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A2 noun 10 min read

原价

yuan jia

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 原价 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 原价 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '原价' (yuánjià) is introduced as a basic shopping term. Learners at this stage focus on recognizing the word on price tags and using it in very simple sentence structures. The primary goal is to understand that '原' means 'original' and '价' means 'price.' You will mostly hear it in the context of numbers. For example, '原价十块' (Original price is ten yuan). It helps beginners distinguish between the price they see and the price they might actually pay after a discount. At this level, don't worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a noun that labels a number. You will see it frequently in textbooks alongside other shopping words like '买' (buy), '钱' (money), and '多少' (how much). It is a vital 'survival' word for anyone visiting a Chinese market.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '原价' to make comparisons. This is the level where you learn the structure 'A比B...' (A is more... than B). You might say '原价比现价高' (The original price is higher than the current price). You will also start encountering it in short dialogues about shopping and bargaining. A2 learners should be able to ask for the original price: '原价是多少？' (What is the original price?). You will also learn to pair it with '打折' (to give a discount). For instance, '原价一百，打八折' (Original price is 100, 20% off). This level focuses on the practical application of the word in daily transactions, helping you navigate supermarkets and small shops with more confidence.

By the B1 level, '原价' is used in more complex social and business contexts. You will encounter it in advertisements, social media posts about sales events like 'Double 11,' and more detailed shopping stories. At this stage, you should understand the nuance of '恢复原价' (restore to original price), which is often used in marketing to create urgency. You will also start to see it in more formal written Chinese, such as simple news reports about price changes in the market. B1 learners should be comfortable using '原价' as a reference point for discussing value and whether a deal is '划算' (worth it). You might also start to see it in compound sentences: '虽然原价很贵，但因为打折，我还是买了' (Although the original price was expensive, I bought it because of the discount).

At the B2 level, '原价' appears in professional and economic discussions. You will read articles about consumer psychology, where the 'original price' is discussed as an anchoring effect. You should be able to use it in arguments about consumer rights, such as when a store is accused of 'falsely labeling the original price' (虚构原价). This level requires a deeper understanding of the word's role in business contracts and formal retail strategies. You might also encounter it in literary contexts or more sophisticated essays about the 'true value' of things versus their 'original price.' B2 learners are expected to use the word with precision, distinguishing it clearly from '成本' (cost) and '定价' (set price) in both speaking and writing.

At the C1 level, '原价' is examined through a critical and analytical lens. You will engage with complex texts about market regulations, anti-monopoly laws, and the legal definition of 'original price' in different jurisdictions. You should be able to discuss the philosophical implications of pricing—how an 'original price' defines a brand's prestige. C1 learners can use the word in high-level debates about economics, such as the impact of inflation on 'original prices' over time. You will also understand idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the concept of 'originality' and 'value' in Chinese culture. Your vocabulary will include related academic terms like '价格锚点' (price anchor) and '价格歧视' (price discrimination), using '原价' as the baseline for these concepts.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '原价' and its role in the Chinese linguistic landscape. You can analyze the etymology of the characters '原' and '价' in depth, discussing their historical evolution from classical Chinese to modern commercial usage. You can interpret subtle nuances in high-level business negotiations where the 'original price' is a point of contention involving tax implications, international trade tariffs, and complex discount structures. You are able to write sophisticated critiques of consumerism using '原价' as a symbol of perceived vs. actual value. At this level, the word is not just a shopping term but a tool for analyzing the socio-economic fabric of Chinese society, used fluently in academic papers, legal documents, and high-stakes diplomacy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

原价 in 30 Seconds

原价 (yuánjià) means 'original price' in Chinese shopping.
It is composed of '原' (original) and '价' (price/value).
Used as a benchmark to show how much a consumer saves during a sale.
Commonly seen on price tags and in e-commerce apps like Taobao.

The term 原价 (yuánjià) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, specifically within the realms of commerce, shopping, and economics. To understand its usage, one must look at its constituent characters: 原 (yuán), which signifies 'original,' 'source,' or 'primary,' and 价 (jià), which is the shortened form of 价格 (jiàgé), meaning 'price.' Together, they form a concept that every consumer and business professional needs to master: the 'original price' or 'list price' of an item before any discounts, promotions, or markdowns are applied.

Core Definition: The initial price set for a product or service by a retailer or manufacturer before any reductions occur.
Usage Context: Most commonly seen on price tags in shopping malls, e-commerce platforms like Taobao or JD.com, and in advertisements where a 'sale' price is compared to the 'original' one.

In a psychological sense, 原价 serves as an 'anchor' in marketing. When a consumer sees that a pair of shoes has an 原价 of 1000 RMB but is currently selling for 500 RMB, the original price creates a perception of high value, making the discount seem more significant. This is a ubiquitous strategy in Chinese retail culture, especially during massive shopping festivals like 'Double 11' (Singles' Day) or '618'.

虽然这件衬衫在打折，但我还是觉得它的原价定得太高了。

Translation: Although this shirt is on sale, I still think its original price was set too high.

Beyond simple retail, 原价 is used in legal contexts regarding consumer protection. In China, there are strict regulations about what can be labeled as the 'original price' to prevent fraudulent discounting—where a store raises the price just to lower it and claim a fake discount. Thus, 原价 is not just a shopping term; it is a regulated economic term that ensures market transparency.

请问这款相机的原价是多少？

Translation: May I ask what the original price of this camera is?

Cultural Nuance: In China, price transparency is highly valued by modern consumers who often use price-comparison apps to verify if the '原价' listed on a site is actually the lowest price the item has ever been sold for.

Furthermore, the concept of 原价 extends to services, such as gym memberships, software subscriptions, and even real estate. In the housing market, 原价 might refer to the price at which a property was first listed or the price at which the current owner originally purchased it. This versatility makes it one of the most useful nouns for any student of Chinese to learn early in their studies.

即使没有折扣，我也愿意按原价购买这件艺术品。

Translation: Even if there is no discount, I am willing to buy this artwork at the original price.

To summarize, 原价 is the baseline of value in a transaction. Whether you are hunting for deals or drafting a contract, knowing how to identify and discuss the original price is essential for navigating the Chinese-speaking world's economy.

Using 原价 (yuánjià) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can function as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase. Because it represents a numerical value, it is frequently paired with currency units like 元 (yuán) or 块 (kuài) and comparison markers like 比 (bǐ).

As a Subject: When '原价' is the subject, it usually describes the state or amount of the initial price.

这台电脑的原价是八千元，现在降到了五千元。

Translation: The original price of this computer was 8,000 yuan; now it has dropped to 5,000 yuan.

In the sentence above, 原价 sets the scene for a comparison. This is the most common way to use the word in a retail setting. You are establishing a 'before' and 'after' scenario.

As an Object: When used as an object, it often follows verbs like '恢复' (restore), '标注' (label), or '查询' (inquire).

促销活动结束后，商品将恢复原价。

Translation: After the promotion ends, the product will return to its original price.

The phrase 恢复原价 (huīfù yuánjià) is a set expression you will see on many promotional posters. It creates a sense of urgency for the buyer.

In Prepositional Phrases: Using '按' (àn - according to/at) or '以' (yǐ - with/at) to specify the transaction price.

对不起，我们只能按原价销售，不能打折。

Translation: Sorry, we can only sell at the original price; we cannot offer a discount.

Another advanced usage involves comparing the current price to the original price using percentages. For example, 现价是原价的百分之五十 (The current price is 50% of the original price). This construction is vital for business reports and financial news.

由于它是新款，所以商家坚持以原价出售。

Translation: Since it is a new model, the merchant insists on selling it at the original price.

In summary, whether you are simply stating a price or arguing for a discount, 原价 provides the necessary numerical context. It is almost always used in a comparative framework, even if the second half of the comparison is implied.

In the daily life of a person living in China, 原价 (yuánjià) is an auditory and visual constant. From the moment you open a shopping app to the time you walk through a physical department store, this word defines your relationship with value and cost.

E-commerce Platforms: On Taobao, Tmall, or Meituan, you will see a price with a line through it (strikethrough). That is almost always the '原价'. It is placed there to show you how much you are saving.

直播间的价格比原价便宜了一大半！

Translation: The price in the live stream room is more than half off the original price!

Live streaming commerce (直播带货) is a massive industry in China. Hosts like Li Jiaqi often shout about how their prices compare to the 原价. Hearing this word in a high-energy, fast-paced environment is common practice for Chinese consumers looking for 'deals' (划算).

In-Store Announcements: Supermarkets often use loudspeakers to announce limited-time offers. You might hear: '限时抢购，恢复原价只需一小时！' (Limited time sale, returning to original price in just one hour!)

This creates a sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). The 原价 is the 'threat'—the higher cost you will have to pay if you don't act quickly. It is a powerful linguistic tool in the arsenal of Chinese sales tactics.

这家店的所有商品今天都按原价的七折销售。

Translation: All items in this store are being sold today at 30% off (70% of) the original price.

In professional settings, such as B2B (business-to-business) negotiations, 原价 is used to discuss wholesale vs. retail margins. A supplier might say, 'Our original price is fixed, but for bulk orders, we can negotiate.' Here, the word takes on a more formal, contractual tone.

合同中注明的原价不包含运费。

Translation: The original price specified in the contract does not include shipping costs.

Lastly, you will hear it in customer service interactions. If you try to return an item, the clerk will check the 原价 on the receipt to ensure the refund amount is correct, especially if you bought it during a sale. It is the 'truth' of the transaction's starting point.

While 原价 (yuánjià) seems straightforward, English speakers and even intermediate Chinese learners often stumble over its nuances or confuse it with related financial terms. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing '原价' with '成本' (Chéngběn): Learners often use '原价' to mean the 'cost' to make something. However, '原价' is the retail price. '成本' is the cost of production (materials, labor). If you say you want to buy something at '原价', you are asking to pay the full retail price, not the factory cost.

错误：我可以用原价买吗？（当你其实想说“成本价”时）

Translation: Error: Can I buy it at the original price? (When you actually mean the cost price).

If you are friends with a shop owner and want a 'friend's discount,' you should ask for the 成本价 (chéngběnjià) or 内部价 (nèibùjià), not the 原价.

Mistake 2: Redundant Phrasing: Avoid saying '原来的原价' (the original original price). Since '原' already means 'original,' this is redundant. Simply '原价' is sufficient.

Mistake 3: Misunderstanding '打折' (Dǎzhé) vs '原价': In English, we say '20% off'. In Chinese, we say '80% of'. Learners often calculate the discount from the '原价' incorrectly because of this linguistic reversal. '原价打两折' means the price is now only 20% of the original, which is a huge discount!

不要以为“打八折”是从原价里减去百分之八十。

Translation: Don't think '8-zhé' means subtracting 80% from the original price.

Another mistake is using 原价 when referring to the 'total price' (总价 zǒngjià). If you buy ten items, the sum of all their prices is the 总价, while each individual item has its own 原价. Mixing these up in a business setting can lead to significant accounting errors.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse 原价 with 现价 (xiànjià). 现价 is the current price. In a sale, the 现价 is lower than the 原价. Using them interchangeably will confuse sellers and buyers alike.

To truly master Chinese commerce vocabulary, you must be able to distinguish 原价 (yuánjià) from its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific 'register' or context where it is most appropriate.

原价 vs. 标价 (Biāojià): '原价' is the price before a discount. '标价' is the price literally written on the tag (marked price). Often they are the same, but '标价' can sometimes refer to a price that is already discounted but is now the 'new' marked price.

这件大衣的原价是两千，但标签上的标价已经是打折后的价格了。

Translation: The original price of this coat was 2000, but the marked price on the tag is already the discounted price.

原价 vs. 定价 (Dìngjià): '定价' is the 'set price' or 'fixed price.' It sounds more formal and authoritative. Books in China usually have a '定价' printed on the back cover. While '原价' focuses on the history (what it was), '定价' focuses on the decision (what it is set at).

出版社给这本书的定价是50元，但书店通常不会按原价卖。

Translation: The publisher's set price for this book is 50 yuan, but bookstores usually don't sell it at the original price.

原价 vs. 初始价 (Chūshǐjià): '初始价' (Initial price) is often used in auctions or stock markets. It refers to the starting point of a bidding process. '原价' is rarely used for stocks; instead, we use '发行价' (offering price).

Other useful terms include 现价 (xiànjià) (current price), 特价 (tèjià) (special price/sale price), and 零售价 (língshòujià) (retail price). In a typical store, the 原价 might be the 零售价, and the 现价 might be the 特价.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate complex shopping scenarios. For instance, if you are at a 'Duty-Free' shop, you might compare the 原价 (the price in a normal store) with the 免税价 (duty-free price). By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 原价, you gain a clearer picture of the value proposition being offered to you in any Chinese-speaking market.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '贾' (jiǎ) referred specifically to traveling merchants, while '商' (shāng) were stationary traders. The character '价' (price) evolved to represent the value these merchants assigned to goods.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jʊˈæn dʒiːˈɑː/

US /juˈɑn dʒiˈɑ/

The emphasis is slightly more on the second syllable 'jià' due to its sharp falling tone.

Rhymes With

天价 (tiānjià) 减价 (jiǎnjià) 半价 (bànjià) 低价 (dījià) 股价 (gǔjià) 市价 (shìjià) 代价 (dàijià) 身价 (shēnjià)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yuan' like the English 'one'. It should be 'yü-an'.
Mixing up the tones, making it sound like 'yuanjiā' (first tone), which sounds robotic.
Ignoring the 'ü' sound in 'yuan'.
Confusing 'jia' with 'qia'.
Failing to make the fourth tone of 'jia' sharp enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively simple and common in everyday life.

Writing 3/5

Writing '原' and '价' requires correct stroke order but isn't overly complex.

Speaking 2/5

Two syllables with clear tone distinction (2nd and 4th).

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound; easily recognizable in shopping contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

钱 (Money) 多少 (How much) 买 (Buy) 价格 (Price) 数字 (Numbers 1-100)

Learn Next

打折 (Discount) 现价 (Current price) 划算 (Worth it) 便宜 (Cheap) 贵 (Expensive)

Advanced

通货膨胀 (Inflation) 市场价值 (Market value) 成本核算 (Cost accounting) 价格欺诈 (Price fraud) 宏观经济 (Macroeconomics)

Grammar to Know

The '比' (bǐ) Comparison

现价比原价便宜。

The '的' (de) Possession

商品的原价。

Preposition '按' (àn)

按原价付款。

Resultative Complements

恢复到原价。

Percentages and Fractions

原价的百分之五十。

Examples by Level

这本书的原价是十元。

The original price of this book is ten yuan.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

原价是多少？

What is the original price?

A common question for beginners.

原价很贵。

The original price is very expensive.

Subject + Adjective phrase.

我不喜欢这个原价。

I don't like this original price.

Negative sentence with object '原价'.

原价是五块吗？

Is the original price five yuan?

Yes/No question with '吗'.

苹果的原价是三元一个。

The original price of apples is three yuan each.

Using a measure word '一个'.

看，这是原价。

Look, this is the original price.

Demonstrative pronoun '这'.

原价不打折。

No discount on the original price.

Negative verb phrase.

现价比原价便宜二十块。

The current price is twenty yuan cheaper than the original price.

Comparison structure using '比'.

你可以按原价卖给我吗？

Can you sell it to me at the original price?

Using the preposition '按' (at/according to).

原价太高了，能便宜点吗？

The original price is too high, can it be a bit cheaper?

Using '太...了' and '点' for softening a request.

这件衣服的原价是一百元，现在打五折。

The original price of this clothing is 100 yuan, now it's 50% off.

Combining '原价' and '打折'.

我忘了这双鞋的原价了。

I forgot the original price of these shoes.

Using '了' to indicate a change of state (forgetting).

请问，原价在哪里写着？

Excuse me, where is the original price written?

Using '在...着' for a state.

虽然是原价，但我还是很想买。

Although it's the original price, I still really want to buy it.

Using '虽然...但是...' contrast.

原价和现价不一样。

The original price and the current price are not the same.

Comparison with '和...不一样'.

如果明天不买，后天就会恢复原价。

If you don't buy it tomorrow, it will return to the original price the day after.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

这家超市的原价通常比别家贵。

The original prices at this supermarket are usually more expensive than others.

Using '通常' (usually) and comparison.

他坚持要按原价赔偿我的损失。

He insisted on compensating my loss according to the original price.

Using '坚持' (insist) and '赔偿' (compensate).

网上的原价有时是虚标的，要小心。

Original prices online are sometimes falsely marked; be careful.

Using '虚标' (falsely mark).

由于它是限量版，所以一直保持原价。

Because it is a limited edition, it has always maintained its original price.

Cause and effect '由于...所以...'.

我通常只在商品低于原价时才购买。

I usually only buy products when they are lower than the original price.

Using '低于' (lower than) and '才' (only then).

促销员向我解释了原价和折扣价的区别。

The salesperson explained to me the difference between the original price and the discount price.

Using '向...解释' (explain to someone).

即使恢复了原价，这款手机依然很受欢迎。

Even though it returned to the original price, this phone is still very popular.

Using '即使...依然...' (even if... still...).

商家通过提高原价来制造折扣巨大的假象。

Merchants create an illusion of huge discounts by raising the original price.

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

根据法律，原价必须是过去七天内的最低成交价。

According to the law, the original price must be the lowest transaction price within the past seven days.

Formal '根据' (according to) and '必须' (must).

这款经典包包的二手价格甚至超过了原价。

The second-hand price of this classic bag even exceeded the original price.

Using '甚至' (even) and '超过' (exceed).

消费者往往会被虚高的原价所误导。

Consumers are often misled by artificially high original prices.

Passive voice '被...所误导'.

在通货膨胀的影响下，商品的原价也在不断上涨。

Under the influence of inflation, the original prices of goods are also constantly rising.

Using '在...的影响下' (under the influence of).

为了促销，他们决定暂时偏离原价进行销售。

For promotion, they decided to temporarily deviate from the original price for sales.

Using '为了' (for the purpose of) and '偏离' (deviate).

我们需要在系统中核对每一件商品的原价。

We need to verify the original price of every item in the system.

Using '核对' (verify/check).

原价的设定直接影响到产品的品牌定位。

The setting of the original price directly affects the brand positioning of the product.

Using '直接影响到' (directly affect).

虚构原价不仅损害了消费者的利益，也破坏了市场秩序。

Fictitious original prices not only harm consumer interests but also disrupt market order.

Complex parallel structure '不仅...也...'.

在某些奢侈品行业，原价仅仅是一个象征性的数字。

In some luxury industries, the original price is merely a symbolic figure.

Using '仅仅是' (is merely) and '象征性的' (symbolic).

政府出台了新规定，严厉打击通过操纵原价进行的欺诈行为。

The government has introduced new regulations to crack down on fraudulent behavior through manipulating original prices.

Using '出台' (introduce policy) and '操纵' (manipulate).

从经济学角度看，原价是消费者衡量获得感的参照点。

From an economic perspective, the original price is the reference point for consumers to measure their sense of gain.

Using '从...角度看' (from the perspective of).

零售商必须提供证据证明该原价在促销前确实存在过。

Retailers must provide evidence to prove that the original price did indeed exist before the promotion.

Using '证明' (prove) and '确实' (indeed).

当原价远高于市场价值时，消费者的信任感会大幅下降。

When the original price is much higher than the market value, consumer trust drops significantly.

Using '远高于' (far higher than) and '大幅' (significantly).

该品牌通过维持高昂的原价来巩固其高端形象。

The brand solidifies its high-end image by maintaining a steep original price.

Using '巩固' (solidify) and '高昂' (steep/high).

原价的变动往往反映了原材料成本的波动。

Changes in original prices often reflect fluctuations in raw material costs.

Using '反映了' (reflected) and '波动' (fluctuation).

在后现代消费社会，原价已演变为一种操纵欲望的符号工具。

In post-modern consumer society, the original price has evolved into a semiotic tool for manipulating desire.

Advanced sociological vocabulary '演变' and '符号工具'.

法律对‘原价’的界定在不同法系之间存在显著的差异。

The legal definition of 'original price' varies significantly between different legal systems.

Using '界定' (definition/delimitation) and '显著' (significant).

商家巧妙地利用原价与折扣价之间的心理鸿沟来诱导过度消费。

Merchants cleverly exploit the psychological chasm between original and discounted prices to induce overconsumption.

Using '巧妙地' (cleverly) and '心理鸿沟' (psychological chasm).

即便是在数字化时代，原价作为价值锚点的核心地位依然不可动摇。

Even in the digital age, the core position of the original price as a value anchor remains unshakable.

Using '即便...依然' and '不可动摇' (unshakable).

对原价的过度依赖揭示了人类在评估价值时的认知局限性。

Over-reliance on original prices reveals human cognitive limitations when evaluating value.

Using '揭示' (reveal) and '认知局限性' (cognitive limitations).

探讨原价的哲学本质，实际上是在探讨我们如何定义‘真实’与‘虚构’。

Exploring the philosophical essence of the original price is, in fact, exploring how we define 'truth' and 'fiction'.

Using '探讨' (explore) and '哲学本质' (philosophical essence).

在某些极端案例中，原价的设定完全背离了供需关系的经济准则。

In some extreme cases, the setting of the original price completely deviates from the economic principles of supply and demand.

Using '背离' (deviate) and '经济准则' (economic principles).

通过对原价变迁史的研究，我们可以窥见近代商业文明的演进轨迹。

Through the study of the history of original price changes, we can catch a glimpse of the evolutionary trajectory of modern commercial civilization.

Using '窥见' (catch a glimpse) and '演进轨迹' (evolutionary trajectory).

Common Collocations

恢复原价

高于原价

低于原价

原价销售

虚构原价

标注原价

查询原价

按原价赔偿

原价定为

参考原价

Common Phrases

原价不打折

— The original price is not discounted. It means full price must be paid.

这些新款包包原价不打折。

这就是原价

— This is the original price. Often said by sellers to refuse bargaining.

别再讲价了，这就是原价。

比原价便宜

— Cheaper than the original price. Used to highlight a good deal.

现在买比原价便宜多了。

恢复原价

— To return to the original price after a sale ends.

明天就会恢复原价，快买吧！

按原价计算

— To calculate based on the original price. Used in accounting or refunds.

退款金额将按原价计算。

虚报原价

— To falsely report the original price. Usually a scam.

小心商家虚报原价。

原价标签

— The original price tag.

请不要撕掉原价标签。

维持原价

— To maintain the original price without changing it.

尽管成本上升，我们依然维持原价。

原价基础

— The basis of the original price. Used in financial analysis.

在原价基础上增加10%。

偏离原价

— To deviate from the original price.

成交价略微偏离了原价。

Often Confused With

原价 vs 成本 (Chéngběn)

Cost of production, not the original retail price.

原价 vs 现价 (Xiànjià)

The current price, which might be discounted.

原价 vs 定价 (Dìngjià)

The 'set' price, often more official or fixed than '原价'.

Idioms & Expressions

"原封不动"

— Not exactly an idiom for price, but shares the '原' (original) character. It means to keep something exactly as it was.

他把钱原封不动地还给了我。

Literary

"物有所值"

— The item is worth its price (often used when discussing if the 原价 is fair).

虽然原价贵，但物有所值。

Common

"货真价实"

— Genuine goods at a fair price.

我们店里的商品都是货真价实。

Common

"漫天要价"

— To ask for an astronomical price (way above the fair 原价).

这个小贩在漫天要价。

Informal

"一分钱一分货"

— You get what you pay for (justifying a high 原价).

别嫌贵，一分钱一分货嘛。

Colloquial

"平价销售"

— Selling at a fair or original price without markup.

政府要求平价销售大米。

Formal

"物美价廉"

— Good quality and cheap price (lower than expected 原价).

这里的衣服真是物美价廉。

Common

"坐地起价"

— To raise prices on the spot (ignoring the 原价).

下雨天，出租车司机坐地起价。

Critical

"价廉物美"

— Alternative to 物美价廉.

这家餐厅价廉物美。

Common

"童叟无欺"

— Cheating neither the old nor the young (selling at the honest 原价).

本店经营，向来是童叟无欺。

Traditional

Easily Confused

原价 vs 总价

Both refer to prices.

'原价' is for one item; '总价' is the total for all items bought.

原价十元，买了三个，总价三十元。

原价 vs 单价

Both refer to individual items.

'单价' is the unit price; '原价' is the pre-discount price.

这件商品的单价（原价）是五十元。

原价 vs 半价

Sounds similar.

'半价' means half price; '原价' means original price.

原价一百，现在半价。

原价 vs 减价

Related to price changes.

'减价' is a verb meaning 'to reduce price'; '原价' is a noun.

由于原价太贵，所以商店减价了。

原价 vs 评价

Contains the character '价'.

'评价' means 'to evaluate' or 'a review'; '原价' is a price.

我对这个原价的评价很低。

Sentence Patterns

原价是 [Number]。

原价是五十元。

[Item] 的原价是 [Number]。

这本书的原价是二十块。

虽然原价...，但是...

虽然原价很贵，但是质量很好。

按原价 [Verb] ...

按原价退款给顾客。

在原价的基础上 [Adjustment] ...

在原价的基础上打八折。

通过 [Action] 原价来 [Result] ...

通过操纵原价来诱导消费。

恢复原价

下周一恢复原价。

比原价 [Adjective]

比原价贵一点。

Word Family

Nouns

价格 (Price)

价值 (Value)

价钱 (Price - colloquial)

价位 (Price level)

Verbs

降价 (To lower price)

涨价 (To raise price)

估价 (To estimate price)

议价 (To negotiate price)

Adjectives

昂贵 (Expensive)

廉价 (Cheap/Low-cost)

高价 (High-priced)

低价 (Low-priced)

打折 (Discount)

促销 (Promotion)

成本 (Cost)

利润 (Profit)

发票 (Invoice)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in commercial and daily contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '原价' for the cost of making a product. → 成本 (Chéngběn)
If you want to talk about how much it costs a factory to make a shoe, use '成本'. '原价' is for the retail price tag.
Saying '打八折' means 80% off. → It means 20% off (80% of the price).
This is a common math error for Westerners. The '原价' is the 100% base. '打八折' means you pay 80% of the '原价'.
Confusing '原价' (Original) with '现价' (Current). → Keep them distinct.
If you ask for the '原价' but mean the 'current price', you might end up paying more than you expected!
Omitting the currency unit. → 原价是五十元 (Add 'yuan' or 'kuai').
In Chinese, it's more natural to include the measure word/unit for money after the number.
Writing '原' without the top dot. → Ensure the first stroke is correct.
The character '原' must start with the horizontal stroke of the 'cliff' radical.

Tips

Using '的' with 原价

Always use '的' when connecting a noun to '原价'. For example, '手机的原价' (The phone's original price). Skipping '的' makes the sentence sound broken.

Bargaining Logic

If you are in a market, never accept the '原价' as the final price. Use the '原价' as a high ceiling and start your offer much lower, usually 30-50% of what they ask.

Pairing with 打折

Remember that '打折' is calculated based on the '原价'. If something is '打三折', you multiply the '原价' by 0.3.

Stroke Order for 价

Start with the person radical (亻), then the top part of the right side, then the 'shell' (贝) part. Correct stroke order helps with legibility.

Identifying Discounts

When you hear '比原价便宜...', the number that follows is the amount saved, not the final price. Listen carefully to the math!

Polite Inquiry

To ask for the original price politely, say: '请问，这个商品的原价是多少？' Adding '请问' (may I ask) makes a big difference.

Shopping Apps

On apps like Meituan, look for the '¥' symbol with a line through it. That is the '原价'. The bold number next to it is what you actually pay.

Invoicing

In a business invoice (发票), the '原价' might be listed separately from the tax and shipping. Ensure you check which field you are filling.

Anchor Effect

Be aware that '原价' is often inflated by sellers to make you feel like you are saving more. Don't let the '原价' distract you from the actual value.

Refunds

If you return an item, you will usually be refunded the price you paid, not the '原价'. Make sure your receipt is clear.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yuan' as the currency (CNY) and 'Jia' as the 'job' of the price tag. The 'Original' (Yuan) 'Price' (Jia) is where the story starts.

Visual Association

Imagine a price tag with a big '100' on it. Then a red 'X' goes over it. The '100' is the 原价.

Word Web

原价打折现价省钱购物超市淘宝发票

Challenge

Go to a Chinese shopping website (like AliExpress or Taobao) and find 10 items. Identify the '原价' for each and calculate the percentage of the discount.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '原' (yuán) originally depicted a spring flowing out of a cliff, signifying the 'source' or 'origin.' '价' (jià) is the simplified form of '價,' which consists of the 'person' radical (人) and '賈' (merchant/trade).

Original meaning: The primary or source price set by a merchant.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing a seller of faking the '原价'; it can be seen as an insult to their business integrity. Use '这个原价是不是有点高？' (Is this original price a bit high?) instead.

In the West, 'MSRP' or 'List Price' is the closest equivalent. English speakers might be surprised by how often '原价' is mentioned in casual conversation in China.

Double 11 (Singles' Day) marketing campaigns. Consumer Protection Law of the PRC (Article regarding price fraud). Taobao's 'Price Comparison' feature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Supermarket Shopping

这个原价是多少？
原价标签在哪里？
现在是原价吗？
比原价便宜五块。

Online Shopping (Taobao)

原价被划掉了。
看原价没意义。
原价虚高。
恢复原价倒计时。

Bargaining at a Market

原价太贵了。
能不能别按原价卖？
我知道你的原价。
原价又不代表价值。

Business Contract

注明原价。
按原价赔偿。
原价不含税。
核实原价。

Returning an Item

收据上有原价。
按原价退款。
我买的时候不是原价。
请核对原价。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这件衣服的原价合理吗？"

"你在网上买东西会看原价吗？"

"如果这双鞋恢复原价了，你还会买吗？"

"为什么有些商店总是虚构原价？"

"你买过最贵的原价商品是什么？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你发现商品价格比原价便宜很多的经历。

你认为商家标注原价对消费者的心理有什么影响？

写一段对话，关于一个顾客在和店主讨论原价太高的问题。

如果所有的商品都永远按原价销售，世界会变成什么样？

分析一下为什么有些奢侈品的原价会随着时间上涨。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In mainland China, the '原价' shown on price tags almost always includes value-added tax (VAT). Unlike in the US, the price you see is the price you pay at the register, unless there's a discount.

Yes, especially in markets. Sellers often use the phrase '这是原价' (This is the original price) to imply they aren't overcharging you, but it's often a tactic. You can still try to bargain.

'原价' is the historical price before a discount. '标价' is the price currently written on the tag. If there is no discount, they are the same.

You can say '原价的一半' (half of the original price) or '打五折' (50% of the original price).

Yes, it can be used for any service. For example, '理发原价40元，会员20元' (Haircut original price 40 yuan, members 20 yuan).

Not exactly, but people might say '正价' (zhèngjià) to refer to full-price items in a store that doesn't usually discount.

In China, this is called '虚构原价' (fabricating original price) and is illegal under consumer protection laws. Stores can be heavily fined for this.

No, for stocks we use '发行价' (offering price) or '买入价' (purchase price). '原价' is strictly for retail and tangible goods.

It is written as '原價'. The '价' changes to '價'.

Chinese consumers are very price-sensitive. Highlighting a high '原价' makes the current price seem like a much better deal, encouraging faster purchasing decisions.