This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Chinese
Vocabulary
合资企业

B1 noun 12 min read

合资企业

hezi qiye

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 合资企业 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 合资企业 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legal details of a 'joint venture.' Instead, think of '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè) as a 'big international company.' You can remember that '合' (hé) means 'together' and '企业' (qǐyè) means 'business.' So, it is a business where people work together. You might hear this word when people talk about where they work, especially in big cities like Shanghai. At this stage, just focus on recognizing the word and knowing it relates to business. You can use it in simple sentences like '他在合资企业工作' (He works at a joint venture). It is a formal way to say 'company.' Even if the word looks long, breaking it into '合' (together), '资' (money), and '企业' (business) makes it easier to understand. Imagine two different countries putting their money together to start one big shop. That is a basic way to visualize a joint venture for a beginner.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand the structure of the word '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè) more clearly. '合' means to join or combine, and '资' refers to capital or money investment. '企业' is a formal word for an enterprise or company. So, an '合资企业' is a company formed by joining capital from different parties. In China, this usually means a Chinese company and a foreign company working together. You can use this word when describing jobs or the economy. For example, '这家合资企业很大' (This joint venture is very big). You might also see it in advertisements or on signs in business districts. It is more formal than the word '公司' (gōngsī). When you talk about your career goals, you might say you want to work in an '合资企业' because they often pay well and have international environments. It is a useful word for describing the modern world you see in Chinese cities.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè) in professional and semi-professional contexts. This is the level where you understand that a joint venture is a specific business model used for international cooperation. You should know how to use it with verbs like '成立' (chénglì - to establish) or '管理' (guǎnlǐ - to manage). For example, '他们决定成立一家合资企业' (They decided to establish a joint venture). You can also discuss the reasons for starting one, such as '进入市场' (entering a market) or '技术交流' (technical exchange). At this level, you start to see the word in news articles about trade and investment. It is important to distinguish it from '独资企业' (wholly-owned enterprise). You are expected to handle basic conversations about business structures and explain why two companies might want to work together using this term. It is a key vocabulary item for anyone interested in the Chinese business environment.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè) and its implications in the Chinese market. You should be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this business model, such as '利润分成' (profit sharing) and '管理冲突' (management conflicts). You will encounter this term in more complex texts, such as financial reports or legal summaries. You should be comfortable using related terms like '中外合资' (Sino-foreign joint venture) and '股份' (shares). For instance, '在这家合资企业中，中方占有百分之五十一的股份' (In this joint venture, the Chinese side holds 51% of the shares). You can also talk about the historical role of joint ventures in China's development and how regulations have changed over time. Your ability to use '合资企业' in debates about economic policy or corporate strategy demonstrates a strong command of professional Chinese. You should also be aware of the cultural differences that often arise in these types of companies.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the legal and strategic intricacies of '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè). You should be able to differentiate between an 'Equity Joint Venture' (EJV - 合资经营企业) and a 'Cooperative Joint Venture' (CJV - 合作经营企业) and explain the tax and liability differences between them. You can use the term in high-level discussions about 'cross-border mergers' (跨境并购) and 'technology transfer' (技术转让). You might analyze the 'exit strategy' (退出策略) for a partner in a joint venture. Your vocabulary should include formal terms like '法人资格' (legal person status) and '出资比例' (investment ratio). You can read and synthesize information from professional journals or legal documents that use '合资企业' as a primary subject. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you understand the geopolitical and economic forces that lead to the creation and dissolution of these entities. You can lead a meeting or write a proposal involving the setup of a joint venture.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '合资企业' (hézī qǐyè) is near-native. You can discuss the word's historical evolution from the 'Joint Venture Law of 1979' to the modern 'Foreign Investment Law.' You can engage in complex legal arguments regarding the 'fiduciary duties' of directors within a joint venture or the 'repatriation of profits' (利润汇回). You understand the subtle connotations of the term in different regions (e.g., mainland China vs. Hong Kong vs. Taiwan). You can use '合资企业' as a lens to discuss broader topics like 'global supply chain integration' or 'economic sovereignty.' You are capable of drafting formal contracts or high-level policy papers that utilize this term with absolute precision. You can also pick up on the subtle irony or cultural references involving JVs in Chinese literature or high-end journalism. The word is no longer just a business term to you; it is a complex symbol of China's interaction with the global economy over the last four decades.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

合资企业 in 30 Seconds

A formal business term meaning 'Joint Venture,' where multiple parties pool capital to form a new legal entity with shared risks and profits.
Crucial for international trade, especially in China where it was the primary vehicle for foreign companies to enter the domestic market.
Composed of '合' (join), '资' (capital), and '企业' (enterprise), highlighting the financial and collaborative nature of the business structure.
Requires professional usage with measure word '家' and formal verbs like '成立' (establish) or '经营' (operate) in business contexts.

The term 合资企业 (hézī qǐyè) is a cornerstone of modern Chinese economic vocabulary, specifically referring to a 'Joint Venture.' To understand this word, we must break it down into its constituent parts: hé (合 - to combine/join), zī (资 - capital/resources), and qǐyè (企业 - enterprise/business). Literally, it translates to a 'combined capital enterprise.' In a globalized world, this term describes a legal entity formed by two or more parties—typically a domestic company and a foreign company—to undertake economic activity together. Both parties share the risks, profits, and management responsibilities. This model was particularly famous during China's 'Reform and Opening Up' period starting in the late 1970s, as it was the primary vehicle through which foreign technology and investment entered the Chinese market.

Economic Context: In China, the term specifically often refers to 'Sino-foreign equity joint ventures' (中外合资经营企业). These were historically mandated for foreign companies wanting to enter sensitive sectors like automotive or telecommunications.

这家合资企业是由德国大众和中国上汽共同创立的。(This joint venture was co-founded by Germany's Volkswagen and China's SAIC.)

The usage of this word extends beyond just legal documents; it is a common topic in news reports, business negotiations, and job interviews. When you hear hézī qǐyè, think of a bridge between two different corporate cultures. It implies a level of cooperation that is deeper than a simple contract but distinct from a total merger or acquisition. It is used when discussing market entry strategies, technology transfers, and international trade relations. For English speakers learning Chinese, mastering this term is essential for navigating professional environments in Beijing, Shanghai, or any major Chinese economic hub.

Legal Nuance: The 'capital' (资) in the name refers to equity. This distinguishes it from a 'cooperative' venture where the split might not be based strictly on capital investment but on shared resources.

由于政策变动，很多合资企业正在转型为独资企业。(Due to policy changes, many joint ventures are transforming into wholly-owned enterprises.)

Furthermore, the word reflects a specific era of Chinese economic development. While 'Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises' (WFOEs) are now more common, the hézī qǐyè remains a vital structure for sharing local market knowledge and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. It suggests a partnership of equals, or at least a partnership of mutual necessity. When using this word, one often discusses the percentage of shares (股份), the board of directors (董事会), and the sharing of intellectual property (知识产权). It is a formal, professional term that commands respect in a business setting.

Common Verbs: Commonly paired with '成立' (chénglì - to establish), '经营' (jīngyíng - to operate), and '管理' (guǎnlǐ - to manage).

他在一家大型合资企业担任首席执行官。(He serves as the CEO in a large joint venture.)

建立合资企业是进入中国市场的一种有效方式。(Establishing a joint venture is an effective way to enter the Chinese market.)

这家合资企业的合同期限为二十年。(The contract term for this joint venture is twenty years.)

Using 合资企业 (hézī qǐyè) correctly requires an understanding of Chinese business syntax. Typically, it functions as a noun that can serve as the subject, object, or part of a possessive phrase. Because it represents a complex legal entity, it is often surrounded by formal verbs. For instance, when you want to say a company 'is' a joint venture, you use '是' (shì), but when discussing its creation, '成立' (chénglì) or '组建' (zǔjiàn) are preferred. The term is frequently modified by adjectives describing its scale (大型 - dàxíng, large-scale) or its participants (中外 - Zhōng-Wài, Sino-foreign).

Example: Establishing a Venture: 我们计划与当地公司成立一家合资企业。(We plan to establish a joint venture with a local company.)

该合资企业将专注于可再生能源的研发。(The joint venture will focus on the research and development of renewable energy.)

Another common sentence pattern involves the distribution of shares. In Chinese, we say '在...中占有...的股份' (to hold ... shares in ...). For example: '外方在这家合资企业中占有51%的股份' (The foreign party holds a 51% stake in this joint venture). This level of specificity is common in financial reports. When discussing the benefits of such an arrangement, one might use phrases like '资源共享' (resource sharing) or '优势互补' (complementary advantages). The joint venture is seen as a tool for synergy.

Example: Market Strategy: 通过合资企业，外资品牌能够更快地适应中国市场。(Through joint ventures, foreign brands can adapt to the Chinese market more quickly.)

这家合资企业已经连续五年盈利了。(This joint venture has been profitable for five consecutive years.)

In more advanced contexts, you might discuss the 'dissolution' (解散 - jiěsàn) or 'liquidation' (清算 - qīngsuàn) of a hézī qǐyè. This often happens when the contract term ends or when the partners decide to go their separate ways. '合资企业合同到期后，双方决定不再续约' (After the joint venture contract expired, both parties decided not to renew). This illustrates that the hézī qǐyè is often viewed as a temporary or project-based alignment rather than a permanent marriage. It is also important to note that '企业' (enterprise) is a more formal word than '公司' (company), though they are often used interchangeably in casual speech.

Example: Management Conflict: 文化差异有时会导致合资企业内部的管理冲突。(Cultural differences sometimes lead to management conflicts within joint ventures.)

政府对合资企业的审批流程进行了简化。(The government has simplified the approval process for joint ventures.)

很多跨国公司选择以合资企业的形式进入新兴市场。(Many multinational companies choose to enter emerging markets in the form of joint ventures.)

这家合资企业的总部设在上海。(The headquarters of this joint venture is located in Shanghai.)

The word 合资企业 (hézī qǐyè) is ubiquitous in the Chinese professional world. If you are watching financial news channels like CCTV-2 (the economics channel), you will hear it daily. News anchors use it when reporting on foreign direct investment (FDI) data or when a major international brand announces a new partnership in China. For example, '今日，某知名汽车品牌宣布将与中方合作伙伴组建新的合资企业' (Today, a well-known car brand announced it will form a new joint venture with a Chinese partner). It carries an air of officiality and large-scale economic movement.

Professional Networking: On platforms like LinkedIn or Maimai (China's LinkedIn equivalent), professionals often list their experience in 'Top 500 Joint Ventures' (500强合资企业) as a badge of honor, implying they are bilingual and capable of working in international environments.

你在哪儿上班？我在一家合资企业做市场调研。(Where do you work? I do market research at a joint venture.)

In university classrooms, particularly in business, law, or international relations departments, professors lecture on the legal frameworks governing hézī qǐyè. You might hear discussions on the 'Foreign Investment Law' (外商投资法) which unified the regulations for different types of foreign-funded enterprises. In these academic settings, the word is analyzed for its strategic value—how it helps companies bypass trade barriers or gain access to local supply chains. It is also a frequent subject in case studies involving famous entities like KFC (the first major Western fast-food JV in China) or Microsoft.

Legal and Formal Documents: You will see this word on business licenses (营业执照), tax forms, and employment contracts. It is the official designation for the entity's 'Type of Enterprise' (企业类型).

根据法律规定，合资企业必须设立董事会。(According to legal regulations, joint ventures must establish a board of directors.)

Finally, you will hear it in casual conversations among white-collar workers. It has a slightly 'global' or 'upmarket' connotation. Someone might say, '合资企业的管理比较规范' (The management of joint ventures is relatively standardized). Here, the speaker is contrasting the professional, process-oriented nature of a JV with the potentially more chaotic or hierarchical nature of a small private local firm. It is a word that signals modernization and international cooperation. Even in movies or TV dramas set in modern cities like Shanghai, characters often work in these high-stakes, high-rise hézī qǐyè, making it a staple of the 'urban professional' vocabulary.

Trade Fairs: At events like the Canton Fair or the China International Import Expo (CIIE), you will see '合资企业' proudly displayed on company booths to signal their international pedigree.

这家合资企业的产品远销海外。(The products of this joint venture are exported far and wide.)

为了降低风险，他们选择了组建合资企业。(To reduce risk, they chose to form a joint venture.)

那家合资企业正在招聘具有海外背景的人才。(That joint venture is recruiting talent with overseas backgrounds.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 合资 (hézī) with 合作 (hézuò). While both involve working together, '合资' specifically refers to the pooling of capital (money/assets), whereas '合作' is a general term for cooperation. In a legal sense, a '合作企业' (Cooperative Joint Venture) is actually a different legal structure from an '合资企业' (Equity Joint Venture) in China. In an hézī qǐyè, profits are shared strictly according to the percentage of capital contributed. In an hézuò qǐyè, the partners can negotiate a different profit-sharing arrangement that isn't tied to their initial investment. Using the wrong term in a legal or high-level business meeting could lead to significant misunderstandings regarding financial obligations.

Mistake: Confusing JV with Partnership: Don't confuse '合资企业' with '合伙企业' (héhuǒ qǐyè - partnership). A partnership often involves individuals (like a law firm), while a joint venture usually involves two distinct corporate entities.

错误：我们打算建立一个合作企业来平分资金。(Incorrect: We plan to build a cooperative enterprise to split funds equally - when referring to equity.)

Another common error is the misuse of measure words. Since hézī qǐyè is a business entity, the correct measure word is usually '家' (jiā). Some students mistakenly use '个' (gè), which is grammatically acceptable in casual speech but sounds unprofessional in a business context. Saying '一家合资企业' sounds much more native and precise. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that qǐyè (enterprise) is already a noun; they might try to add extra words like '公司' (company) to the end, resulting in '合资企业公司', which is redundant. It’s like saying 'Joint Venture Enterprise Company' in English.

Mistake: Redundancy: Avoid saying '合资的企业' (The enterprise of joint venture). The phrase '合资企业' is a fixed compound noun. Adding '的' (de) makes it sound clunky and non-native.

正确：这是一家由美方控股的合资企业。(Correct: This is a joint venture controlled by the American side.)

Finally, be careful with the word '投资' (tóuzī - investment). While '合资' and '投资' share the character '资', they are used differently. You 'invest' (投资) *in* a joint venture, but the joint venture *is* the '合资' entity itself. Beginners often say '我们做了一个投资企业' (We made an investment enterprise) when they actually mean '我们成立了一家合资企业'. The former sounds like a venture capital firm, while the latter is the specific 'joint venture' structure. Precision in these business terms is the difference between a B1 learner and a C1 professional.

Mistake: Contextual Logic: Don't use '合资企业' for a simple project or a one-time collaboration. It must be a registered legal entity.

错误：我们两个人的合资企业就是一起买午饭。(Incorrect: The joint venture of us two is buying lunch together - this is too trivial.)

虽然是合资企业，但中方拥有最终决策权。(Although it is a joint venture, the Chinese side has the final decision-making power.)

由于经营不善，这家合资企业宣布破产。(Due to poor management, this joint venture announced bankruptcy.)

To truly master the business landscape in Chinese, you must be able to distinguish 合资企业 (hézī qǐyè) from its siblings. The most common alternative is 独资企业 (dúzī qǐyè), which refers to a 'Wholly-Owned Enterprise' (often a WFOE). In a dúzī qǐyè, a single foreign entity owns 100% of the company, giving them total control but also requiring them to bear 100% of the risk. Another related term is 外资企业 (wàizī qǐyè), which is a broad umbrella term for any enterprise with foreign investment, including both joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned ones.

Comparison: Joint vs. Wholly Owned: 合资企业: Shared risk, shared control, local partner knowledge.
独资企业: Total control, proprietary technology protection, higher risk.

特斯拉是中国首家不通过合资企业形式建厂的外国车企。(Tesla was the first foreign car company to build a factory in China not through a joint venture.)

Another term you might encounter is 合作企业 (hézuò qǐyè). As mentioned previously, this is a 'Cooperative Joint Venture.' The key difference here is the 'contractual' nature vs. the 'equity' nature. In a hézuò qǐyè, the parties might contribute land or labor instead of just cash, and the profits are divided as per the contract rather than share percentage. Furthermore, 跨国公司 (kuàguó gōngsī) refers to 'Multinational Corporations.' A multinational corporation might own many hézī qǐyè around the world. While hézī qǐyè is the *structure* of a specific branch, kuàguó gōngsī is the *nature* of the parent organization.

Comparison: JV vs. Partnership: 合资企业: Focuses on capital/equity (资).
合伙企业: Focuses on the partners/people (伙).

相比于合资企业，现在更多的外商倾向于成立独资企业。(Compared to joint ventures, more foreign investors now prefer to establish wholly-owned enterprises.)

Finally, consider the term 战略伙伴 (zhànlüè huǒbàn), meaning 'Strategic Partner.' This is a much looser term. Two companies can be strategic partners without ever forming a hézī qǐyè. They might just agree to promote each other's products. An hézī qǐyè is the most 'formal' and 'legally bound' version of a strategic partnership. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe business relationships with the precision required in a professional setting. Whether you are discussing a 'Mixed-Ownership Reform' (混合所有制改革) or a simple cross-border deal, knowing when to use hézī qǐyè versus its alternatives is a key skill.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. 独资企业 (Wholly-owned)
2. 合作企业 (Cooperative)
3. 国有企业 (State-owned)
4. 私营企业 (Private enterprise)

政府鼓励外资进入高新技术产业，并支持成立合资企业。(The government encourages foreign investment into high-tech industries and supports the establishment of joint ventures.)

这家合资企业成功地将西方管理经验与中国市场实际相结合。(This joint venture has successfully combined Western management experience with the realities of the Chinese market.)

通过组建合资企业，两家公司实现了共赢。(By forming a joint venture, the two companies achieved a win-win situation.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '企' (qǐ) in enterprise literally means 'to stand on tiptoe.' It implies looking ahead or having a vision, which is a poetic way to think about a business enterprise.

Pronunciation Guide

UK hézī qǐyè

US hézī qǐyè

The primary stress in '合资' is on '资', and in '企业' it is on '企'.

Rhymes With

合 (hé) rhymes with 'é' (goose). 资 (zī) rhymes with 'shī' (teacher). 企 (qǐ) rhymes with 'nǐ' (you). 业 (yè) rhymes with 'liè' (list).

Common Errors

Pronouncing '合' (hé) as 'he' like in English.
Failing to dip the third tone in '企' (qǐ).
Confusing '资' (zī) with 'zi' (neutral tone).
Merging the four characters into a flat monotone.
Mispronouncing '业' (yè) as 'ye' (like 'yeah').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are formal but common in news.

Writing 4/5

Writing '企业' and '资' requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 3/5

The tones are distinct and important for clarity.

Listening 3/5

Common in business news and easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

公司合作投资中国市场

Learn Next

法人股份董事会利润亏损

Advanced

股权激励跨境并购尽职调查破产清算特许经营

Grammar to Know

Using '由' to indicate the agent in a formal sentence.

该合资企业由中方控股。

Using '与' instead of '和' in formal business settings.

我们计划与德方成立合资企业。

Placement of '在...中' to define scope.

在合资企业中，双方共同承担风险。

The use of measure word '家' for business entities.

那是一家非常成功的合资企业。

Using '通过' to indicate the method or channel.

通过合资企业，他们引进了先进技术。

Examples by Level

这是一项合资企业。

This is a joint venture.

Simple Subject + 是 + Noun.

他在合资企业工作。

He works at a joint venture.

在 + Place + 工作.

合资企业很大。

The joint venture is very big.

Noun + 很 + Adjective.

我的爸爸在合资企业。

My dad is at a joint venture.

Possessive + Noun + Location.

合资企业有很多钱。

The joint venture has a lot of money.

Noun + 有 + Quantity.

这是一个新的合资企业。

This is a new joint venture.

使用 '的' to modify the noun.

合资企业的人很好。

The people in the joint venture are nice.

Noun + 的 + Person.

我喜欢这家合资企业。

I like this joint venture.

Subject + 喜欢 + Noun.

那家合资企业在上海。

That joint venture is in Shanghai.

Measure word '家' used for companies.

他们想成立合资企业。

They want to establish a joint venture.

Verb '成立' (to establish).

合资企业有很多外国员工。

The joint venture has many foreign employees.

Adjective '外国' modifying '员工'.

这家合资企业卖汽车。

This joint venture sells cars.

Subject + Verb + Object.

他在合资企业学中文。

He learns Chinese in the joint venture.

Action happening at a location.

合资企业的办公室很漂亮。

The joint venture's office is very beautiful.

Possessive '的' used with '办公室'.

我们要去合资企业开会。

We are going to the joint venture for a meeting.

Going to a place for a purpose.

很多合资企业很有名。

Many joint ventures are very famous.

Adjective '有名' (famous).

这家合资企业是由两家大公司合作的。

This joint venture is a collaboration between two big companies.

由...合作的 construction.

合资企业可以帮助外资进入中国市场。

Joint ventures can help foreign capital enter the Chinese market.

Verb '帮助' + Object + Action.

他在一家合资企业担任经理。

He serves as a manager in a joint venture.

担任 (to hold a post).

合资企业的双方都要出资。

Both parties of the joint venture must provide capital.

双方 (both parties) + 出资 (invest capital).

这是一家中德合资企业。

This is a Sino-German joint venture.

Specific nationality prefix (中德).

合资企业的管理方式很先进。

The management style of the joint venture is very advanced.

先进 (advanced) modifying '管理方式'.

他们签了合资企业的合同。

They signed the joint venture contract.

签 (to sign) + 合同 (contract).

合资企业的发展速度很快。

The growth rate of the joint venture is very fast.

发展速度 (growth speed).

合资企业内部经常存在文化差异。

Cultural differences often exist within joint ventures.

存在 (to exist) + Cultural Difference.

这家合资企业的股份分配是五十对五十。

The share distribution of this joint venture is 50/50.

股份分配 (share distribution).

政府对合资企业的政策有所调整。

The government has made some adjustments to the policy on joint ventures.

对...的政策 (policy towards...).

合资企业需要协调双方的利益。

Joint ventures need to coordinate the interests of both parties.

协调 (to coordinate) + 利益 (interests).

该合资企业引进了国外的先进技术。

The joint venture introduced advanced foreign technology.

引进 (to introduce/import) + 技术.

合资企业的董事长由中方委派。

The chairman of the joint venture is appointed by the Chinese side.

由...委派 (appointed by...).

这家合资企业已经实现了盈利。

This joint venture has already achieved profitability.

实现 (to achieve) + 盈利 (profit).

合资企业在当地创造了许多就业机会。

The joint venture created many job opportunities locally.

创造 (to create) + 就业机会 (jobs).

合资企业的清算过程非常复杂。

The liquidation process of a joint venture is very complex.

清算 (liquidation) + 过程 (process).

双方在合资企业的经营理念上产生了分歧。

The two sides had a disagreement over the management philosophy of the joint venture.

在...上产生分歧 (to have a disagreement on...).

这家合资企业享有一定的税收优惠。

This joint venture enjoys certain tax incentives.

享有 (to enjoy) + 税收优惠 (tax benefits).

合资企业的合同期限通常为二十年。

The contract term for joint ventures is usually twenty years.

期限 (term/duration) + 为 (to be).

中外合资企业必须遵守中国的劳动法。

Sino-foreign joint ventures must abide by China's labor laws.

遵守 (to abide by) + 法律.

合资企业的知识产权归属是一个敏感问题。

The ownership of intellectual property in joint ventures is a sensitive issue.

知识产权 (IP) + 归属 (ownership).

为了提高竞争力，该合资企业进行了重组。

To improve competitiveness, the joint venture underwent a restructuring.

进行 (to carry out) + 重组 (restructuring).

合资企业的利润汇回受到外汇管制的影响。

The repatriation of profits from joint ventures is affected by foreign exchange controls.

利润汇回 (profit repatriation).

合资企业曾是外国资本进入封闭市场的敲门砖。

Joint ventures were once the stepping stone for foreign capital to enter closed markets.

Metaphorical use of '敲门砖' (stepping stone).

该合资企业的法律地位属于中国法人。

The legal status of the joint venture is that of a Chinese legal person.

法律地位 (legal status) + 属于 (belongs to).

合资企业中的非控股方往往面临信息不对称的风险。

Non-controlling parties in joint ventures often face risks of information asymmetry.

信息不对称 (information asymmetry).

随着准入门槛的降低，合资企业的强制性正在减弱。

With the lowering of entry barriers, the mandatory nature of joint ventures is weakening.

准入门槛 (entry threshold) + 强制性 (mandatory nature).

合资企业的成功往往取决于双方在战略愿景上的高度契合。

The success of a joint venture often depends on the high level of alignment in strategic vision between both parties.

取决于 (depends on) + 契合 (alignment/fit).

在合资企业的博弈中，技术转让往往是核心议题。

In the game theory of joint ventures, technology transfer is often the core issue.

博弈 (game/play) + 核心议题 (core issue).

该合资企业的破产清算引发了关于跨境担保的法律争议。

The bankruptcy liquidation of the joint venture triggered legal disputes regarding cross-border guarantees.

引发 (to trigger) + 法律争议 (legal dispute).

合资企业模式正在从‘市场换技术’转向更为平等的合作。

The joint venture model is shifting from 'market for technology' to more equal cooperation.

从...转向... (shifting from... to...).

Common Collocations

成立合资企业

中外合资企业

大型合资企业

合资企业合同

合资企业管理

注销合资企业

合资企业股份

合资企业法

合资企业盈利

合资企业重组

Common Phrases

组建合资企业

— To form or organize a joint venture. Used in professional planning stages.

两家科技巨头决定组建合资企业。

撤资合资企业

— To withdraw capital from a joint venture. Refers to a partner leaving.

外方决定从该合资企业撤资。

合资企业董事会

— The board of directors of a joint venture. The governing body.

董事会决定增加投资。

合资企业员工

— Employees of a joint venture. Often implies a diverse workforce.

合资企业员工享有良好的福利。

合资企业模式

— The joint venture model. Refers to the strategic approach.

这种合资企业模式非常成功。

合资企业审批

— The approval process for a joint venture. Usually involves government agencies.

合资企业审批需要一定的时间。

合资企业亏损

— Losses incurred by a joint venture. Financial failure.

由于市场波动，合资企业出现了亏损。

合资企业转型

— The transformation of a joint venture. Often into a wholly-owned firm.

很多合资企业正在经历转型。

合资企业文化

— The corporate culture of a joint venture. A blend of different styles.

我们需要建立一种包容的合资企业文化。

合资企业伙伴

— A partner in a joint venture. The other collaborating entity.

他在寻找可靠的合资企业伙伴。

Often Confused With

合资企业 vs 合作企业

A Cooperative Joint Venture (CJV) has different legal and profit-sharing rules compared to an Equity Joint Venture (EJV).

合资企业 vs 合伙企业

A partnership (usually between individuals) rather than a corporate joint venture.

合资企业 vs 外资企业

A broader term that includes any company with foreign investment, not just JVs.

Idioms & Expressions

"同舟共济"

— To cross a river in the same boat. It describes partners in a joint venture working together through difficulties.

作为合资企业的伙伴，我们应该同舟共济。

Literary/Formal

"互利共赢"

— Mutually beneficial and win-win. The primary goal of any joint venture.

合资企业的核心在于互利共赢。

Professional

"貌合神离"

— Seemingly in harmony but actually at odds. Often describes failing joint ventures.

这两家公司的合资企业现在貌合神离。

Literary/Critical

"优势互补"

— Complementary advantages. The reason companies form joint ventures.

通过合资企业，双方实现了优势互补。

Professional

"强强联手"

— Two powerful sides joining forces. Describes JVs between industry leaders.

这次合资可谓是强强联手。

Journalistic

"患难与共"

— To share trials and tribulations. Similar to sharing risks in a JV.

合资伙伴需要有患难与共的精神。

Formal

"各取所需"

— Each takes what they need. Describes the strategic trade-offs in a JV.

在合资企业中，双方各取所需，达成合作。

Neutral

"并驾齐驱"

— To run neck and neck. Describes partners who contribute equally to a JV.

双方在合资企业中并驾齐驱，共同发展。

Literary

"集思广益"

— To draw on collective wisdom. Describes the joint decision-making process.

合资企业的决策需要集思广益。

Formal

"水乳交融"

— As well-mixed as milk and water. Describes a perfectly integrated joint venture.

这家合资企业的两种文化已经水乳交融。

Literary

Easily Confused

合资企业 vs 合资

It's the short form of the concept.

合资 is the act or attribute, while 合资企业 is the entity.

他们合资办厂。

合资企业 vs 融资

Both end in '资'.

融资 is financing/raising money, while 合资 is joint investment.

公司正在进行融资。

合资企业 vs 投资

Both relate to capital.

投资 is the general act of investing; 合资 is specifically joint.

这是一项重要的投资。

合资企业 vs 独资

It's the direct opposite.

独资 is single-party ownership; 合资 is multi-party.

他开了一家独资企业。

合资企业 vs 注资

Relates to capital movement.

注资 is injecting capital into an existing entity.

母公司向合资企业注资。

Sentence Patterns

这是[Noun]。

这是合资企业。

我在[Place]工作。

我在合资企业工作。

他们决定成立一家[Type]合资企业。

他们决定成立一家中法合资企业。

[Subject]有助于[Action]。

合资企业有助于引进技术。

双方在[Aspect]上达成了一致。

双方在合资企业的管理上达成了一致。

[Party]占有[Percentage]的股份。

中方占有60%的股份。

由于[Reason]，合资企业面临[Problem]。

由于管理冲突，合资企业面临解散。

合资企业的成功取决于[Factor]。

合资企业的成功取决于双方的战略契合度。

Word Family

Nouns

投资者 (investor)

资本 (capital)

合伙人 (partner)

业务 (business/affairs)

Verbs

投资 (to invest)

合作 (to cooperate)

创业 (to start a business)

经营 (to operate)

Adjectives

合法的 (legal)

商业的 (commercial)

跨国的 (multinational)

盈利的 (profitable)

外资 (foreign capital)

中资 (Chinese capital)

独资 (sole investment)

融资 (financing)

股权 (equity)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '个' as a measure word. → 一家合资企业
Using '个' sounds childish; '家' is the professional measure word for businesses.
Confusing 合资 with 合作. → 成立合资企业 (pooling money)
合资 is about equity; 合作 is general cooperation. They are not legally the same.
Saying '合资企业公司'. → 合资企业
This is redundant. '企业' already means business/enterprise.
Misplacing '在...中'. → 他在合资企业中担任职务。
Ensure the prepositional phrase correctly defines the scope of the action.
Confusing JV with Partnership (合伙). → 合资企业 (Corporate partners)
A partnership (合伙) usually involves individuals, not companies.

Tips

Using Measure Words

Always use '家' when counting joint ventures. It sounds professional and native.

National Prefixes

Learn prefixes like 中外 (Sino-foreign), 中美 (Sino-US), and 中日 (Sino-Japanese) to specify the JV type.

Historical Context

Mentioning the 'Reform and Opening Up' period when discussing JVs will impress Chinese business partners.

Tone Accuracy

Focus on the rising tone of 'hé' and the falling tone of 'yè' to ensure you are understood.

Professional Verbs

Use '成立' (chénglì) or '组建' (zǔjiàn) when writing about starting a venture.

News Keywords

When you hear '投资' and '合作' together, listen closely for '合资企业'.

Equity Awareness

Remember that '资' refers to capital; this is a business of money and ownership.

Break it Down

Together (合) + Money (资) + Enterprise (企业). It's a 'Together-Money-Business'.

Networking

Asking someone if they work in a '合资企业' is a standard professional icebreaker.

Contractual Terms

Be aware that '合资合同' (JV contract) is the most important document in this context.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'He' (合) as 'harmony' and 'Zi' (资) as 'zillions of dollars.' You need harmony and zillions to run a 'Qiye' (enterprise) together.

Visual Association

Imagine two puzzle pieces (the partners) coming together to form a large factory building (the enterprise).

Word Web

Investment Partnership Equity China Business Contract Profit Management

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend why a '合资企业' is different from a '独资企业' using only Chinese for the business terms.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '合' (hé) is an ancient character depicting a lid on a container, meaning 'to close' or 'join.' '资' (zī) originally meant seashells used as currency, evolving to mean 'capital.' '企业' (qǐyè) was adopted from Japanese 'kigyo' in the late 19th century to translate the Western concept of 'enterprise.'

Original meaning: Joining capital for a business purpose.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'forced technology transfer' in joint ventures is a sensitive topic in international trade negotiations.

In English-speaking countries, 'Joint Venture' is a common legal term, but it doesn't carry the same historical weight of 'national opening' that '合资企业' does in China.

Beijing Jeep: The first Sino-American joint venture. SAIC-Volkswagen: One of the most successful and longest-running joint ventures. KFC China: Initially a joint venture that revolutionized the fast-food industry in China.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business News

发布财报
签署协议
市场份额
战略转型

Job Interview

工作经验
跨文化沟通
团队协作
薪资待遇

Legal Documents

法律责任
合同条款
违约金
仲裁

University Lecture

经济增长
外商投资
政策导向
全球化

Networking Event

寻找机会
建立联系
合作伙伴
资源对接

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在合资企业工作和在国企工作有什么区别？"

"这家合资企业最近有什么新的发展计划吗？"

"为什么很多外国公司选择通过合资企业进入中国？"

"合资企业中的文化冲突通常该如何解决？"

"你听说过最近那家大型汽车合资企业的消息吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你理想中的合资企业是什么样的。它应该如何管理员工？

如果你要和一家外国公司成立合资企业，你会选择哪个行业？为什么？

分析合资企业对一个国家经济发展的利与弊。

写一封信给你的合资伙伴，讨论关于利润分配的问题。

探讨随着政策变化，合资企业在未来是否还会继续流行。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The main difference is in equity and profit sharing. In a '合资企业' (Equity JV), profits are shared based on the capital contributed. In a '合作企业' (Cooperative JV), the profit sharing is determined by the contract and can be more flexible.

Yes, although 'Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises' (WFOEs) are now more common because regulations have loosened. However, JVs are still popular in industries where local expertise or government relations are vital.

The standard measure word for '合资企业' is '家' (jiā). For example, '三家合资企业'.

Technically, yes, any two entities pooling capital to form a new enterprise is a 'joint venture.' However, in common parlance, the term usually implies an international partnership.

A company might choose a JV to share risks, gain access to local distribution networks, or comply with specific industry regulations that require a local partner.

You say '中美合资企业' (Zhōng-Měi hézī qǐyè).

The most direct opposite in terms of structure is '独资企业' (dúzī qǐyè), which is a wholly-owned enterprise.

Yes, it is a very formal business term. In casual conversation, people might just say '合资公司'.

The partners can choose to renew the contract, liquidate the company (清算), or one partner can buy out the other's shares.

Usually, yes. While the management might be international, the daily operations and local staff interactions typically require high-level Chinese, especially 'business Chinese'.