applies to the whole economy, not a single fruit.

  • 我们要大通货膨胀。 我们要应对严重的通货膨胀。

    Use '严重' (serious) or '剧烈' (intense) instead of '大' (big) for inflation.

  • 做通货膨胀。 引起通货膨胀。

    You don't 'do' inflation; it is 'caused' or 'triggered'.

  • 通货膨胀变小了。 通货膨胀率下降了。

    Inflation 'falls' (下降) or 'slows' (放缓), it doesn't 'become small'.

  • 通货收缩。 通货紧缩。

    The correct antonym is '紧缩' (jǐnsuō), not '收缩'.

Tips

Break it down

Remember 通货 (Currency) + 膨胀 (Expansion). If you can remember these two pieces, you'll never forget the word.

News context

When you hear 'CPI' on Chinese TV, listen for the next sentence. It will almost certainly contain '通货膨胀'.

Verb Choice

Use '导致' (lead to) for causes and '抑制' (suppress) for solutions. These are the most natural pairings.

HSK Prep

This is a common topic in HSK 5 and 6 writing tasks. Practice writing the characters '膨' and '胀' as they are stroke-heavy.

Investment Talk

In China, people often discuss '买房抗通胀' (buying houses to resist inflation). Understanding this helps you understand Chinese social trends.

Balloon Image

Visualize a 100 RMB note being stretched until it's transparent. That's inflation.

Antonym Practice

Learn '通货紧缩' (deflation) at the same time. The '膨胀' vs '紧缩' (expand vs shrink) contrast is very helpful.

Tones

The 1-4-2-4 tone pattern (tōng-huò-péng-zhàng) has a distinct 'up-down-up-down' feel. Hum it to yourself.

Professionalism

Using '通货膨胀' instead of '涨价' in a business meeting immediately makes you sound like an advanced speaker.

Practicality

Next time you see a price increase at a Chinese restaurant, think: '这是通货膨胀吗?' to reinforce the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '通' as 'traffic/circulation', '货' as 'goods/money'. '膨胀' is a balloon expanding. So, 'Money circulating like a balloon expanding' until it pops and loses value.

Visual Association

Imagine a 100 RMB bill being blown up like a big, thin balloon. It looks big, but it's mostly air and can't buy much.

Word Web

Money Prices Economics Bank CPI Devaluation Savings Policy

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend in Chinese why your favorite bubble tea is more expensive this year using the word '通货膨胀'.

Word Origin

The term is a loan translation (calque) from Western economic theory, specifically the English 'inflation.' It entered Chinese in the late 19th or early 20th century as modern economic concepts were introduced.

Original meaning: Expansion of the currency supply.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Avoid making jokes about hyperinflation in countries currently suffering from it, as it is a source of extreme hardship.

In English-speaking countries, inflation is often discussed in terms of 'cost of living crises.' The term is used similarly in both cultures as a macroeconomic indicator.

The hyperinflation of the Weimar Republic (often compared in Chinese history books) The 1940s Chinese hyperinflation The post-2020 global inflation surge

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching the News

  • 通胀率
  • CPI数据
  • 宏观经济
  • 货币政策

Investing Money

  • 资产保值
  • 抵御通胀
  • 黄金投资
  • 实物资产

Grocery Shopping

  • 物价上涨
  • 太贵了
  • 钱不值钱
  • 生活成本

Academic Discussion

  • 需求拉动
  • 成本推动
  • 货币供应
  • 经济周期

Job Interview (Finance)

  • 市场趋势
  • 通胀压力
  • 风险管理
  • 应对策略

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的通货膨胀严重吗?"

"在通货膨胀时期,你会选择买什么来保值?"

"通货膨胀对你的日常生活有什么影响?"

"你认为政府应该如何抑制通货膨胀?"

"如果通货膨胀继续加剧,你会改变你的消费习惯吗?"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你最近发现的物价上涨现象,并谈谈你对通货膨胀的看法。

如果你的存款因为通货膨胀而贬值,你会感到焦虑吗?为什么?

写一段话,解释给一个孩子听什么是通货膨胀。

分析一下你所在国家的通货膨胀现状及其背后的原因。

你认为温和的通货膨胀对一个国家的经济发展是必要的吗?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. Most economists believe that a small, predictable amount of inflation (around 2%) is actually good for the economy because it encourages people to spend and invest rather than hoarding cash, which stimulates growth.

There are several causes: 1. Demand-pull (when people want to buy more than factories can make). 2. Cost-push (when the cost of making things, like oil or labor, goes up). 3. Monetary (when the government prints too much money).

The most common way is for the Central Bank to raise interest rates. This makes borrowing money more expensive, which slows down spending and 'cools' the economy.

You say '通货膨胀率' (tōnghuò péngzhàng lǜ). You can also use the shorter '通胀率' (tōngzhàng lǜ) in news contexts.

In Chinese, it's '恶性通货膨胀' (èxìng tōnghuò péngzhàng). This is when inflation gets out of control and prices rise by more than 50% per month, often making the currency useless.

Yes, it can help people who owe a lot of money (debtors) because the 'real' value of the money they have to pay back decreases over time. However, it hurts people who save cash.

It is usually called '消费者物价指数' (xiāofèizhě wùjià zhǐshù), but in the news, people often just say 'CPI'.

No. If you say '膨胀了', people might think you are talking about a balloon or someone's ego. You must use the full term or '通胀'.

The opposite of inflation is '通货紧缩' (tōnghuò jǐnsuō). This is when prices fall, which sounds good but can actually lead to a bad economic cycle.

If the inflation rate is higher than your bank's interest rate, your savings are effectively losing value. This is why people look for '抗通胀' (inflation-resisting) investments.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

用‘通货膨胀’写一个关于超市购物的句子。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

解释为什么政府要‘抑制’通货膨胀。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

如果你有100万存款,你如何应对通货膨胀?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

描述‘恶性通货膨胀’可能带来的后果。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

简述‘温和通货膨胀’对经济的积极影响。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

谈谈通货膨胀对你个人消费习惯的影响。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

写一段财经新闻简报,提到‘CPI’和‘通胀’。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

比较‘物价上涨’和‘通货膨胀’的区别。

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writing

分析导致通货膨胀的一个主要原因。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

你认为‘通货膨胀预期’是如何影响物价的?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

用‘水涨船高’形容通胀下的成本变化。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

写一个关于‘抗通胀资产’的建议。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

描述通货膨胀对固定收入者的打击。

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writing

解释什么是‘输入型通货膨胀’。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

给政府提一个降低通胀的建议。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

用‘通货膨胀’写一个关于未来担忧的句子。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

谈谈全球化如何影响通货膨胀的传导。

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

描述通胀对企业利润的影响。

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writing

用‘杯水车薪’写一个关于工资和通胀的句子。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

你认为通货膨胀是必然的吗?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

请大声朗读:通货膨胀会导致物价上涨,降低人们的购买力。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

用中文解释一下什么是‘通货膨胀’。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

如果你是银行行长,你会怎么处理高通货膨胀?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

谈谈你对‘温和通胀’的看法。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

描述一下通货膨胀对你家庭生活的影响。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

你会如何向一个孩子解释通货膨胀?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

分析通货膨胀对债务人的利弊。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

你认为当前的全球通胀主要原因是什么?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

‘跑赢通胀’在你的国家容易吗?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

如果物价每小时都在涨,你会怎么办?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

解释‘核心通胀’和‘整体通胀’的区别。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

你觉得通货膨胀会消失吗?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

通货膨胀对国际贸易有什么影响?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

你认为高通胀会引发社会危机吗?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

谈谈通胀时期如何理财。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

描述一下你听到的关于通胀的新闻。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

解释‘通胀预期’的心理因素。

Read this aloud:

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speaking

你更害怕通胀还是通缩?为什么?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

通胀对不同阶层的人影响公平吗?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

用‘通货膨胀’造三个不同语境的句子。

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:播音员说:‘受全球能源价格上涨影响,我国面临的输入型通胀压力显著增加。’ 请问:压力来自哪里?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:一个人抱怨:‘现在的钱真不值钱,一百块钱进超市,一会儿就没了。’ 他在描述什么现象?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:专家说:‘虽然CPI数据走高,但核心通胀依然平稳。’ 请问:经济的基本面如何?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:新闻:‘为了抑制恶性通胀,该国政府决定发行新货币。’ 请问:政府为什么要发新钱?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:对话:‘老王,你买黄金干嘛?’ ‘还不是为了抗通胀嘛!’ 老王买黄金的目的是?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:播音员:‘通胀预期已经开始影响房地产市场。’ 请问:房地产市场受到了什么影响?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:老师:‘同学们,今天我们讲通货膨胀的定义。’ 这节是什么课?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:新闻:‘该国通胀率已连续六个月下降。’ 请问:通胀情况在变好还是变坏?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:对话:‘这工资涨得还没通胀快呢。’ ‘是啊,生活水平降了。’ 他们的工资涨幅如何?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:专家:‘我们要警惕通胀螺旋的出现。’ 专家在担心什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:新闻:‘美联储暗示下月可能加息以对抗通胀。’ 加息的目的是?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:一个人说:‘通胀之下,只有实物资产才靠得住。’ 他的建议是?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:播音员:‘食品价格上涨是本月通胀走高的主因。’ 本月通胀为什么高?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:对话:‘你觉得通胀会持续多久?’ ‘看政府的货币政策吧。’ 通胀的持续时间取决于?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

听力描述:新闻:‘通胀压力导致消费者信心指数下降。’ 消费者的态度如何?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

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