价格 in 30 Seconds
- 价格 (jiàgé) is the standard Chinese noun for 'price', used in formal, business, and written contexts to denote the monetary cost of goods and services.
- It is composed of '价' (value) and '格' (standard), implying a measured or fixed cost rather than just a casual amount of money.
- Commonly described with vertical adjectives like '高' (high) or '低' (low), and used with verbs like '上涨' (rise) or '下跌' (fall).
- Essential for B1 learners to distinguish from the colloquial '价钱' and the abstract '价值' to improve professional communication skills in Chinese.
The Chinese word 价格 (jiàgé) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'price' in English. It is composed of two characters: 价 (jià), which refers to the value or cost of an item, and 格 (gé), which in this context implies a standard, a pattern, or a fixed level. Together, they form a term that describes the specific amount of money required to purchase a good or service. While in casual conversation you might hear the more colloquial term 价钱 (jiàqián), 价格 is the standard, more formal, and precise term used in writing, news reports, business negotiations, and official documents. Understanding 价格 is crucial for navigating any economic transaction in a Chinese-speaking environment, from buying a simple bottle of water to negotiating a multi-million dollar corporate contract.
- Formal Usage
- In economic reports, you will frequently see terms like 价格波动 (jiàgé bōdòng - price fluctuation) or 价格指数 (jiàgé zhǐshù - price index). It is used to discuss market trends and inflation.
- Everyday Context
- When shopping at a mall or browsing an online store like Taobao or JD.com, the labels will almost always use 价格 to denote the cost of the item.
由于原材料成本增加，产品的价格有所上涨。
Furthermore, 价格 is not just about the numbers on a tag; it represents the intersection of supply and demand. In Chinese culture, discussing 价格 can be a complex social dance. In traditional markets, the 价格 is often a starting point for negotiation (讨价还价 - tǎojià huánjià), whereas in modern retail, the 价格 is usually fixed (明码标价 - míngmǎ biāojià). The word carries a sense of objectivity and standard. When you use 价格, you are often looking at the cost from a more analytical or detached perspective compared to the more 'raw' and immediate feel of 价钱.
这家餐厅的价格非常公道，服务也很好。
In terms of grammar, 价格 is a noun and can be modified by adjectives like 高 (gāo - high), 低 (dī - low), 合理 (hélǐ - reasonable), or 昂贵 (ángguì - expensive). It frequently acts as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, '价格上涨' (price rises) or '调整价格' (adjust the price). It is also used in many compound words that define specific types of pricing, such as 零售价格 (零售价格 - retail price) and 批发价格 (pīfā jiàgé - wholesale price). The versatility of this word makes it an essential component of a B1-level learner's vocabulary, as it bridges the gap between basic survival Chinese and more advanced socio-economic discussion.
- Economic Indicator
- 价格 is the key variable in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), known in Chinese as 居民消费价格指数. This shows how deeply embedded the word is in the framework of modern Chinese governance and economy.
市场上的蔬菜价格受季节影响很大。
Using 价格 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. Unlike English, where 'price' can sometimes be used loosely, 价格 in Chinese is strictly a noun and is usually paired with specific verbs and adjectives to express changes in cost or value. One of the most common structures is [Noun] + 的 + 价格 + [Verb/Adjective]. For instance, '房子的价格' (the price of the house) or '机票的价格' (the price of the plane ticket).
- Describing Levels
- To say a price is high or low, use 高 (gāo) or 低 (dī). Avoid using 大 (dà - big) or 小 (xiǎo - small), which are common mistakes for English speakers. Correct: 价格很高. Incorrect: 价格很大.
- Describing Changes
- Common verbs to describe price movement include 上涨 (shàngzhǎng - rise), 下跌 (xiàdiē - fall), 提高 (tígāo - increase/raise), and 降低 (jiàngdī - lower/reduce).
我们必须考虑市场竞争来设定产品的价格。
In a comparative context, you can use 比 (bǐ) to compare the prices of two items. For example, '这件衣服的价格比那件高' (The price of this piece of clothing is higher than that one). Notice how the word 价格 stays as the central noun. If you were to use the more casual 价钱, the sentence would feel more like a spoken comment on the street, whereas using 价格 makes it sound like a more formal comparison of value.
虽然这款手机的价格不菲，但其性能非常出色。
Another important usage is in the phrase '价格公道' (jiàgé gōngdào), which means 'the price is fair'. This is a very positive way to describe a business. Similarly, '价格合理' (jiàgé hélǐ) means the price is reasonable. In business negotiations, you might hear '接受价格' (jiēshòu jiàgé - accept the price) or '谈价格' (tán jiàgé - negotiate the price). The word 价格 acts as a bridge between the abstract concept of value and the concrete reality of a monetary transaction.
- Compound Structures
- 价格 + 标签 (jiàgé biāoqiān) = price tag. 价格 + 战 (jiàgé zhàn) = price war. 价格 + 优势 (jiàgé yōushì) = price advantage.
在旅游旺季，酒店的价格通常会翻倍。
In a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter the word 价格 in a variety of real-world scenarios. It is ubiquitous in media, commerce, and professional settings. If you turn on the news, especially the financial segment, 价格 will be mentioned constantly in relation to oil (原油价格), gold (黄金价格), and the stock market (股票价格). It is the language of the economy, providing a standardized way to talk about the cost of living and the health of the market.
- News and Media
- Headlines like '猪肉价格持续回落' (Pork prices continue to drop) are common in Chinese newspapers, reflecting the importance of commodity prices in daily life.
- E-commerce
- Platforms like Tmall use 价格 as the standard header for the cost of items. During sales like 'Double 11' (双十一), you will see phrases like '价格直降' (direct price drop).
根据最新的政府报告，今年下半年的物价价格将保持稳定。
In professional environments, such as a factory or a trading company, 价格 is used in procurement and sales. A manager might ask, '你能提供一个具有竞争力的价格吗？' (Can you provide a competitive price?). Here, 价格 represents the outcome of a negotiation and a reflection of the product's market value. It is also used in legal contracts (合同价格) to specify the agreed-upon payment terms. The word carries a level of seriousness and commitment that informal words lack.
由于全球供应链中断，很多进口货物的价格都翻了几番。
You will also hear 价格 in educational settings, such as economics or business classes. Professors use it to explain theories like '价格弹性' (price elasticity) or '价格歧视' (price discrimination). Even in casual settings, if someone is describing why they chose one brand over another, they might say '价格优势' to explain that the lower cost was the deciding factor. It is a word that spans the gap between the grocery store aisle and the boardroom.
- Advertising
- Ads often scream '全城最低价格!' (Lowest price in the whole city!) to attract customers. This usage emphasizes the competitive nature of the word.
请在报价单上列出所有零件的详细价格。
While 价格 seems straightforward, English speakers often make several common errors when using it in Chinese. The most frequent mistake is using the wrong adjectives to describe a price. In English, we might say a price is 'big' or 'small', but in Chinese, price is treated as a vertical scale. Therefore, you must use 高 (high) or 低 (low). Saying '价格很大' (jiàgé hěn dà) sounds very unnatural to a native speaker.
- Wrong Adjectives
- Avoid '大/小' (big/small) when describing 价格. Always use '高/低' (high/low).
- Confusing with Value
- Don't confuse 价格 (price) with 价值 (jiàzhí - value). 价格 is the money you pay; 价值 is how much something is worth intrinsically. For example, a family heirloom might have a low 价格 but a very high 价值.
错误：这本书的价格很贵。 正确：这本书的价格很高。或者：这本书很贵。
Another mistake is using 价格 in casual spoken questions where 价钱 or simply 钱 (money) is more appropriate. Asking a street vendor '这个的价格是多少?' is technically correct but sounds overly stiff and robotic. In that setting, '这个多少钱?' is the standard way to communicate. Reserve 价格 for situations where you are discussing the concept of the price or in a formal transaction.
错误：我不能接受这个价格贵。 正确：我不能接受这么高的价格。
Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 价格 with 费用 (fèiyòng - fee/expense). 价格 is usually for goods, while 费用 is for services, utilities, or general costs of living. For example, you talk about the 价格 of a car, but the 维修费用 (maintenance fee) of the car. Using 价格 to describe a tuition fee or a medical bill would sound slightly off; in those cases, 学费 (tuition) or 医疗费 (medical fee) are used.
- Redundancy
- Avoid saying '价格钱'. This is redundant as '价' already implies money in this context. Use either '价格' or '价钱'.
即使价格便宜，如果质量不好，我也不买。
Chinese has several words related to the concept of cost and price, each with its own nuance and register. Understanding the differences between these synonyms will help you choose the most appropriate word for each situation. The most common alternative to 价格 is 价钱, but there are many others used in specific professional or economic contexts.
- 价格 vs. 价钱 (jiàqián)
- 价格 is formal, used in writing and business. 价钱 is informal, used in daily speech and shopping. '这个价格很公道' (Formal) vs '这个价钱真便宜' (Informal).
- 价格 vs. 价值 (jiàzhí)
- 价格 is the market price (monetary). 价值 is the intrinsic value or worth. '这本书的价格是十块钱，但它的教育价值是无限的' (The price of this book is 10 yuan, but its educational value is infinite).
- 价格 vs. 费用 (fèiyòng)
- 价格 refers to the cost of a specific product. 费用 refers to expenses, fees, or the cost of a service. '学费' (tuition fee), '电费' (electricity bill).
我们比较了不同供应商的价格，最后选了最便宜的一家。
Other specialized terms include 售价 (shòujià - selling price), which focuses specifically on the price at which something is sold to the public. There is also 定价 (dìngjià), which can be a noun (the set price) or a verb (to set a price). For example, '政府对基本药品实行定价' (The government sets prices for basic medicines). If you are talking about the overall cost of living or the general level of prices in a city, you use 物价 (wùjià). You might say '这里的物价很高' to mean 'The cost of living here is high'.
虽然标出的价格很高，但实际上可以打折。
In a business quotation, you will see 报价 (bàojià), which is a quoted price or an offer. When you go to a restaurant, you look at the 菜单 (menu), but the individual items have 价格. If you are discussing the cost of production, you use 成本 (chéngběn). For instance, '如果成本增加，价格也会上涨' (If the cost increases, the price will also rise). Each of these words helps to paint a more precise picture of the financial transaction taking place.
- Summary Table
- 价格 (Price - General/Formal), 价钱 (Price - Informal), 价值 (Value), 物价 (Price level/CPI), 成本 (Cost of production), 报价 (Quote/Offer).
在经济学中，价格是由供给和需求共同决定的。
Examples by Level
这个苹果的价格是多少？
What is the price of this apple?
Simple question structure using '是多少'.
那本书的价格很便宜。
The price of that book is very cheap.
Subject + 的 + 价格 + Adjective.
我不喜欢这个价格。
I don't like this price.
Negative sentence with '不喜欢'.
这里的价格很低。
The price here is very low.
Using '低' to describe price.
请看价格标签。
Please look at the price tag.
Using '价格' as a modifier for '标签'.
我们要看价格。
We need to look at the price.
Simple intent with '要'.
那个包的价格很高。
The price of that bag is very high.
Using '高' to describe a high price.
价格是一百元。
The price is one hundred yuan.
Direct statement of price.
这家商店的价格比那家低。
The prices in this shop are lower than that one.
Comparative structure with '比'.
你可以告诉我准确的价格吗？
Can you tell me the exact price?
Using '准确' (exact) to modify '价格'.
由于打折，价格现在非常划算。
Due to the discount, the price is very worthwhile now.
Cause and effect with '由于'.
这个价格包含了运费吗？
Does this price include shipping?
Verb '包含' (include) with '价格'.
虽然价格有点高，但质量很好。
Although the price is a bit high, the quality is very good.
Concession structure '虽然...但是'.
网上的价格通常更便宜。
Prices online are usually cheaper.
Using '通常' (usually) for generalizations.
请问这款手机的最新价格是多少？
May I ask what the latest price of this phone is?
Polite inquiry with '请问'.
我们需要确认一下价格。
We need to confirm the price.
Verb '确认' (confirm) with '价格'.
这家餐厅的价格非常公道，值得一去。
The prices at this restaurant are very fair and it's worth a visit.
Using the set phrase '价格公道'.
因为季节原因，水果的价格上涨了。
Fruit prices have risen due to seasonal reasons.
Verb '上涨' (to rise) describing price changes.
在购买之前，你应该比较一下各家的价格。
Before buying, you should compare the prices of various places.
Using '比较' (compare) as a verb.
这款产品的价格定位在中端市场。
The price of this product is positioned in the mid-range market.
Using '定位' (positioning) in a business context.
如果你买得多，我们可以给你一个优惠的价格。
If you buy more, we can give you a discounted price.
Conditional '如果' with '优惠的价格'.
由于竞争激烈，很多公司的产品价格都下降了。
Due to fierce competition, many companies' product prices have dropped.
Using '下降' (to drop) for price.
我们必须在合同中明确产品的价格。
We must specify the price of the product in the contract.
Using '明确' (to make clear/specify) as a verb.
这个价格是在我的预算之内的。
This price is within my budget.
Using '在...之内' (within).
为了抢占市场份额，他们发起了价格战。
In order to seize market share, they started a price war.
Using the term '价格战' (price war).
价格的波动直接影响了消费者的购买欲望。
Fluctuations in price directly affect consumers' desire to buy.
Using '波动' (fluctuation) and '购买欲望' (desire to buy).
我们不能仅仅根据价格来判断一个产品的优劣。
We cannot judge the quality of a product based solely on price.
Using '仅仅' (solely) and '根据' (based on).
该公司通过降低价格来提高市场竞争力。
The company improves its market competitiveness by lowering prices.
Using '通过...来' (by means of... to).
在通货膨胀时期，物价价格普遍上涨。
During periods of inflation, commodity prices generally rise.
Using '通货膨胀' (inflation) and '普遍' (generally).
双方在价格问题上一直没有达成一致。
The two sides have not reached an agreement on the issue of price.
Using '达成一致' (reach an agreement).
该政策旨在稳定房地产市场的价格。
This policy aims to stabilize prices in the real estate market.
Using '旨在' (aims to) and '稳定' (stabilize).
价格透明度是现代电子商务的一个重要特征。
Price transparency is an important feature of modern e-commerce.
Using '透明度' (transparency) as an abstract noun.
价格歧视是企业针对不同消费者群体采取的一种定价策略。
Price discrimination is a pricing strategy adopted by enterprises for different consumer groups.
Academic term '价格歧视'.
供需关系的失衡是导致价格剧烈波动的根本原因。
The imbalance between supply and demand is the root cause of drastic price fluctuations.
Using '失衡' (imbalance) and '剧烈' (drastic).
这种奢侈品的定价远远超出了其生产成本，体现了品牌溢价。
The pricing of this luxury good far exceeds its production cost, reflecting brand premium.
Using '溢价' (premium) and '远远超出' (far exceed).
政府通过宏观调控手段来抑制过快上涨的房价价格。
The government uses macro-control measures to suppress rapidly rising housing prices.
Using '宏观调控' (macro-control) and '抑制' (suppress).
在完全竞争市场中，任何个体厂商都无法单独决定市场价格。
In a perfectly competitive market, no individual firm can determine the market price alone.
Economic term '完全竞争市场'.
价格信号在资源配置中起着至关重要的导向作用。
Price signals play a vital guiding role in resource allocation.
Using '资源配置' (resource allocation) and '至关重要' (vital).
该研究探讨了价格限制对市场效率的潜在负面影响。
The study explored the potential negative impact of price limits on market efficiency.
Using '探讨' (explore) and '潜在' (potential).
我们要警惕通货紧缩带来的价格持续下跌风险。
We must be alert to the risk of continuous price drops brought about by deflation.
Using '警惕' (be alert to) and '通货紧缩' (deflation).
价格不仅是经济交换的媒介，更是社会价值观念的体现。
Price is not only a medium of economic exchange but also an embodiment of social values.
Philosophical structure '不仅是...更是'.
在全球化背景下，大宗商品的价格走势受地缘政治的影响愈发显著。
In the context of globalization, the price trends of commodities are increasingly influenced by geopolitics.
Using '走势' (trend) and '愈发显著' (increasingly significant).
反垄断法旨在防止企业通过操纵价格来损害消费者利益。
Antitrust laws aim to prevent companies from harming consumer interests by manipulating prices.
Using '操纵' (manipulate) and '反垄断法' (antitrust law).
影子价格在项目评估和环境经济学中具有重要的理论意义。
Shadow prices have important theoretical significance in project evaluation and environmental economics.
Specialized term '影子价格' (shadow price).
我们需深入剖析价格机制在数字经济时代的变革与重塑。
We need to deeply analyze the transformation and reshaping of the price mechanism in the digital economy era.
Using '剖析' (analyze) and '重塑' (reshape).
价格粘性解释了为什么某些市场在面临冲击时调整缓慢。
Price stickiness explains why certain markets adjust slowly when faced with shocks.
Economic term '价格粘性' (price stickiness).
该论文论证了资产价格泡沫对金融稳定性的长期威胁。
The paper demonstrates the long-term threat of asset price bubbles to financial stability.
Using '论证' (demonstrate/argue) and '资产价格泡沫' (asset price bubble).
在极端市场条件下，价格发现功能可能会暂时失灵。
Under extreme market conditions, the price discovery function may temporarily fail.
Using '价格发现' (price discovery) and '失灵' (fail/malfunction).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Clearly marked prices. It means there is no bargaining.
这家超市明码标价，不讲价。
— To bargain or haggle over the price.
他在市场上和摊主讨价还价。
— Price advantage. Having a lower price than competitors.
我们的产品在海外市场很有价格优势。
— Unified price. The same price everywhere.
这种香烟在全国实行统一价格。
— Wholesale price. Lower price for bulk buying.
如果你买一百件，可以按批发价格算。
— Retail price. The price for individual consumers.
零售价格通常比批发价格高。
— Reference price. An estimated or suggested price.
这只是一个参考价格，具体看合同。
— Internal price. A special price for employees or partners.
员工购买公司产品可以享受内部价格。
— Price sensitive. When consumers care a lot about small price changes.
这类消费者对价格非常敏感。
— Price discrimination. Charging different prices to different people.
航空公司的动态定价有时被视为价格歧视。
Idioms & Expressions
— Good quality and low price. Extremely common phrase.
这家餐厅的东西真是物美价廉。
Neutral— To ask an exorbitant price; to quote a sky-high price.
旅游景区的商店经常漫天要价。
Informal/Critical— To make a counter-offer on the spot while bargaining.
做生意讲究漫天要价，就地还钱。
Informal— Genuine goods at a fair price. Honest business.
我们的产品货真价实，绝无虚假。
Formal/Positive— Exchange of equal values. A core economic principle.
市场交易应该遵循等价交换的原则。
Academic— You get what you pay for. Quality matches the price.
别嫌贵，一分钱一分货嘛。
Informal— Hard to buy even with a thousand pieces of gold (priceless).
这种机会真是千金难买。
Literary— Same as 物美价廉, just flipped. Cheap and good.
这家超市的蔬菜价廉物美。
Summary
价格 (jiàgé) is the formal word for 'price'. Always use '高' (high) or '低' (low) to describe it, and use it in business or writing instead of '价钱'. Example: '由于需求增加，产品的价格上涨了' (Due to increased demand, the price of the product has risen).
- 价格 (jiàgé) is the standard Chinese noun for 'price', used in formal, business, and written contexts to denote the monetary cost of goods and services.
- It is composed of '价' (value) and '格' (standard), implying a measured or fixed cost rather than just a casual amount of money.
- Commonly described with vertical adjectives like '高' (high) or '低' (low), and used with verbs like '上涨' (rise) or '下跌' (fall).
- Essential for B1 learners to distinguish from the colloquial '价钱' and the abstract '价值' to improve professional communication skills in Chinese.
Example
虽然这家店的价格很高，但质量很好。
Related Content
More economy words
免费
B1Free of charge; costing no money. Very common in IELTS Reading (advertisements) and Writing (describing benefits or services).
通货膨胀
B1A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money over a period of time.
奢侈
B1Luxurious or wasteful. It describes a lifestyle, product, or behavior that involves excessive spending beyond what is necessary.
促进
B1To help something develop or progress. A key word for IELTS Task 2 when discussing the benefits of certain policies.
前景
B1The possibility of future success or the general outlook for the future.
缩减
B1To reduce the size, amount, or scope of something, especially regarding budgets, costs, or personnel.
短缺
B1A state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts.
萎缩
B1To become smaller or weaker; often used to describe a declining economy, a shrinking market, or biological tissue.
停滞
B1To stop making progress or developing. It describes a state where movement or growth has ceased.
