亏本 in 30 Seconds
- 亏本 (kuīběn) means to lose money in business.
- It's a verb indicating expenses exceed revenue.
- Commonly used in commercial and financial contexts.
- Opposite of making a profit.
Understanding 亏本 (kuīběn)
The Chinese term 亏本 (kuīběn) is a verb that directly translates to 'to lose money' or 'to incur a loss' in a business context. It signifies a situation where the costs associated with a business venture, product, or service exceed the revenue generated from it, resulting in a financial deficit.
This term is widely used in everyday conversations and business discussions in China. When a shop owner says their store is 亏本, it means they are not making enough money to cover their expenses and are actually losing money on their operations. Similarly, if a company launches a new product and it doesn't sell well, leading to expenses higher than sales, they might say the product is 亏本.
- Usage Context
- Primarily used in commercial and financial contexts. It describes the financial outcome of a business activity.
- Key Idea
- Financial loss, operating at a deficit, not making a profit.
It's a crucial term for anyone involved in trade, investment, or simply understanding the economic health of businesses. For example, a restaurant might offer a special discount not to attract customers, but because they are selling certain dishes at a 亏本 price just to clear inventory or boost overall customer traffic, hoping to make up for it on other items.
这家店最近生意不好，很多商品都亏本卖了。
Understanding 亏本 helps in grasping discussions about market competition, pricing strategies, and the challenges faced by businesses. It's not just about a single transaction but often refers to the overall financial performance over a period.
The opposite of 亏本 is 盈利 (yínglì), which means to make a profit. Recognizing this contrast is key to understanding the financial spectrum of business operations.
Crafting Sentences with 亏本
Using 亏本 (kuīběn) correctly in sentences is straightforward, as it functions as a verb indicating a financial loss. It's often paired with subjects that represent businesses, products, or specific ventures.
The most common sentence structure involves a subject performing the action of losing money. This subject is typically a business entity, a product, or an individual investor.
- Basic Structure
- Subject + 亏本 + (Object/Reason)
For instance, a small shop owner might say:
这个月我们公司亏本了。
You can also specify the reason for the loss or the extent of it. For example, if a product is being sold at a price lower than its cost:
为了清理库存，他们不得不亏本出售这些商品。
It can also be used to describe a specific venture or investment:
这次投资太冒险了，结果亏本不少。
Sometimes, people use it in a more general sense to express disappointment about financial outcomes:
做生意总会有风险，有时会亏本。
It can also be used in negative constructions, though less common, to emphasize that a loss did not occur.
这次促销活动没有亏本，反而赚了一些。
When discussing financial performance, 亏本 is a direct and commonly understood term.
Real-World Scenarios for 亏本
You'll encounter 亏本 (kuīběn) in a variety of everyday situations, primarily revolving around commerce, business, and personal finance. It's a term that reflects the realities of making money (or not making it) in the marketplace.
1. In Shops and Markets: This is perhaps the most common place. A shopkeeper might complain to a friend or even a regular customer about the difficulty of making sales:
老板：哎，最近生意太难做了，很多东西都亏本卖。
2. Business Meetings and Reports: In more formal settings, 亏本 is used to describe the financial performance of a company, a product line, or a specific project.
财务报表显示，该季度项目亏本了100万元。
3. Discussions About Investments: When people talk about stock markets, real estate, or other investments, they often use 亏本 to describe unsuccessful ventures.
他投资的那家公司最终亏本倒闭了。
4. News and Media: News reports about economic trends, company performance, or industry challenges frequently use 亏本.
受疫情影响，许多航空公司都在亏本运营。
5. Casual Conversations About Purchases: Sometimes, people might mention if they bought something at a significantly reduced price, even if it meant the seller was taking a loss.
我买的这件衣服太便宜了，估计店家是亏本处理的。
In essence, any situation where financial performance is being evaluated, and a negative outcome is possible or has occurred, is a place where you might hear 亏本.
Avoiding Pitfalls with 亏本
While 亏本 (kuīběn) is a relatively straightforward term, learners can sometimes make mistakes in its usage, especially regarding its specific context and grammatical function. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Mistake 1: Using it for personal non-business losses.
- Error: I lost my wallet, I 亏本.
Correction: 亏本 specifically refers to financial losses incurred in a business or commercial activity. For personal losses unrelated to business, use terms like 丢失 (diūshī - to lose) or 损失 (sǔnshī - loss).
Example: 我把钱包弄丢了。(Wǒ bǎ qiánbāo nòng diū le. - I lost my wallet.)
- Mistake 2: Confusing it with general 'loss' or 'damage'.
- Error: The earthquake caused a lot of 亏本.
Correction: 亏本 is about financial deficit from operations. For losses due to natural disasters or damage, use terms like 损失 (sǔnshī) or 破坏 (pòhuài - destruction).
Example: 地震造成了巨大的财产损失。(Dìzhèn zàochéng le jùdà de cáichǎn sǔnshī. - The earthquake caused huge property losses.)
- Mistake 3: Overusing it in non-financial contexts.
- Error: I feel like I 亏本 on my time studying this.
Correction: While one might feel they 'lost out' on time, 亏本 is too specific to financial transactions. You could say something like 浪费了时间 (làngfèi le shíjiān - wasted time) or 觉得不值得 (juéde bù zhídé - feel it wasn't worth it).
Example: 感觉花了很多时间在这上面，但收获不大。(Gǎnjué huā le hěn duō shíjiān zài zhè shàngmiàn, dàn shōuhuò bù dà. - I feel I spent a lot of time on this, but the gain was not much.)
- Mistake 4: Incorrect grammatical placement.
- Error: The business 亏本 is bad.
Correction: 亏本 is a verb. It should function as the action. You can say 'The business 亏本, which is bad' or 'This business is losing money (亏本)'.
Example: 这家公司亏本了，情况很糟糕。(Zhè jiā gōngsī kuīběn le, qíngkuàng hěn zāogāo. - This company lost money, the situation is very bad.)
- Mistake 5: Using it as a noun for 'a loss'.
- Error: We had a big 亏本 last year.
Correction: While 亏本 describes the state of losing money, it's primarily a verb. To refer to the financial loss itself as a noun, it's better to use terms like 亏损 (kuīsǔn) or 损失 (sǔnshī).
Example: 公司去年的亏损额很大。(Gōngsī qùnián de kuīsǔn'é hěn dà. - The company's loss amount last year was huge.)
Nuances: 亏本 vs. Other Terms
Understanding 亏本 (kuīběn) is enhanced by comparing it to similar words and phrases in Chinese. These alternatives often carry slightly different nuances in formality, scope, or specific meaning.
- 亏本 (kuīběn) vs. 亏损 (kuīsǔn)
- 亏本 is primarily a verb meaning 'to lose money' in a business transaction or operation. It's more colloquial and direct.
亏损 is a noun that means 'loss' or 'deficit', often used in formal financial reports and accounting. It refers to the state or amount of financial loss.
Example:
亏本: 这个月的生意亏本了。(This month's business lost money.)
亏损: 公司本季度的亏损额高达一百万。(The company's loss amount this quarter reached one million.)
- 亏本 (kuīběn) vs. 赔钱 (péiqián)
- Both 亏本 and 赔钱 mean 'to lose money'. 赔钱 is a more general term and can be used in both business and personal contexts. It's very common in spoken language.
亏本 is more specifically tied to business operations and the concept of costs exceeding revenue.
Example:
亏本: 这个项目亏本了，我们得重新评估。(This project lost money, we need to re-evaluate.)
赔钱: 他炒股赔钱了。(He lost money trading stocks.)
赔钱: 送我这个礼物，我都觉得你赔钱了。(Giving me this gift, I feel you lost money.)
- 亏本 (kuīběn) vs. 损失 (sǔnshī)
- 损失 is a broader term for 'loss' or 'damage'. It can refer to financial loss, but also to loss of property, opportunity, reputation, or even life.
亏本 is specifically financial loss in a business context.
Example:
亏本: 卖掉这些旧家具，我亏本了。(Selling these old furniture, I lost money.)
损失: 洪水造成了巨大的财产损失。(The flood caused huge property losses.)
损失: 错失这次机会是一种损失。(Missing this opportunity is a loss.)
- 亏本 (kuīběn) vs. 破产 (pòchǎn)
- 亏本 refers to losing money, which can be a temporary or ongoing situation. It doesn't necessarily mean the business is failing completely.
破产 means 'to go bankrupt'. This is a much more severe outcome, where a business is unable to pay its debts and ceases to exist.
Example:
亏本: 如果继续亏本下去，公司迟早会倒闭。(If we continue to lose money, the company will eventually go bankrupt.)
破产: 这家大公司最终破产了。(This large company eventually went bankrupt.)
- 亏本 (kuīběn) vs. 赔本 (péiběn)
- 赔本 is a synonym for 亏本 and means exactly the same thing: 'to lose money' in a business context. They are largely interchangeable in meaning and usage, though 亏本 might be slightly more common in some regions or contexts.
Example:
亏本: 这个月的销售额不足以覆盖成本，我们亏本了。
赔本: 为了吸引顾客，他们宁愿赔本卖。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 本 (běn) itself is a pictograph of a tree with its roots showing, symbolizing the 'root' or 'origin'. When combined with 亏 (kuī), it vividly illustrates the concept of losing that fundamental source of value or investment.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tones: Pronouncing 'kuī' or 'běn' with the wrong tone can change the meaning or make the word unintelligible.
- Mixing up with similar sounds: Confusing 'kuī' with other 'kui' sounds or 'běn' with other 'ben' sounds.
- Omitting the tones entirely: Speaking without attention to tones is a common issue for learners.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The word is common in everyday contexts related to business and commerce. Understanding its basic meaning is accessible at this level, though nuances with synonyms might require higher proficiency.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Use of 了 (le) with verbs to indicate completion or change of state.
这家店亏本了。(This store has lost money.)
Using adverbs like 很多 (hěn duō - a lot) or 不少 (bù shǎo - quite a bit) to quantify the loss.
他投资亏本了很多。(He lost a lot of money on his investment.)
Using conjunctions like 如果 (rúguǒ - if) or 尽管 (jǐnguǎn - although) to form more complex sentences.
如果成本太高，就容易亏本。(If costs are too high, it's easy to lose money.)
Using phrases like '为了...' (wèile... - in order to...) to explain the reason behind incurring a loss.
为了清理库存，他们亏本出售。(In order to clear inventory, they sold at a loss.)
Using passive-like structures or constructions that imply a subject is experiencing the loss.
这次项目亏本了。(This project lost money.)
Examples by Level
这个生意亏本了。
This business lost money.
我们卖东西亏本。
We lose money selling things.
今天亏本了。
We lost money today.
他亏本了。
He lost money.
这个价格会亏本。
This price will result in a loss.
商店亏本。
The store is losing money.
不想亏本。
Don't want to lose money.
这个项目亏本。
This project is losing money.
这家餐馆最近一直在亏本经营。
This restaurant has been operating at a loss recently.
经营 (jīngyíng) - to operate/manage
为了吸引顾客，他们不得不亏本卖一些商品。
To attract customers, they had to sell some products at a loss.
吸引 (xīyǐn) - to attract; 商品 (shāngpǐn) - product
如果成本太高，很容易亏本。
If the costs are too high, it's easy to lose money.
成本 (chéngběn) - cost
他投资失败了，亏本了很多钱。
His investment failed, and he lost a lot of money.
投资 (tóuzī) - investment; 失败 (shībài) - failure
我们必须找到方法不亏本。
We must find a way not to lose money.
方法 (fāngfǎ) - method
这个季节的水果卖不出去，要亏本了。
The fruits this season can't be sold, we're going to lose money.
季节 (jìjié) - season; 水果 (shuǐguǒ) - fruit
我知道做生意有时会亏本，但这次亏得太多了。
I know doing business sometimes means losing money, but this time the loss is too great.
有时 (yǒushí) - sometimes
别担心，这个小项目不太可能亏本。
Don't worry, this small project is unlikely to lose money.
不太可能 (bú tài kěnéng) - unlikely
尽管市场竞争激烈，这家公司依然努力避免亏本。
Despite fierce market competition, this company still strives to avoid losses.
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) - although; 激烈 (jīliè) - fierce; 避免 (bìmiǎn) - to avoid
公司决定调整产品价格，以防止继续亏本。
The company decided to adjust product prices to prevent continued losses.
调整 (tiáozhěng) - to adjust; 防止 (fángzhǐ) - to prevent
许多初创企业在早期阶段都会经历亏本期。
Many startups go through a period of losses in their early stages.
初创企业 (chūchuàng qǐyè) - startup; 早期阶段 (zǎoqī jiēduàn) - early stage
这次促销活动虽然带来了大量客流，但最终还是亏本了。
Although this promotional event brought a large customer flow, it ultimately resulted in a loss.
促销活动 (cùxiāo huódòng) - promotional activity; 客流 (kèliú) - customer flow; 最终 (zuìzhōng) - finally/ultimately
如果我们不能控制生产成本，就只能亏本出售。
If we cannot control production costs, we can only sell at a loss.
控制 (kòngzhì) - to control; 生产成本 (shēngchǎn chéngběn) - production cost
他后悔当初的决定，因为那笔投资让他亏本不少。
He regrets his initial decision because that investment caused him considerable losses.
后悔 (hòuhuǐ) - to regret; 当初 (dāngchū) - at that time; 投资 (tóuzī) - investment
为了生存，不少小商贩不得不亏本维持生意。
To survive, many small vendors have to operate at a loss to keep their business going.
生存 (shēngcún) - to survive; 商贩 (shāngfàn) - vendor; 维持 (wéichí) - to maintain
分析师预测，该行业在未来一年内可能面临整体亏本的风险。
Analysts predict that the industry may face the risk of overall losses within the next year.
分析师 (fēnxīshī) - analyst; 预测 (yùcè) - to predict; 行业 (hángyè) - industry; 风险 (fēngxiǎn) - risk
尽管采取了多项成本削减措施，公司仍未能摆脱亏本的局面。
Despite implementing several cost-cutting measures, the company has still been unable to escape the situation of losses.
采取 (cǎiqǔ) - to adopt; 措施 (cuòshī) - measure; 削减 (xuējiǎn) - to cut down; 摆脱 (bǎituō) - to get rid of
这家初创公司试图通过大幅折扣来迅速占领市场份额，但这种策略导致了巨额亏本。
This startup company attempted to rapidly gain market share through substantial discounts, but this strategy led to huge losses.
初创公司 (chūchuàng gōngsī) - startup company; 大幅 (dàfú) - substantially; 占领 (zhànlǐng) - to occupy/seize; 份额 (fèn'é) - share; 策略 (cèlüè) - strategy; 巨额 (jù'é) - enormous amount
由于原材料价格的不可预测性上涨，许多制造商发现自己陷入了亏本的困境。
Due to the unpredictable rise in raw material prices, many manufacturers find themselves in the predicament of operating at a loss.
原材料 (yuáncáiliào) - raw materials; 不可预测性 (bùkě yùcè xìng) - unpredictability; 上涨 (shàngzhǎng) - rise; 制造商 (zhìzào shāng) - manufacturer; 陷入 (xiànrù) - to fall into; 困境 (kùnjìng) - predicament
政府为了稳定经济，可能会对某些行业提供补贴，以帮助它们渡过亏本期。
To stabilize the economy, the government may provide subsidies to certain industries to help them get through their loss-making periods.
稳定 (wěndìng) - to stabilize; 经济 (jīngjì) - economy; 补贴 (bǔtiē) - subsidy; 渡过 (dùguò) - to get through
他过于乐观地估计了项目的盈利能力，结果导致了意想不到的亏本。
He overestimated the project's profitability too optimistically, which resulted in unexpected losses.
过于 (guòyú) - excessively; 乐观 (lèguān) - optimistic; 估计 (gūjì) - to estimate; 盈利能力 (yínglì nénglì) - profitability; 意想不到 (yìxiǎngbùdào) - unexpected
在进行任何重大投资之前，都应该进行详尽的市场调研，以避免盲目亏本。
Before making any major investment, detailed market research should be conducted to avoid blindly incurring losses.
重大 (zhòngdà) - major; 投资 (tóuzī) - investment; 详尽 (xiángjìn) - detailed; 调研 (diàoyán) - research; 盲目 (mángmù) - blind
如果企业文化鼓励冒险创新，那么短期内出现亏本现象也是可以理解的。
If the corporate culture encourages risk-taking and innovation, then experiencing losses in the short term is also understandable.
企业文化 (qǐyè wénhuà) - corporate culture; 鼓励 (gǔlì) - to encourage; 冒险 (màoxiǎn) - to take risks; 创新 (chuàngxīn) - innovation; 短期内 (duǎnqī nèi) - in the short term; 现象 (xiànxiàng) - phenomenon
分析师指出，该公司的营收增长乏力，若不及时调整策略，将面临持续亏本的风险。
Analysts pointed out that the company's revenue growth is weak, and if strategies are not adjusted in time, it will face the risk of continuous losses.
营收 (yíngshōu) - revenue; 增长 (zēngzhǎng) - growth; 乏力 (fálì) - weak/lacking strength; 及时 (jíshí) - timely; 调整 (tiáozhěng) - to adjust; 策略 (cèlüè) - strategy; 持续 (chíxù) - continuous
尽管公司管理层采取了多项成本削减措施，但由于市场需求疲软，企业仍未能摆脱持续亏损的泥潭。
Despite management implementing various cost-cutting measures, due to weak market demand, the enterprise has still been unable to escape the quagmire of continuous losses.
管理层 (guǎnlǐ céng) - management; 疲软 (píruǎn) - weak (demand); 泥潭 (nítán) - mire/quagmire
该初创企业为迅速抢占市场份额而采取的激进定价策略，虽然带来了短期内的客流激增，但其高昂的运营成本导致了不可持续的巨额亏本。
The aggressive pricing strategy adopted by the startup to rapidly seize market share, while bringing about a short-term surge in customer traffic, led to unsustainable enormous losses due to its high operating costs.
抢占 (qiǎngzhàn) - to seize; 激进 (jījìn) - aggressive; 定价策略 (dìngjià cèlüè) - pricing strategy; 客流激增 (kèliú jīzēng) - surge in customer traffic; 高昂 (gāo'áng) - high/exorbitant; 不可持续 (bùkě chíxù) - unsustainable
原材料价格的剧烈波动以及供应链的脆弱性，使得许多制造商在当前经济环境下，不得不以亏本的价格来维持生产线的运转。
The violent fluctuations in raw material prices and the fragility of the supply chain compel many manufacturers, in the current economic environment, to maintain the operation of their production lines at a loss-making price.
剧烈波动 (jùliè bōdòng) - violent fluctuations; 供应链 (gōngyìng liàn) - supply chain; 脆弱性 (cuìruò xìng) - fragility; 经济环境 (jīngjì huánjìng) - economic environment; 运转 (yùnzhuǎn) - operation/running
鉴于当前宏观经济形势不容乐观，政府正考虑实施一系列财政援助计划，以扶持那些面临暂时性亏本但具有长期发展潜力的行业。
Given that the current macroeconomic situation is not optimistic, the government is considering implementing a series of fiscal aid programs to support industries that are facing temporary losses but possess long-term development potential.
鉴于 (jiànyú) - in view of; 宏观经济形势 (hóngguān jīngjì xíngshì) - macroeconomic situation; 不容乐观 (bùróng lèguān) - not optimistic; 财政援助 (cáizhèng yuánzhù) - fiscal aid; 扶持 (fúchí) - to support; 暂时性 (zànshí xìng) - temporary; 潜力 (qiánlì) - potential
他当初对该科技项目的市场前景过于乐观的判断，导致其投入了大量资金，最终却面临了高达数百万的亏本。
His overly optimistic judgment of the market prospects for that tech project at the time led him to invest a large amount of capital, ultimately facing losses amounting to millions.
前景 (qiánjǐng) - prospect; 投入 (tóurù) - to invest/put in; 资金 (zījīn) - capital; 高达 (gāodá) - up to/as high as
在进行任何一项重大战略性投资决策之前，务必进行详尽的风险评估和市场可行性分析，以规避因信息不对称或市场误判而导致的潜在亏本。
Before making any major strategic investment decision, it is imperative to conduct thorough risk assessment and market feasibility analysis to avoid potential losses arising from information asymmetry or market misjudgment.
战略性 (zhànlüè xìng) - strategic; 决策 (juécè) - decision; 务必 (wùbì) - must; 风险评估 (fēngxiǎn pínggū) - risk assessment; 可行性分析 (kěxíng xìng fēnxī) - feasibility analysis; 规避 (guībì) - to avoid/evade; 信息不对称 (xìnxī bù duìchèn) - information asymmetry; 误判 (wùpàn) - misjudgment; 潜在 (qiánzài) - potential
如果企业的核心竞争力不足，且未能及时适应快速变化的市场需求，那么即使在短期内看似盈利，长期来看也极有可能陷入亏本的恶性循环。
If a company's core competitiveness is insufficient and it fails to adapt promptly to rapidly changing market demands, then even if it appears profitable in the short term, it is highly likely to fall into a vicious cycle of losses in the long run.
核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēng lì) - core competitiveness; 适应 (shìyìng) - to adapt; 快速变化 (kuàisù biànhuà) - rapid change; 恶性循环 (èxìng xúnhuán) - vicious cycle
在数字经济时代，传统零售业面临着前所未有的挑战，许多实体店因无法有效整合线上线下资源而不得不选择关门歇业，甚至亏本甩卖剩余商品。
In the era of the digital economy, traditional retail faces unprecedented challenges, with many brick-and-mortar stores forced to close down due to their inability to effectively integrate online and offline resources, even resorting to selling remaining inventory at a loss.
数字经济 (shùzì jīngjì) - digital economy; 传统零售业 (chuántǒng língshòu yè) - traditional retail industry; 前所未有 (qiánsuǒwèiyǒu) - unprecedented; 实体店 (shítǐ diàn) - brick-and-mortar store; 有效整合 (yǒuxiào zhěnghé) - effectively integrate; 关门歇业 (guānmén xiēyè) - to close down business; 甩卖 (shuǎimài) - to sell off cheaply/clearance sale
鉴于当前地缘政治风险的加剧以及全球供应链的动荡不安，跨国企业正面临着严峻的挑战，如何在维持运营的同时最大限度地规避因意外事件导致的巨额亏损，已成为其战略规划的重中之重。
In view of the escalating geopolitical risks and the turbulent global supply chain, multinational corporations are facing severe challenges; how to maximize the avoidance of enormous losses caused by unforeseen events while maintaining operations has become the top priority of their strategic planning.
地缘政治风险 (dìyuán zhèngzhì fēngxiǎn) - geopolitical risk; 加剧 (jiājù) - to intensify; 动荡不安 (dòngdàng bù'ān) - turbulent and unstable; 跨国企业 (kuàguó qǐyè) - multinational corporation; 严峻 (yánjùn) - severe; 规避 (guībì) - to avoid; 意外事件 (yìwài shìjiàn) - unforeseen event; 重中之重 (zhòngzhōngzhīzhòng) - the most important of the important
该公司的破产并非一蹴而就，而是长期累积的经营不善、产品创新乏力以及未能及时应对市场结构性变化等多重因素共同作用的结果，导致其最终陷入了无法挽回的财务困境，不得不以极低的估值进行资产清算，造成了股东的巨额亏本。
The company's bankruptcy was not an overnight occurrence but the result of multiple factors cumulatively contributing to long-term mismanagement, lack of product innovation, and failure to timely respond to structural market changes, leading it to ultimately fall into an irreversible financial predicament, forcing an asset liquidation at extremely low valuations, thereby causing substantial losses for shareholders.
破产 (pòchǎn) - bankruptcy; 一蹴而就 (yīcù'érjiù) - to achieve success in one step; 累积 (lěijī) - to accumulate; 经营不善 (jīngyíng bù shàn) - mismanagement; 乏力 (fálì) - lacking strength; 结构性变化 (jiégòuxìng biànhuà) - structural change; 挽回 (wǎnhuí) - to retrieve/salvage; 资产清算 (zīchǎn qīngsuàn) - asset liquidation; 估值 (gūzhí) - valuation
在当前高度互联的全球化背景下，任何一家企业若想避免因市场剧烈波动或突发性危机而蒙受巨额亏损，就必须建立一套高度灵活且具备前瞻性的风险管理体系，能够实时监测潜在威胁，并迅速启动应急预案。
In the current highly interconnected globalized context, any enterprise wishing to avoid suffering enormous losses due to drastic market fluctuations or sudden crises must establish a highly flexible and forward-looking risk management system capable of real-time monitoring of potential threats and swift activation of emergency response plans.
互联 (hùlián) - interconnected; 全球化 (quánqiú huà) - globalization; 蒙受 (méngshòu) - to suffer/bear; 剧烈波动 (jùliè bōdòng) - drastic fluctuations; 突发性危机 (tūfā xìng wēijī) - sudden crisis; 前瞻性 (qiánzhānxìng) - forward-looking; 体系 (tǐxì) - system; 实时监测 (shíshí jiāncè) - real-time monitoring; 潜在威胁 (qiánzài wēixié) - potential threat; 应急预案 (yìngjí yù'àn) - emergency response plan
尽管其在初期阶段通过激进的扩张策略获得了可观的市场份额，但由于缺乏对成本控制的有效机制以及对市场饱和度的误判，该公司最终陷入了长期的亏本运营，并严重侵蚀了其资本基础，使其在后续竞争中处于极为不利的地位。
Despite gaining considerable market share through aggressive expansion strategies in its initial stages, due to a lack of effective cost control mechanisms and misjudgment of market saturation, the company ultimately fell into prolonged loss-making operations, severely eroding its capital base and placing it in an extremely disadvantageous position in subsequent competition.
扩张策略 (kuòzhāng cèlüè) - expansion strategy; 可观 (kěguān) - considerable; 饱和度 (bǎohé dù) - saturation level; 侵蚀 (qīnshí) - to erode; 资本基础 (zīběn jīchǔ) - capital base; 不利地位 (bùlì dìwèi) - disadvantageous position
在评估一项新业务的财务可行性时，审慎的分析师会考虑多种情景，包括最坏的情况，即市场反应不如预期，导致产品滞销，最终不得不以低于成本的价格进行清算，从而造成可观的亏本。
When evaluating the financial feasibility of a new business, prudent analysts will consider multiple scenarios, including the worst-case scenario where market reception is poorer than expected, leading to unsold products that ultimately must be liquidated at below-cost prices, thereby causing considerable losses.
可行性 (kěxíng xìng) - feasibility; 审慎 (shěnshèn) - prudent; 情景 (qíngjǐng) - scenario; 滞销 (zhìxiāo) - unsold; 清算 (qīngsuàn) - liquidation
企业若想在瞬息万变的商业环境中保持竞争力并规避财务风险，就必须具备敏锐的市场洞察力，能够预见潜在的消费趋势变化，并及时调整其产品组合和定价策略，以防范因市场错配而产生的亏本。
For businesses to maintain competitiveness and avoid financial risks in the rapidly changing commercial environment, they must possess keen market insight, be able to foresee potential shifts in consumer trends, and promptly adjust their product portfolios and pricing strategies to prevent losses arising from market misalignments.
瞬息万变 (shùnxīwànbiàn) - rapidly changing; 洞察力 (dòngchálì) - insight; 预见 (yùjiàn) - to foresee; 消费趋势 (xiāofèi qūshì) - consumer trends; 产品组合 (chǎnpǐn zǔhé) - product portfolio; 市场错配 (shìchǎng cuòpèi) - market misalignment
由于全球经济下行压力增大以及国内消费需求疲软，许多以往稳健的行业也开始显现出亏本的迹象，这无疑给整个市场的信心带来了沉重打击。
Due to increasing downward pressure on the global economy and weak domestic consumer demand, many previously stable industries are now showing signs of operating at a loss, which has undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to the confidence of the entire market.
下行压力 (xiàxíng yālì) - downward pressure; 消费需求 (xiāofèi xūqiú) - consumer demand; 稳健 (wěnjiàn) - stable/sound; 显现 (xiǎnxiàn) - to appear/show; 沉重打击 (chénzhòng dǎjī) - heavy blow
在极端市场条件下，即使是最有经验的投资者也可能面临巨额亏本的风险，因此，建立多元化的投资组合和严格的风险控制机制是分散风险、规避潜在损失的关键。
Under extreme market conditions, even the most experienced investors may face the risk of enormous losses; therefore, establishing a diversified investment portfolio and strict risk control mechanisms are key to diversifying risks and avoiding potential losses.
极端 (jíduān) - extreme; 投资者 (tóuzī zhě) - investor; 多元化 (duōyuán huà) - diversified; 投资组合 (tóuzī zǔhé) - investment portfolio; 分散风险 (fēnsàn fēngxiǎn) - to diversify risk
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Lost money. This is a very common way to state that a business or venture has incurred a financial loss.
今年的生意不好，我们亏本了。
— Operating at a loss. This describes the ongoing state of a business that is not profitable.
这家小店已经亏本经营了几个月，很难维持下去。
— To sell at a loss. This is often done to clear inventory or attract customers, even though it results in a financial deficit on those specific sales.
为了尽快回笼资金，他们不得不亏本出售这些商品。
— Do not want to lose money. This expresses a desire to avoid financial loss.
做任何生意，我们都希望赚钱，而不是亏本。
— Investment resulted in a loss. This specifically refers to financial losses incurred from an investment.
他后悔当初的投资，因为最后投资亏本了。
— Huge loss. This emphasizes the significant scale of the financial deficit.
由于市场变化太快，公司面临巨额亏本的风险。
— Facing losses. This indicates a situation where a business is in danger of losing money.
由于原材料价格上涨，许多工厂面临亏本。
— To avoid losses. This refers to efforts made to prevent financial deficits.
管理者正在努力寻找方法来避免公司亏本。
— To continue losing money. This indicates an ongoing negative financial trend.
如果继续亏本下去，公司将无法生存。
— This is a losing deal/business. This phrase describes a transaction or venture that is known to result in a financial loss.
大家都知道这笔生意会亏本，但他还是坚持做了。
Often Confused With
亏损 is primarily a noun meaning 'loss' or 'deficit', often used in formal financial contexts. 亏本 is a verb meaning 'to lose money'.
损失 is a broader term for 'loss' or 'damage' that can apply to financial, material, or even non-material things. 亏本 is specifically about financial loss in business.
赔钱 is a very close synonym and often interchangeable with 亏本, but it can be used more broadly in personal contexts as well as business.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'money-losing goods'. It's a derogatory term for something or someone that is useless and causes financial loss or trouble.
这个旧电器太费电了，简直是个赔钱货。
Informal— To lose all the capital invested; to lose one's entire fortune. This is a more severe form of losing money, implying a complete loss of investment.
他的那次创业以失败告终，血本无归。
Formal/Literary— Income is not enough to cover expenses. While not directly 'losing money' in a business sense, it describes a financial state that often leads to or results from losing money.
他每个月的开销都很大，总是入不敷出，生意也因此亏本。
Formal/Idiomatic— To lose the wife and also lose the soldiers; to suffer a double loss. This idiom describes a situation where one tries to achieve a goal but ends up losing both the desired outcome and the resources used.
他想在谈判中占便宜，结果不但没谈成，还损失了原本能拿到的合同，真是赔了夫人又折兵。
Idiomatic/Figurative— Literally 'cut flesh to fill the warehouse'. In stock trading, it means selling assets at a loss (cutting flesh) to free up capital to buy more assets at a lower price (fill the warehouse), hoping to recover losses. It implies accepting a current loss to potentially mitigate future ones.
尽管亏本，他还是决定割肉补仓，希望市场能回升。
Financial/Figurative— A clay Buddha crossing a river; unable to save oneself. This idiom describes someone or something in a desperate situation, unable to help themselves, often implying they will eventually 'sink' or fail, which can be metaphorically linked to financial failure or loss.
这家公司管理混乱，产品滞销，简直是泥菩萨过江，迟早要亏本。
Idiomatic/Figurative— Chickens fly away and eggs are broken; to suffer a total loss. This idiom describes a complete disaster where everything is lost.
那次投资失败，他所有的积蓄都打了水漂，真是鸡飞蛋打。
Idiomatic/Figurative— To tear down the east wall to repair the west wall. This describes a desperate attempt to solve one financial problem by creating another, often unsustainable.
他为了还债，不停地拆东墙补西墙，生意最终还是亏本关门了。
Idiomatic/Figurative— Spilt water is hard to retrieve; what is done cannot be undone. While not directly about financial loss, it can apply to irreversible business decisions that lead to losses.
当初不听劝告，现在生意亏本了，真是覆水难收。
Idiomatic/Figurative— Pulling at the lapel to reveal the elbow; to be short of money or resources.
公司现在捉襟见肘，勉强维持运营，随时可能亏本。
Idiomatic/FigurativeEasily Confused
Both 亏本 and 亏损 relate to financial deficits.
亏本 is a verb meaning 'to lose money' (e.g., 'This business lost money'). 亏损 is a noun meaning 'loss' or 'deficit' (e.g., 'The company's loss was huge'). 亏本 describes the action or state of losing money, while 亏损 describes the result or amount of that loss.
这家公司<strong>亏本</strong>经营了很久，最后出现了巨大的<strong>亏损</strong>。
Both relate to negative outcomes and the idea of losing something valuable.
亏本 is specifically about losing money in a commercial transaction where expenses exceed revenue. 损失 is a more general term for any kind of loss, including property damage, loss of opportunity, or even emotional harm. For example, a car accident causes 损失, but a failed business venture results in 亏本.
那次事故造成了巨大的<strong>损失</strong>，而他创业<strong>亏本</strong>了。
Both mean 'to lose money'.
赔钱 is a more colloquial and general term for losing money, applicable to both business and personal situations (e.g., losing money gambling). 亏本 is more specifically tied to business operations and the concept of costs exceeding revenue. While often interchangeable in business contexts, 亏本 emphasizes the loss of capital or investment.
他炒股<strong>赔钱</strong>了，但他的生意也<strong>亏本</strong>了。
Both indicate severe negative financial outcomes.
亏本 means to lose money, which can be a temporary or ongoing issue for a business. 破产 means to go bankrupt, which is a legal status indicating the business is unable to pay its debts and must cease operations. 亏本 can lead to 破产, but not all businesses that 亏本 end up 破产.
如果继续<strong>亏本</strong>下去，公司很可能<strong>破产</strong>。
Both mean 'to lose money'.
蚀本 is a synonym for 亏本, meaning to lose money or capital. It is often considered slightly more formal or literary than 亏本 or 赔钱. In most everyday business contexts, 亏本 or 赔钱 are more commonly used.
这次的冒险投资最终<strong>蚀本</strong>了，让他损失惨重。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 亏本
这家公司<strong>亏本</strong>了。
Subject + 亏本 + (Reason/Object)
为了吸引顾客，他们<strong>亏本卖</strong>了这些商品。
If clause + then clause (about loss)
<strong>如果</strong>成本太高，就容易<strong>亏本</strong>。
Subject + Verb + Object + 结果 (jiéguǒ - result) + 亏本
他投资失败，<strong>结果亏本</strong>了很多钱。
Despite + Condition, Subject + Verb + 亏本
<strong>尽管</strong>市场竞争激烈，这家公司依然努力避免<strong>亏本</strong>。
Subject + Verb + Object + 导致 (dǎozhì - lead to) + 亏本
激进的定价策略<strong>导致了巨额亏本</strong>。
Complex sentence with conjunctions + Subject + 亏本
<strong>鉴于</strong>市场需求疲软，公司不得不采取<strong>亏本</strong>策略以求生存。
Subject + Verb Phrase + ... + 亏本 + (Consequence)
由于原材料价格上涨，许多制造商发现自己陷入了<strong>亏本的困境</strong>。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
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Using 亏本 for personal non-business losses.
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Using 丢失 (diūshī) or 损失 (sǔnshī) for personal losses.
亏本 specifically refers to financial losses in a commercial context where expenses exceed revenue. For example, losing your wallet is 丢失钱包, not 亏本钱包.
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Confusing 亏本 (verb) with 亏损 (noun).
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Using 亏本 as a verb and 亏损 as a noun.
亏本 is 'to lose money' (verb), while 亏损 is 'loss' or 'deficit' (noun). Example: '公司亏本了' (The company lost money) vs. '公司的亏损很大' (The company's loss is huge).
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Using 亏本 for general damage or harm.
→
Using 损失 (sǔnshī) for general damage or harm.
亏本 is strictly financial. If a natural disaster causes damage, it's 损失, not 亏本. Example: '地震造成了财产损失' (The earthquake caused property damage).
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Incorrect tones leading to misunderstanding.
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Pronouncing both 亏 (kuī) and 本 (běn) with the fourth falling tone.
Mandarin tones are crucial. Mispronouncing the tones of 亏本 can change the meaning or make it unintelligible. Ensure you use the falling tone for both characters.
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Using 亏本 as a noun to mean 'a loss'.
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Using 亏损 (kuīsǔn) or 损失 (sǔnshī) as nouns.
While 亏本 describes the state of losing money, it functions primarily as a verb. For the noun 'loss', 亏损 or 损失 are more appropriate. Example: '这次交易是个大亏本' is less natural than '这次交易是个大亏损' or '这次交易让我亏本了'.
Tips
Master the Tones
The word 亏本 has two falling tones (fourth tone). Practice saying 'kuī' and 'běn' with this falling intonation. Incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings, especially in business contexts where precision is key.
Know Your Synonyms
While 亏本 is common, be aware of 赔钱 (colloquial, broader) and 亏损 (formal noun for 'loss'). Knowing these helps you understand nuances and choose the right word for the situation.
Visual Association
Picture a tree (本 - běn) with its roots being dug out (亏 - kuī). This represents losing your business's capital or foundation. This visual can help you recall the meaning.
Practice Sentence Building
Try constructing sentences using 亏本 in different scenarios: a shop losing money, an investment failing, or a company operating at a loss. This active recall solidifies understanding.
Understand the Implication
In Chinese culture, operating at a loss (亏本) is often seen as a significant setback. Understanding this helps interpret the seriousness with which the term is sometimes used in business discussions.
Verb Function
Recognize that 亏本 functions as a verb. It describes the action of losing money. You'll often see it used with subjects like '公司' (company), '生意' (business), or '项目' (project).
Loss vs. Bankruptcy
Distinguish between 亏本 (losing money) and 破产 (pòchǎn - bankruptcy). While losing money can lead to bankruptcy, they are not the same. 亏本 is a state, while 破产 is a legal status.
Listen to the News
Pay attention to business and economic news in Chinese. You'll frequently hear 亏本 used to describe companies or industries facing financial difficulties.
Opposites Matter
Learning the opposite, 盈利 (yínglì - to make a profit), helps reinforce the meaning of 亏本. Think of the spectrum from losing money to making money.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a business owner looking at their cash register (本 - běn, like a book/register) and seeing that money is leaving (亏 - kuī, like a leak). The money is leaking out of the 'běn' (register), so it's 亏本.
Visual Association
Visualize a tree (本 - běn) with its roots being dug out (亏 - kuī). The roots represent the business's capital, and digging them out means losing that capital.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the concept of '亏本' to someone who doesn't speak Chinese, using only gestures and one English word (e.g., 'Loss'). Then, try to describe a scenario where a business might 亏本.
Word Origin
The word 亏本 (kuīběn) is composed of two characters. 亏 (kuī) means 'to lose', 'to fail', or 'to subtract', and 本 (běn) means 'root', 'origin', or 'capital'. Together, they literally mean 'to lose capital' or 'to lose the root', implying a loss of the principal investment or foundational resources.
Original meaning: The character 亏 (kuī) historically relates to a loss or a defect. 本 (běn) refers to the principal amount or the original investment. Thus, 亏本 directly signifies the loss of that original capital or investment.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
Discussing a business that is 亏本 can be sensitive, as it implies financial difficulty. It's important to be tactful when discussing such matters, especially with business owners.
In English, the most direct translation is 'to lose money' or 'to incur a loss' in a business context. Phrases like 'operating at a loss' or 'going into the red' convey a similar meaning.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
A small shop owner discussing their business performance.
- 生意不好，我们亏本了。
- 这个月亏本经营。
- 得想办法不亏本。
A news report about the economy or a specific industry.
- 航空公司面临亏本。
- 该行业普遍亏本。
- 公司巨额亏本。
Friends discussing personal investments or ventures.
- 我的投资亏本了。
- 那笔生意亏本不少。
- 不想再亏本了。
A business meeting discussing financial results.
- 项目亏本的原因。
- 如何避免继续亏本。
- 季度亏本额。
A discussion about sales and discounts.
- 为了促销，亏本出售。
- 这是笔亏本买卖。
- 不希望亏本打折。
Conversation Starters
"Have you heard about the new store downtown? I heard they're struggling and might be losing money."
"My friend invested in a startup, but it seems like they're not making any profit and might be losing money."
"The news talked about how challenging it is for some industries right now, with many companies operating at a loss."
"If you were to start a business, what's the biggest financial risk you'd worry about?"
"Do you think it's ever a good strategy to sell something at a loss to attract customers?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you or someone you know experienced a financial loss, either in business or a personal venture. How did it feel, and what was learned?
Imagine you are a business owner facing the possibility of losing money. What steps would you take to try and prevent this outcome?
Reflect on a time you made a purchase that you later regretted because it felt like a waste of money or a bad deal. How is this similar to or different from a business losing money?
Consider the concept of 'risk' in business. How does the fear of losing money influence decision-making?
If a business is consistently losing money, what are some potential long-term consequences for the owners, employees, and the business itself?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most direct translation of 亏本 (kuīběn) is 'to lose money' in a business context. It specifically refers to a situation where the expenses incurred by a business or a venture are greater than the revenue it generates.
No, 亏本 is primarily used for financial losses in business or commercial activities. For losing personal items like a wallet, you would use words like 丢 (diū) or 丢失 (diūshī).
Both 亏本 and 赔钱 mean 'to lose money'. 赔钱 is a more general and colloquial term that can be used in both business and personal contexts. 亏本 is more specifically tied to business operations and the concept of costs exceeding revenue. They are often used interchangeably in business discussions.
亏损 (kuīsǔn) is generally a noun meaning 'loss' or 'deficit', often used in formal financial reports or accounting. 亏本 is a verb meaning 'to lose money'. So, you might say a company '亏本了' (lost money), and the financial report shows a '亏损' (loss) of a certain amount.
Not necessarily. 亏本 means losing money, which can be a temporary setback. Complete financial ruin in business is usually described by 破产 (pòchǎn), meaning 'to go bankrupt'. However, prolonged 亏本 can eventually lead to 破产.
The most direct opposite of 亏本 is 盈利 (yínglì), meaning 'to make a profit' or 'to be profitable'. A more colloquial opposite is 赚钱 (zhuànqián), meaning 'to make money'.
亏本 is very common in spoken Chinese, especially in contexts related to business, shopping, and personal finance. You'll hear it frequently in conversations about economic conditions, market performance, and individual business ventures.
Yes, there are several related idioms. For example, 血本无归 (xuèběn wúguī) means to lose all one's capital, implying a very severe loss. 鸡飞蛋打 (jīfēi dàndǎ) means to suffer a total loss, and 捉襟见肘 (zhuōjīn jiànzhǒu) describes a state of being short of money, which can lead to losses.
Not always. Selling items cheaply (e.g., during a sale) might mean they are making a smaller profit or selling at cost price. However, if the price they are selling at is lower than their total expenses to acquire and sell the item, then yes, they are 亏本 on those specific items.
You can associate 亏 (kuī) with 'leak' or 'loss' and 本 (běn) with 'base' or 'capital'. So, 亏本 means your business's 'capital base' is leaking money. Another visual is a tree (本) losing its roots (亏).
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Summary
亏本 (kuīběn) is a verb that signifies a business is losing money because its expenses are greater than its income. It's a direct indicator of financial deficit in commercial activities.
- 亏本 (kuīběn) means to lose money in business.
- It's a verb indicating expenses exceed revenue.
- Commonly used in commercial and financial contexts.
- Opposite of making a profit.
Master the Tones
The word 亏本 has two falling tones (fourth tone). Practice saying 'kuī' and 'běn' with this falling intonation. Incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings, especially in business contexts where precision is key.
Context is Key
Remember that 亏本 is almost exclusively used in business or financial contexts. Avoid using it for personal losses unrelated to commerce, such as losing a personal item or feeling like you wasted time.
Know Your Synonyms
While 亏本 is common, be aware of 赔钱 (colloquial, broader) and 亏损 (formal noun for 'loss'). Knowing these helps you understand nuances and choose the right word for the situation.
Visual Association
Picture a tree (本 - běn) with its roots being dug out (亏 - kuī). This represents losing your business's capital or foundation. This visual can help you recall the meaning.
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