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B1 adjective 14 min read

非营利

feiyingli

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 非营利 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 非营利 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legal definitions of 非营利. Think of it as a way to say 'not for money' or 'helping people.' In Chinese, this word is made of three parts: 非 (not), 营 (to do business), and 利 (profit). Even though it's a bit formal, you can use it to describe a group that helps animals or poor people. For example, if you see a small club at school that collects books for kids, you can say it is '非营利.' It is a useful word because it shows you understand that not everything in the world is about making money. Just remember that it is usually used before a noun, like '非营利 group' or '非营利 school.' At this level, focus on recognizing the word when you see it on a sign or in a simple story about kindness.

At the A2 level, you can start using 非营利 to describe specific organizations you know. You might talk about a '非营利组织' (non-profit organization) or a '非营利机构' (non-profit institution). This word is very common when talking about hobbies or social work. For example, if you volunteer at a library, the library might be '非营利.' You should learn to pair it with the verb '是' (shì - to be). For example: '这是一个非营利组织' (This is a non-profit organization). It's also helpful to know that this word is the opposite of '赚钱' (zhuàn qián - to make money). While '赚钱' is common in daily life, '非营利' is the 'correct' and more polite way to describe organizations that focus on helping society. Try to use it when you are talking about your interests or the types of companies you like.

As a B1 learner, 非营利 becomes an essential part of your 'social and professional' vocabulary. You should be able to use it in discussions about the environment, education, and healthcare. At this level, you should understand the difference between '非营利' (non-profit) and '免费' (free). A '非营利' hospital still needs money to pay its doctors, but it doesn't try to make a profit for a boss. You should also start using the term '非营利性' (fēi yíng lì xìng) to describe the *nature* of something. For example, '这个项目的性质是非营利性的' (The nature of this project is non-profit). This level requires you to understand the word in the context of news reports. When you hear about a '基金会' (foundation), you should automatically associate it with the word '非营利.' Practice explaining *why* an organization is non-profit using '因为' (because) and '目的' (purpose).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 非营利 in formal writing and debates. You should understand its role in the 'Third Sector' (第三部门) of the economy. You can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of non-profit models versus commercial models. For example, you might write an essay about whether schools should be '非营利' or '营利性.' You should also be aware of related terms like '公益' (public welfare) and '慈善' (charity) and be able to explain the nuances between them. At B2, you should use more sophisticated verbs with this word, such as '致力于' (zhì lì yú - to be committed to) or '运作' (yùn zuò - to operate). For example: '该非营利组织致力于环境保护' (The non-profit organization is committed to environmental protection). You should also be able to recognize the word in legal or semi-legal contexts, such as when reading about tax exemptions for '非营利机构.'

At the C1 level, your understanding of 非营利 should include its legal and administrative implications in China. You should be able to discuss the 'Charity Law of the People's Republic of China' (中华人民共和国慈善法) and how it regulates '非营利组织.' You should understand the specific categories of non-profits in China, such as '社会团体' and '民办非企业单位.' At this level, you can use the word to discuss complex topics like 'social entrepreneurship' (社会企业), where the lines between profit and non-profit are blurred. You should be able to use '非营利' in a rhetorical way to argue for social change or to critique the commercialization of public services. Your vocabulary should include formal collocations like '非营利性法人' (non-profit legal person) and '非营利组织管理' (NPO management). You are expected to use the term with perfect accuracy in both written reports and high-level oral presentations.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 非营利 and its place in the socio-political landscape of the Sinosphere. You can analyze the evolution of the term from the planned economy era to the modern day. You understand the philosophical underpinnings of why certain sectors (like the arts or basic research) are traditionally '非营利.' You can engage in deep discussions about the 'non-profit distribution constraint' and how it affects organizational behavior. In your writing, you use '非营利' with stylistic flair, perhaps contrasting it with '资本扩张' (capital expansion) or '市场化' (marketization). You are also aware of regional differences in terminology, such as how '非营利' is used in Taiwan or Hong Kong compared to Mainland China. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a conceptual tool you use to navigate and analyze the most complex aspects of Chinese society, law, and economics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

非营利 in 30 Seconds

非营利 (fēi yíng lì) is the standard Chinese term for 'non-profit,' describing organizations that prioritize social missions over financial gain for owners.
It is primarily used as a formal adjective before nouns like 组织 (organization), 机构 (institution), or 基金会 (foundation).
Linguistically, it combines 'non' (非) with 'seeking profit' (营利), distinguishing it from commercial businesses or 'for-profit' (营利性) entities.
In China, it is a key term in law and sociology, often associated with public welfare (公益) and charitable work (慈善).

The term 非营利 (fēi yíng lì) is a critical administrative and social descriptor in the Chinese language, primarily used to identify entities whose primary goal is something other than generating wealth for owners or shareholders. Linguistically, it is composed of three characters: 非 (fēi), meaning 'non-' or 'not'; 营 (yíng), which relates to 'operating' or 'managing'; and 利 (lì), meaning 'profit.' Together, they form a direct equivalent to the English term 'non-profit.' In the context of modern Chinese society, this word is ubiquitous in discussions regarding social welfare, environmental protection, education, and healthcare. It distinguishes a 'social organization' from a 'commercial enterprise.' When you see this word, it signals that any surplus funds generated by the organization are reinvested into its mission rather than distributed as dividends. This concept is central to the 'Third Sector' of the economy, sitting between the government and the private market.

Semantic Breakdown: The '非' acts as a prefix of negation, similar to 'un-' or 'non-'. '营利' as a compound verb/noun refers to the act of seeking profit. Therefore, the word literally describes the absence of profit-seeking motives.

这家机构是一家纯粹的非营利组织，致力于保护野生大象。 (This institution is a purely non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wild elephants.)

In conversation, you will most frequently hear this word in formal settings—news reports, academic lectures, or business meetings. However, as social awareness grows in China, younger generations use it when discussing volunteer work (义工) or social entrepreneurship. It carries a connotation of altruism and social responsibility. It is important to note that '非营利' doesn't mean the organization doesn't handle money; rather, it defines the *purpose* of that money. In Mainland China, the legal framework often uses the term '非营利性' (fēi yíng lì xìng) to describe the nature of schools or hospitals that are not permitted to distribute profits. Understanding this word helps a learner navigate the complexities of Chinese civil society and the various 'NGO' (Non-Governmental Organization) structures that exist within the country.

政府为非营利团体提供了多项税收优惠政策。 (The government has provided several tax incentive policies for non-profit groups.)

Contextual Usage: It is almost always used as an attributive adjective modifying a noun. You rarely say 'This company is non-profit' in the same way you do in English; instead, you say 'This is a non-profit company.'

Historically, the concept of a non-profit sector as a distinct legal category is relatively new in China, gaining significant traction after the economic reforms of the 1980s. Before that, most social services were provided directly by the state or 'danwei' (work units). Today, '非营利' encompasses a wide range of entities, from international foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to local grassroots environmental groups. The word often appears alongside '公益' (gōng yì), which means 'public welfare.' While they are related, '非营利' focuses on the financial structure, while '公益' focuses on the benefit to the public. For example, a non-profit can be a private club for members only (not necessarily public welfare), but most public welfare organizations are by definition non-profit.

许多退休教授在非营利学校继续教书。 (Many retired professors continue to teach at non-profit schools.)

Furthermore, the word is essential for anyone looking to work in China's growing 'Third Sector.' Whether you are applying for a grant, registering a charity, or simply reading the news about social innovation, '非营利' will be your foundational term. It implies a level of transparency and ethical commitment that is highly valued in social discourse. In recent years, the 'Social Enterprise' (社会企业) movement has blurred the lines slightly, but '非营利' remains the standard legal and conceptual benchmark for organizations that reject the profit motive in favor of social impact. Learners should practice using it with '组织' (organization) and '项目' (project) to sound natural.

这个非营利项目的资金主要来自个人捐款。 (The funding for this non-profit project comes mainly from individual donations.)

Using 非营利 correctly requires an understanding of its role as a prefix-like adjective. In Chinese grammar, it almost always precedes the noun it modifies without the need for the particle '的' (de), although '的' can be used for emphasis or in specific rhythmic patterns. The most common structure is [非营利] + [Noun]. Common nouns include 组织 (organization), 机构 (institution), 团体 (group), and 事业 (cause/undertaking). Because it is a formal term, the surrounding vocabulary should ideally match this formal register. For instance, instead of saying 'doing' a non-profit, one would 'found' (创办), 'manage' (管理), or 'support' (支持) one.

Common Grammatical Patterns: 1. 非营利 + 组织 (NPO)
2. 非营利 + 性质 (Non-profit nature)
3. 属于 + 非营利 + 范畴 (Belongs to the non-profit category)

我们正在为一家非营利机构开发一套新的财务系统。 (We are developing a new financial system for a non-profit institution.)

When you want to describe the *nature* of an activity, you might use '非营利性' (fēi yíng lì xìng). The suffix '性' turns the adjective into a more abstract quality, similar to '-ness' or '-ity' in English. For example, '非营利性医疗机构' (non-profit nature medical institution). This is particularly common in legal documents and official policy papers. If you are comparing two types of entities, you might say '营利性' (profit-making) versus '非营利性' (non-profit). This contrast is vital in sectors like education, where private schools can be either profit-seeking or non-profit, leading to different tax liabilities and operational requirements under Chinese law.

教育应该是具有非营利性质的社会公益事业。 (Education should be a social public welfare undertaking with a non-profit nature.)

Another nuance involves the position of '非营利' in a long string of adjectives. It usually comes after adjectives of origin or time but before the core noun. For example, '一家[著名的][美国][非营利]机构' (A [famous] [American] [non-profit] institution). If you are writing a formal report, you might use the phrase '非营利组织管理' (Non-profit organization management) to describe a field of study. In the context of the internet, you might see '非营利网站' (non-profit website), which refers to sites like Wikipedia that do not run ads or sell user data for profit. Using this term correctly shows that you can distinguish between different business models and social structures in a Chinese-speaking environment.

该协会是一个非营利性的专业人士网络。 (The association is a non-profit network of professionals.)

Finally, consider the verb pairings. To 'register' a non-profit is '注册非营利组织' (zhù cè fēi yíng lì zǔ zhī). To 'donate to' a non-profit is '向非营利机构捐款' (xiàng fēi yíng lì jī gòu juān kuǎn). To 'volunteer for' a non-profit is '在非营利团体做志愿者' (zài fēi yíng lì tuán tǐ zuò zhì yuàn zhě). These collocations are essential for fluency. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss complex social issues, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and philanthropy with precision. Whether you are at a B1 level or moving toward C1, '非营利' is a versatile tool for describing the altruistic side of modern society.

通过支持非营利艺术团体，企业可以提升其品牌形象。 (By supporting non-profit arts groups, companies can enhance their brand image.)

Sentence Structure Check: Subject + 是 + (一家/个) + 非营利 + Noun.
Example: 维基百科是一个非营利网站。

In the real world, 非营利 is a word that bridges the gap between the average citizen and the formal structures of society. You will hear it most frequently in the context of public service announcements and news broadcasts. For instance, when a major disaster strikes, CCTV or local news stations will often list '非营利机构' (non-profit institutions) that are authorized to receive donations. This provides a sense of security to the public, as the term implies government oversight and a guarantee that the funds will be used for relief rather than private gain. It is a word that carries the weight of trust in a financial context.

Daily Life Scenarios: 1. University campus: Discussing student clubs or research foundations.
2. Job interviews: When applying for roles in foundations or social service centers.
3. Tech world: Discussing open-source foundations or free educational platforms.

他在电台里听到一个关于非营利环保组织的采访。 (He heard an interview on the radio about a non-profit environmental organization.)

Another place you will frequently encounter this word is on the 'About Us' (关于我们) pages of websites. If a platform like Khan Academy or a local community center has a Chinese version, they will prominently feature the word '非营利' to explain their mission. In the professional world, particularly in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, '非营利组织' is a common topic in the 'CSR' (Corporate Social Responsibility) departments of large corporations. You might hear a manager say, 'We need to partner with a local 非营利机构 to launch our sustainability project.' This indicates that the word is not just for activists but is a standard part of the corporate lexicon.

很多大公司都会把利润的一部分捐给非营利基金会。 (Many large companies donate a portion of their profits to non-profit foundations.)

In the academic sphere, students of sociology, political science, and law will hear '非营利' constantly. Professors discuss the '非营利部门' (non-profit sector) and its role in modern governance. You might also hear it in the context of '非营利法' (non-profit law), which is a developing field in China. Even in casual settings, if someone is explaining why a certain service is free or cheap, they might say, '因为他们是做非营利的' (Because they are doing non-profit [work]). While slightly informal, this shows how the word has seeped into common parlance to explain any activity that isn't driven by money.

这所大学的校友建立了一个非营利奖学金基金。 (The alumni of this university established a non-profit scholarship fund.)

Finally, the term is essential for understanding international relations. When international organizations like the Red Cross (红十字会) or UNICEF (联合国儿童基金会) operate in China, they are categorized under the broad umbrella of '非营利性国际组织.' Hearing this word in a diplomatic or global context emphasizes the cooperative, non-commercial nature of international aid. For a learner, recognizing '非营利' in a sea of Chinese characters or sounds immediately provides a massive clue about the ethical and structural context of the subject at hand. It is a 'high-value' vocabulary word that unlocks a significant portion of formal and social Chinese communication.

在这次会议上，来自全球的非营利领袖讨论了气候变化。 (At this conference, non-profit leaders from around the world discussed climate change.)

Key Locations for Hearing the Word: 1. News broadcasts (Xinwen Lianbo)
2. Official government websites (gov.cn)
3. University lecture halls
4. International NGO offices in Tier 1 cities

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 非营利 is confusing it with the word 免费 (miǎn fèi), which means 'free of charge.' While many non-profit organizations provide services for free, the terms are not interchangeable. '非营利' describes the *financial structure* and *purpose* of the organization, whereas '免费' describes the *cost to the consumer*. A non-profit hospital might still charge patients for surgery (to cover costs), but it is still '非营利' because it doesn't distribute profits to owners. Conversely, a 'for-profit' company might offer a '免费' trial of its software, but it is certainly not a '非营利' organization. Learners should be careful not to say '这是一个免费组织' when they mean '这是一个非营利组织.'

Mistake 1: Confusing Structure with Price: Incorrect: 这是一个免费机构 (This is a free institution).
Correct: 这是一个非营利机构 (This is a non-profit institution).

虽然是非营利机构，但他们有时也会收取少量的服务费。 (Although it is a non-profit institution, they sometimes charge a small service fee.)

Another common error is the mispronunciation or miswriting of the second character 营 (yíng). Students often confuse it with 赢 (yíng), which means 'to win.' While they sound identical, '赢利' (yíng lì) specifically means 'to make a profit' or 'surplus profit,' whereas '营利' (yíng lì) means 'to seek profit.' In the phrase '非营利,' the '营' (management/operation) is the standard character used in legal and formal contexts. Writing '非赢利' is a common typo even for native speakers, but in formal writing, '非营利' is the preferred and more accurate version. Remember: you are 'operating' (营) without the goal of 'profit' (利).

在正式文件中，请务必使用“非营利”而不是“非赢利”。 (In formal documents, please be sure to use '非营利' instead of '非赢利'.)

A third mistake is using '非营利' as a verb. You cannot say '他正在非营利' (He is non-profiting). It must be used as an adjective modifying a noun or as part of a noun phrase. If you want to say someone is working for no profit, you should say '他在做公益' (He is doing public welfare work) or '他不以营利为目的' (He does not have profit as his goal). Additionally, some learners forget that '非' is a formal negation. In very casual speech, people might just say '不赚钱的' (not money-making), but this lacks the professional nuance of '非营利.' Using the formal term in a casual setting is usually fine, but using the casual term in a professional setting might make you sound less competent.

这个项目是非营利的，我们不应该谈论个人收益。 (This project is non-profit; we should not talk about personal gains.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 慈善 (cí shàn), which means 'charity.' While all charities are non-profit, not all non-profits are charities. For example, a professional trade association or a social club might be non-profit but not charitable. Learners often use '慈善' as a catch-all for anything non-profit. Using '非营利' is safer and more accurate when referring to the legal or operational status of an organization. In summary: avoid confusing it with 'free,' watch your character choice for 'yíng,' don't use it as a verb, and distinguish it from the broader concept of 'charity.'

Summary of Errors: 1. Confusing 'Non-profit' with 'Free' (免费).
2. Confusing '营' (operate) with '赢' (win).
3. Misusing it as a verb.
4. Overusing '慈善' (charity) when '非营利' is more accurate.

To truly master 非营利, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and related terms within the 'social sector' vocabulary. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning. The most direct relative is 公益 (gōng yì), which translates to 'public welfare' or 'public good.' While '非营利' describes the financial structure, '公益' describes the mission. You will often see them combined as 非营利公益组织. If you want to emphasize the kindness or helpful nature of an organization, 慈善 (cí shàn) is the word to use. It carries a more emotional, heart-led connotation, often associated with helping the poor or the sick.

Comparison: 非营利 vs. 公益: 非营利 (fēi yíng lì): Technical/Financial focus. (e.g., Non-profit tax status).
公益 (gōng yì): Moral/Social focus. (e.g., Public welfare advertisement).

他们创办了一家非营利医院，专门为贫困地区提供公益医疗服务。 (They founded a non-profit hospital specifically to provide public welfare medical services for poor areas.)

Another alternative is 民间组织 (mín jiān zǔ zhī), which literally means 'folk' or 'people's' organization. This is often used to translate 'NGO' (Non-Governmental Organization) in a way that emphasizes its independence from the government. However, '非营利组织' (NPO) is now the more standard academic and professional term. In legal contexts, you might also see 社会团体 (shè huì tuán tǐ) (social group) or 民办非企业单位 (mín bàn fēi qǐ yè dān wèi) (privately-run non-enterprise unit). These are very formal and specific to the Chinese regulatory system. For a student, knowing '非营利' is usually sufficient for general conversation, but recognizing these others will help with reading official documents.

这个民间组织由志愿者自发成立，完全是非营利性质的。 (This NGO was spontaneously established by volunteers and is completely non-profit in nature.)

For the opposite of non-profit, the most common term is 营利性 (yíng lì xìng) (profit-making) or 商业性 (shāng yè xìng) (commercial). When discussing the 'Third Sector,' you might also hear 志愿 (zhì yuàn) (voluntary), which describes the nature of the labor involved. While a non-profit has paid staff, its core often relies on '志愿者' (volunteers). Understanding these distinctions—financial structure (非营利), social mission (公益), emotional drive (慈善), and labor type (志愿)—will allow you to speak about the complexities of social impact in China with high precision and cultural awareness.

Quick Reference Table: 1. 非营利: Financial status (Non-profit).
2. 公益: Public welfare (The 'what').
3. 慈善: Charity (The 'heart').
4. 民间: Non-governmental (The 'who').

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '利' is one of the oldest in Chinese, appearing on oracle bones. Its association with 'profit' was originally positive (a good harvest), but in '非营利', it takes on a more modern economic meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /feɪ jɪŋ liː/

US /feɪ jɪŋ liː/

The primary stress in the phrase is on the last syllable 'li' (4th tone), though 'fei' (1st tone) is held long.

Rhymes With

美利 (Měilì) 胜利 (Shènglì) 权利 (Quánlì) 效率 (Xiàolǜ - slant rhyme) 利益 (Lìyì) 地理 (Dìlǐ - slant rhyme) 这里 (Zhèlǐ - slant rhyme) 建立 (Jiànlì)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fei' as 'fai' (like 'eye').
Using the wrong tone for 'li' (making it 3rd tone instead of 4th).
Mumbling the 'ng' in 'ying'.
Failing to distinguish 'ying' (2nd tone) from 'ying' (1st tone).
Pronouncing 'li' like 'lie'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are standard but '营' can be tricky to distinguish from '莹' or '荧'.

Writing 4/5

Writing '营' correctly requires attention to the top 'top' radicals.

Speaking 2/5

The tones are distinct and the flow is natural.

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with '营利' (profit-seeking) if the 'fei' isn't heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

非 (Non-) 利益 (Interest/Profit) 组织 (Organization) 机构 (Institution) 钱 (Money)

Learn Next

公益 (Public welfare) 慈善 (Charity) 基金会 (Foundation) 志愿者 (Volunteer) 捐款 (Donate money)

Advanced

社会企业 (Social enterprise) 问责制 (Accountability) 透明度 (Transparency) 可持续发展 (Sustainable development) 公民社会 (Civil society)

Grammar to Know

The prefix '非' (fēi) to indicate negation of a status or category.

非法 (illegal), 非官方 (unofficial), 非营利 (non-profit).

The suffix '性' (xìng) to turn adjectives into abstract nouns or properties.

非营利性 (non-profit nature), 重要性 (importance).

Using '以...为目的' to express 'with ... as the goal'.

以非营利为目的 (with non-profit as the goal).

Attributive placement: Adjectives before nouns.

非营利组织 (Non-profit organization).

Using '性质' to describe the category of an entity.

这是非营利性质的机构。

Examples by Level

这是一个非营利小组。

This is a non-profit group.

Simple Subject + 是 + Noun phrase.

非营利学校很好。

Non-profit schools are very good.

Adjective modifying a noun.

他喜欢非营利工作。

He likes non-profit work.

Direct object of the verb 喜欢.

我们是非营利的。

We are non-profit.

Used as a predicate with '的' to indicate a property.

这个机构是非营利吗？

Is this institution non-profit?

Simple question using 吗.

我为非营利组织工作。

I work for a non-profit organization.

Prepositional phrase 为...工作.

非营利团体需要钱。

Non-profit groups need money.

Subject + Verb + Object.

这是一本关于非营利的书。

This is a book about non-profits.

关于 (about) used to describe the book.

我想要在非营利机构做义工。

I want to volunteer at a non-profit institution.

Using 想要 (want) + verb phrase.

那家非营利医院很大。

That non-profit hospital is very big.

Demonstrative 那 (that) + measure word 家.

非营利组织不赚很多钱。

Non-profit organizations don't make a lot of money.

Negation using 不.

他在一家非营利中心学习。

He studies at a non-profit center.

Location phrase 在...学习.

这个非营利项目很有意义。

This non-profit project is very meaningful.

Adjective phrase 很有意义 (very meaningful).

非营利团体帮助很多穷人。

Non-profit groups help many poor people.

Subject + Verb + Object.

你可以捐款给非营利机构。

You can donate money to non-profit institutions.

Verb 捐款 + 给 (to) someone.

非营利学校的学费比较低。

The tuition of non-profit schools is relatively low.

Comparative 比较 (relatively).

这家非营利组织专门保护环境。

This non-profit organization specializes in protecting the environment.

专门 (specifically) used as an adverb.

政府支持非营利性事业的发展。

The government supports the development of non-profit causes.

Using the suffix '性' for the nature of the cause.

虽然是非营利，但管理也很严格。

Although it is non-profit, the management is also very strict.

Conjunction 虽然...但是 (although... but).

我们要区分营利和非营利机构。

We need to distinguish between profit and non-profit institutions.

Verb 区分 (distinguish) + A 和 B.

这个非营利网站完全靠捐款运营。

This non-profit website relies entirely on donations to operate.

靠 (rely on) + noun + verb.

他决定把所有奖金捐给非营利基金会。

He decided to donate all his prize money to a non-profit foundation.

把-construction for the object.

非营利组织在社会中起着重要作用。

Non-profit organizations play an important role in society.

Fixed phrase 起着...作用 (plays a ... role).

许多非营利机构面临资金短缺的问题。

Many non-profit institutions face the problem of funding shortages.

Verb 面临 (face) + problem.

非营利组织的透明度是赢得公众信任的关键。

The transparency of non-profit organizations is the key to winning public trust.

Noun phrase as a subject + 是 + Noun phrase.

该非营利性研究机构发表了一份重要报告。

The non-profit research institution published an important report.

Attributive adjectives modifying a complex noun.

我们需要为非营利团体提供更多的法律支持。

We need to provide more legal support for non-profit groups.

为 (for) + target + 提供 (provide) + support.

非营利并不意味着不追求效率。

Non-profit does not mean not pursuing efficiency.

并不意味着 (does not mean) used for clarification.

这家非营利基金会由几位知名企业家创办。

This non-profit foundation was founded by several well-known entrepreneurs.

Passive structure using 由 (by).

非营利组织应加强与政府的沟通与合作。

Non-profit organizations should strengthen communication and cooperation with the government.

Verb 加强 (strengthen) + abstract noun.

通过非营利模式，我们可以解决很多社会痛点。

Through the non-profit model, we can solve many social pain points.

通过 (through) + method.

该非营利项目的成功离不开志愿者的辛勤付出。

The success of this non-profit project is inseparable from the hard work of volunteers.

离不开 (inseparable from) used for attribution.

非营利组织的治理结构对其长期发展至关重要。

The governance structure of non-profit organizations is crucial to their long-term development.

对...至关重要 (is crucial to...).

法律明确规定了非营利性医疗机构的免税资格。

The law clearly stipulates the tax-exempt status of non-profit medical institutions.

明确规定 (clearly stipulate) - formal legal language.

非营利部门正在经历一场深刻的数字化转型。

The non-profit sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation.

经历 (undergo) + transformation.

我们必须警惕某些非营利组织背后的利益冲突。

We must be wary of conflicts of interest behind certain non-profit organizations.

警惕 (be wary of) + abstract noun.

非营利与营利之间的界限在社会企业出现后变得模糊。

The boundary between non-profit and profit has become blurred after the emergence of social enterprises.

界限 (boundary) + 变得模糊 (become blurred).

该非营利机构致力于在全球范围内推广可持续农业。

The non-profit institution is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture on a global scale.

致力于 (committed to) + verb phrase.

非营利组织的问责机制是其合法性的核心。

The accountability mechanism of non-profit organizations is the core of their legitimacy.

问责机制 (accountability mechanism) - high-level term.

非营利资金的多元化来源有助于增强组织的抗风险能力。

The diversified sources of non-profit funding help to enhance the organization's risk resistance.

多元化 (diversified) + sources.

非营利组织的兴起标志着公民社会在当代中国的进一步成熟。

The rise of non-profit organizations marks the further maturation of civil society in contemporary China.

标志着 (marks/signifies) - used for historical trends.

在全球化背景下，非营利性国际非政府组织扮演着日益重要的角色。

In the context of globalization, non-profit international NGOs are playing an increasingly important role.

扮演着...角色 (playing a ... role) with adverbial modifier.

非营利组织的非营利性分配限制是其区别于商业实体的本质特征。

The non-profit distribution constraint of non-profit organizations is the essential feature that distinguishes them from commercial entities.

本质特征 (essential feature) - philosophical/academic.

探讨非营利组织在公共服务供给中的互补性具有深远的理论意义。

Exploring the complementarity of non-profit organizations in public service provision has far-reaching theoretical significance.

探讨...具有...意义 (exploring ... has ... significance).

非营利组织的社会资本动员能力是其核心竞争力的体现。

The social capital mobilization ability of non-profit organizations is a manifestation of their core competitiveness.

社会资本动员 (social capital mobilization) - sociology term.

针对非营利组织的监管框架需要不断完善以适应新的社会需求。

The regulatory framework for non-profit organizations needs to be continuously improved to adapt to new social needs.

针对 (aimed at) + regulatory framework.

非营利部门的专业化进程对其提升社会影响力至关重要。

The professionalization process of the non-profit sector is crucial to enhancing its social impact.

专业化进程 (professionalization process).

非营利组织在应对全球性危机如气候变化中展现了极强的韧性。

Non-profit organizations have shown great resilience in responding to global crises such as climate change.

展现了 (showed/demonstrated) + resilience.

Common Collocations

非营利组织

非营利机构

非营利性质

非营利团体

非营利基金会

注册非营利组织

非营利部门

非营利学校

非营利网站

非营利医疗

Common Phrases

非营利性组织 (NPO)

— The formal full name for a non-profit organization.

该非营利性组织受法律保护。

非营利性法人

— A legal person entity that does not seek profit.

基金会属于非营利性法人。

非营利项目

— A specific project run without a profit motive.

这是一个非营利项目，旨在帮助老人。

非营利领域

— The field or sector of non-profit work.

他在非营利领域有十年经验。

纯粹非营利

— Strictly non-profit, without any commercial elements.

我们的初衷是纯粹非营利的。

非营利管理

— The management of non-profit entities.

他研究非营利管理专业。

非营利事业

— The collective cause of non-profit work.

投身于非营利事业。

非营利合作

— Partnership based on non-profit goals.

两家机构达成了非营利合作。

非营利性原则

— The principle of not seeking profit.

我们坚持非营利性原则。

国际非营利组织

— Global NPOs working across borders.

他是国际非营利组织的代表。

Often Confused With

非营利 vs 免费 (miǎn fèi)

Means 'free of charge'. Non-profits might still charge fees to cover costs.

非营利 vs 赢利 (yíng lì)

Means 'to win/make a profit'. '营利' means 'to seek profit'. '非营利' uses the latter.

非营利 vs 慈善 (cí shàn)

Means 'charity'. A subset of non-profits, but not all non-profits are charities.

Idioms & Expressions

"不以营利为目的"

— Doing something not for the sake of profit; the core definition of non-profit.

我们的协会不以营利为目的。

Formal

"济世救人"

— To help the world and save people; often the mission of non-profits.

这家非营利医院的宗旨是济世救人。

Literary

"乐善好施"

— To love doing good and be generous in giving; describes the spirit behind non-profits.

他是一个乐善好施的人，捐助了很多非营利机构。

Common

"造福社会"

— To bring benefit to society; the ultimate goal of non-profits.

非营利组织的目标是造福社会。

Formal

"分文不取"

— Not taking a single cent; describes the free services of some non-profits.

这位律师为非营利机构提供分文不取的法律援助。

Common

"大公无私"

— Selfless; completely for the public good.

非营利事业需要大公无私的精神。

Formal

"助人为乐"

— To find pleasure in helping others.

非营利组织的员工大多具有助人为乐的品质。

Common

"博爱精神"

— Universal love; the philosophical root of many non-profits.

红十字会体现了博爱精神。

Formal

"取之于民，用之于民"

— Taken from the people, used for the people; describes non-profit funding.

非营利基金会的资金是取之于民，用之于民。

Idiomatic

"众志成城"

— Unity is strength; often used to describe non-profit community efforts.

只要我们众志成城，这家非营利中心就能办下去。

Common

Easily Confused

非营利 vs 盈利

Sounds identical (yíng lì).

盈利 refers to the actual surplus money made. 营利 refers to the intention or act of seeking profit. '非营利' negates the intention.

公司今年盈利了。 vs 这家机构是非营利组织。

非营利 vs 公益

Often used together.

公益 is about the benefit to the public. 非营利 is about the financial structure.

他在做公益。 vs 他在非营利机构工作。

非营利 vs 非政府

Often associated (NGO).

Non-governmental refers to the independence from state control, not necessarily the financial status.

这是一个非政府组织。

非营利 vs 义务

Relates to doing things without pay.

义务 refers to duty or voluntary service. 非营利 refers to the organization's legal status.

义务教育 vs 非营利学校。

非营利 vs 私立

Many non-profits are private.

Private means not state-owned. A private entity can be for-profit or non-profit.

私立医院不一定是营利性的。

Sentence Patterns

这是一个非营利[Noun]。

这是一个非营利学校。

他在一家非营利[Noun]工作。

他在一家非营利机构工作。

[Subject]具有非营利性质。

这家医院具有非营利性质。

[Subject]是不以营利为目的的。

这个协会是不以营利为目的的。

作为一家非营利组织，[Subject]致力于[Goal]。

作为一家非营利组织，我们致力于保护海洋。

非营利部门在[Context]中发挥着关键作用。

非营利部门在社会治理中发挥着关键作用。

针对非营利机构的[Policy]已经出台。

针对非营利机构的税收优惠已经出台。

非营利组织的非营利性分配限制体现了其[Abstract Concept]。

非营利组织的非营利性分配限制体现了其公益本质。

Word Family

Nouns

营利 (Profit-seeking)

利润 (Profit)

利益 (Benefit)

营利者 (Profit-seeker)

Verbs

营利 (To seek profit)

盈利 (To make profit)

经营 (To manage/operate)

Adjectives

营利性的 (Profit-making)

互利 (Mutually beneficial)

有利的 (Advantageous)

公益 (Public welfare)

慈善 (Charity)

基金会 (Foundation)

组织 (Organization)

志愿者 (Volunteer)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal, news, and academic contexts; medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using '非赢利' instead of '非营利'. → 非营利
While '赢利' (making profit) is a word, '营利' (seeking profit) is the standard for this phrase.
Saying '我的是非营利' to mean 'My work is non-profit'. → 我的工作是非营利性质的。
'非营利' needs to modify a noun or be part of a '性质' (nature) phrase.
Confusing '非营利' with '非政府' (NGO). → Use '非营利' for money talk, '非政府' for politics talk.
Not all non-profits are non-governmental (some are state-linked).
Pronouncing 'fei' in the 3rd tone. → fēi (1st tone)
The 1st tone is essential for the 'non-' prefix meaning.
Using '非营利' as a verb: '他非营利了十年'。 → 他在非营利机构工作了十年。
'非营利' is an adjective/noun phrase, not a verb.

Tips

Noun Modifier

Always place '非营利' directly before the noun. You don't usually need '的' in formal titles like '非营利组织'.

Related Terms

Learn '基金会' (foundation) along with '非营利'. They are almost always seen together in news reports.

Social Value

Using '非营利' shows you value social contribution. It's a very positive term in modern Chinese discourse.

Character Check

Practice writing '营' (yíng). It appears in '营业' (open for business) and '经营' (management), so it's very useful.

Tone Mastery

Ensure the 1st tone of '非' is distinct from the 2nd tone of '营'. This prevents confusion with other words.

Keyword Recognition

In a long sentence, if you hear '非营利', the topic is likely charity, education, or social work.

Job Interviews

If applying to an NGO, use '非营利' to describe your passion for the sector. It sounds much better than 'I don't want money'.

Official Contexts

In legal papers, look for '非营利性法人'. This refers to a non-profit legal entity.

Distinguish from Free

Never use '非营利' to mean 'free' (miǎnfèi). Use it to describe the *type* of organization.

The 'Non-Business' Rule

Think of it as 'Non-Business-Interest'. This helps you remember all three characters in order.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'FEI' as 'Fail to collect,' 'YING' as 'Income,' and 'LI' as 'Lucre' (money). So, 'Fail to collect Income Lucre' = Non-profit.

Visual Association

Imagine a business building with a giant red 'X' over a dollar sign. The building is a hospital or a school. The 'X' is '非' and the dollar sign is '营利'.

Word Web

Organization Charity NGO Volunteer Donation Social Impact Tax Exempt Foundation

Challenge

Try to find three '非营利' organizations in your city and write a sentence about what each one does using the word '致力于' (is committed to).

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound formed from Classical Chinese roots. '非' (fēi) has been used for millennia as a negation. '营' (yíng) originally referred to a military camp or building, later evolving to mean managing or planning. '利' (lì) originally depicted a knife cutting grain, symbolizing harvest and profit.

Original meaning: The literal original meaning of the characters is 'not managing for harvest/profit.'

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be aware that the term 'NGO' (非政府组织) can sometimes be politically sensitive in China. '非营利组织' is generally safer and more neutral.

In the US/UK, 'non-profit' is a common tax status (like 501(c)(3)). In China, the equivalent legal terms are more varied but '非营利' is the universal descriptor.

One Foundation (壹基金) - a famous Chinese NPO. Project Hope (希望工程) - a major non-profit educational project. The Charity Law of 2016 - the landmark law for non-profits in China.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Environmental Protection

非营利环保组织
保护野生动物
减少污染
绿色能源

Education

非营利学校
奖学金
支教
教育公平

Healthcare

非营利医院
免费义诊
公共卫生
医疗援助

Arts & Culture

非营利艺术团体
文化传承
公益演出
博物馆

Disaster Relief

非营利救援机构
紧急援助
灾后重建
捐助物资

Conversation Starters

"你听说过哪些著名的非营利组织吗？ (Have you heard of any famous non-profit organizations?)"

"你觉得非营利学校和普通学校有什么区别？ (What do you think is the difference between non-profit schools and regular ones?)"

"如果你有钱，你会建立一个什么样的非营利机构？ (If you had money, what kind of non-profit institution would you build?)"

"在你的国家，非营利组织活跃吗？ (Are non-profit organizations active in your country?)"

"你愿意为非营利团体做免费工作吗？ (Are you willing to do free work for a non-profit group?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你参加过的非营利活动。 (Write about a non-profit activity you participated in.)

讨论一下为什么非营利组织对社会很重要。 (Discuss why non-profit organizations are important to society.)

比较营利性医院和非营利性医院的优缺点。 (Compare the pros and cons of for-profit and non-profit hospitals.)

描述一个你想要支持的非营利项目。 (Describe a non-profit project you would like to support.)

如果你是一家非营利机构的负责人，你如何筹集资金？ (If you were the head of a non-profit institution, how would you raise funds?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. Non-profit organizations have paid employees, including directors and staff. '非营利' simply means that the organization itself does not distribute profits to owners; all 'profit' is reinvested into the mission.

Yes, they can. For example, a non-profit museum can sell tickets and souvenirs. However, the money earned must be used to support the museum's operations and goals, not to enrich shareholders.

'非营利' is the adjective (non-profit), while '非营利性' is the noun-like attribute (non-profit nature). In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but '非营利性' is more formal and used in legal descriptions.

Yes, Wikipedia is run by the Wikimedia Foundation, which is a non-profit organization. It relies on donations rather than advertising revenue.

No. There are both '营利性' (for-profit) and '非营利性' (non-profit) private schools in China. Public schools are generally considered public institutions (事业单位) rather than non-profits in the Western sense.

The most common way is '非营利组织' (fēi yíng lì zǔ zhī). You can also say 'NPO' in professional settings.

It is common if you are discussing social issues, news, or your career. It is less common in casual chats about dinner or movies.

No, you don't call a person '非营利.' You would say they are '做公益的' (doing public welfare) or '志愿者' (a volunteer).

The most direct opposite is '营利' (seeking profit) or '营利性' (profit-making).

'营' means to manage or operate (like in jīngyíng). '非营利' means the *operation* is not for profit. '赢' means to win, which is less about the structure and more about the result.