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B2 noun 11 min read

物价

wù jià
Examples
Explanation 物价 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '物价' (wùjià) very often, but it is helpful to recognize it. At this stage, you are mostly learning basic words for 'money' (钱), 'expensive' (贵), and 'cheap' (便宜). You might hear someone say '物价高' (wùjià gāo) which means 'prices are high'. Just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'everything is expensive'. When you go shopping, you will use '多少钱' (duōshǎo qián) for specific items. '物价' is a more general word that refers to all the things in a shop or a city. For example, if you go to a big city like London or New York, you might notice that the '物价' is higher than in a small town. It is a good word to know so you can understand when people are talking about the economy on the news or in simple conversations about living in different places. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word yet; just remember it means 'the price of things' in general.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your daily life, including shopping and your environment. You can use '物价' (wùjià) to describe the city you live in or a place you visited. For instance, you could say '北京的物价很高' (Běijīng de wùjià hěn gāo), which means 'The prices in Beijing are very high'. This is more advanced than just saying 'Beijing is expensive'. At this level, you should also know that '物价' is usually followed by '高' (high) or '低' (low). You might also hear the phrase '物价上涨' (wùjià shàngzhǎng), which means 'prices are going up'. This is a very common topic of conversation in China. People love to talk about how the '物价' of vegetables or meat is changing. By using '物价', you show that you are starting to understand how to describe general situations rather than just specific objects. It's a key word for moving from basic survival Chinese to describing the world around you.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '物价' (wùjià) in various contexts, especially when discussing travel, work, and social issues. You can use it to compare different regions or countries. For example, '虽然这个国家的物价低，但是交通不方便' (Although the prices in this country are low, the transportation is inconvenient). You will also encounter '物价' in more formal settings, such as reading a simple news article about the economy. You should understand that '物价' is a noun and can be the subject of a sentence. You can also use it with verbs like '控制' (kòngzhì - to control) or '稳定' (wěndìng - to stabilize). For example, '政府努力稳定物价' (The government is working hard to stabilize prices). At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse '物价' with '价格' (jiàgé). Remember, '价格' is for one thing, and '物价' is for everything. This distinction is important for your writing and speaking to sound more natural and accurate.
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At the B2 level, '物价' (wùjià) is an essential part of your vocabulary for discussing complex topics like inflation, economic policy, and social welfare. You should be able to use it in compound phrases and more sophisticated sentence structures. For instance, you might discuss '物价指数' (wùjià zhǐshù - Price Index) or '物价水平' (wùjià shuǐpíng - Price Level). You can use it to explain cause-and-effect relationships: '物价上涨导致了消费下降' (The rise in commodity prices has led to a decrease in consumption). At this level, you should also be aware of the register. In formal reports, you'll see '物价总水平' (the general price level), while in casual conversation, you might hear '物价飞涨' (skyrocketing prices). You should be able to debate the merits of different economic environments using this word. For example, you could discuss whether high '物价' in first-tier cities is balanced by higher salaries. Your ability to use '物价' correctly in these contexts demonstrates a strong grasp of abstract Chinese nouns and economic concepts.
At the C1 level, you are expected to use '物价' (wùjià) with precision and nuance. You will encounter it in academic papers, high-level business negotiations, and political discourse. You should understand its relationship with other macroeconomic indicators like '通货膨胀' (inflation), '购买力' (purchasing power), and '货币政策' (monetary policy). You might analyze how '物价波动' (price fluctuations) affect different social strata or how '物价监管' (price regulation) impacts market efficiency. At this level, you should also be familiar with idiomatic or semi-formal expressions involving prices and value. You can use '物价' to construct complex arguments about globalization or urban development. For example, '物价的持续走高反映了供应链的脆弱性' (The continuous rise in commodity prices reflects the fragility of the supply chain). Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the socio-economic implications of the word, and you should be able to switch between formal and informal registers seamlessly when discussing it.
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At the C2 level, '物价' (wùjià) is a tool for sophisticated philosophical and economic analysis. You can discuss the word's historical evolution and its role in the transformation of the Chinese economy from a planned to a market-based system. You might explore the '物价' of intangible goods or the ethical implications of '物价' control in times of crisis. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it in highly literary or technical contexts without hesitation. You can critique economic theories regarding '物价' stability or write comprehensive reports on the impact of '物价' trends on national security. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to express subtle shades of meaning. For instance, you could discuss the '物价' of culture or the '物价' of time in a fast-paced society. Your command of '物价' and its related semantic field should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, capable of using it in any possible context with perfect accuracy and stylistic appropriateness.
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Examples
The Chinese word 物价 (wùjià) is a fundamental term in the Chinese language that specifically refers to the general level of prices for goods and services in a particular economy or region. While in English we might say 'prices are going up,' in Chinese, the term 物价 encapsulates the collective cost of commodities. It is a compound noun formed by two characters: 物 (wù), meaning 'objects' or 'things,' and 价 (jià), meaning 'price' or 'value.' When combined, they describe the macroeconomic phenomenon of commodity pricing rather than the price tag of a single specific item. This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp. You would never use 物价 to ask how much a single apple costs; instead, you use it to discuss how expensive life has become in a city like Shanghai or Beijing.
Economic Scope
The term refers to the aggregate price level of all commodities in a market. It is often linked with concepts like inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Social Context
In daily conversation, it is the go-to word for complaining about the cost of living. When people say 'living is expensive,' they are usually referring to high 物价.

这里的物价很高，普通人很难生活。 (The commodity prices here are very high; it is hard for ordinary people to live.)

Understanding 物价 requires looking at it through the lens of collective experience. In China, especially since the reform and opening-up period, the fluctuation of 物价 has been a primary concern for the government and the public alike. It is closely tied to the concept of 'stability' (稳定). If 物价 rises too quickly, it can lead to social anxiety. Therefore, you will frequently see this word in headlines concerning government policies, subsidies, and market regulations.

政府正在采取措施稳定物价。 (The government is taking measures to stabilize commodity prices.)

From a grammatical standpoint, 物价 is a noun that does not take a measure word in the traditional sense. You don't say '一个物价'. Instead, you describe its state: high (高), low (低), rising (上涨), or falling (下跌). It is also commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns like 物价指数 (Price Index) or 物价水平 (Price Level).
Daily Interaction
When talking to a taxi driver or a shop owner, mentioning that the 物价 is too high is a classic 'small talk' icebreaker that almost everyone can relate to.

最近物价涨得厉害，菜都买不起了。 (Lately, commodity prices have risen sharply; I can't even afford vegetables.)

春节期间，物价通常会有所上涨。 (During the Spring Festival, commodity prices usually rise to some extent.)

由于供应充足，当地的物价保持稳定。 (Due to sufficient supply, local commodity prices remain stable.)

In summary, 物价 is a macro-level noun used to discuss the general cost of things in a society. It is an essential word for anyone wishing to discuss the economy, social issues, or simply participate in the universal human activity of complaining about how expensive things are getting.
Using 物价 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a subject or a modifier. Because it refers to a general level, it is frequently paired with adjectives that describe scale or stability. The most common adjectives are 高 (gāo - high), 低 (dī - low), 平稳 (píngwěn - stable), and 合理 (hélǐ - reasonable).
As a Subject
When 物价 is the subject, it is usually followed by a verb of change or a stative adjective. For example: '物价上涨' (Prices rise) or '物价很高' (Prices are high).

这个城市的物价水平让很多年轻人感到压力。 (The price level of this city makes many young people feel pressure.)

With Verbs of Action
Common verbs that act upon 物价 include 控制 (kòngzhì - to control), 稳定 (wěndìng - to stabilize), and 调节 (tiáojié - to regulate).

为了保障民生，政府必须严密监控物价。 (In order to protect people's livelihood, the government must closely monitor commodity prices.)

虽然工资涨了，但物价也跟着涨了。 (Although wages have risen, commodity prices have also risen accordingly.)

Compound Phrases
You will often hear 物价 in phrases like '物价飞涨' (skyrocketing prices) or '物价稳定' (stable prices). These are standard collocations in news and business reports.

在通货膨胀严重的时期，物价飞涨是不可避免的。 (In times of severe inflation, skyrocketing commodity prices are inevitable.)

我们需要关注物价变动对低收入家庭的影响。 (We need to focus on the impact of price changes on low-income families.)

In academic or formal writing, 物价 is used to discuss economic equilibrium. For example, '物价总水平' (the total price level) is a formal term used in statistical yearbooks. In contrast, in a casual setting, someone might just say '现在的物价太贵了' (Current prices are too expensive). While '贵' (expensive) technically describes objects, in colloquial Chinese, it is often applied to 物价 to signify that the cost of living is high. However, in formal contexts, prefer using '高' (high).

尽管全球经济波动，但国内物价基本保持了稳定。 (Despite global economic fluctuations, domestic commodity prices have basically remained stable.)

Lastly, when comparing two places, 物价 is the perfect word. '北京的物价比我的家乡高得多' (The cost of living in Beijing is much higher than in my hometown). This usage highlights the aggregate nature of the word, encompassing rent, food, transport, and services.
You will encounter the word 物价 in a wide variety of environments, ranging from the most formal government broadcasts to the most casual conversations at a wet market. It is a word that bridges the gap between high-level economics and daily survival.
News and Media
This is perhaps the most common place to hear 物价. News anchors on CCTV or local stations frequently report on 'CPI' and '物价上涨' (price rises). They discuss how the government aims to keep 物价 within a certain range to ensure social harmony.

据国家统计局数据显示，上个月物价指数同比上涨了百分之二。 (According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the price index rose by two percent year-on-year last month.)

The Marketplace (菜市场)
In a more grounded setting, you'll hear elderly people or homemakers complaining about the '物价'. When the price of pork or ginger rises, it is discussed in terms of the general 物价 trend. A common phrase is '现在的物价真是涨疯了' (Prices are truly rising like crazy now).

老王，你发现没？最近这物价可是一天一个样。 (Old Wang, have you noticed? These days the prices change every single day.)

Business and Finance
In corporate meetings, especially those involving logistics, supply chains, or human resources (discussing salary adjustments), 物价 is a key metric. Companies need to adjust their pricing or wages based on the 物价 level of the region they operate in.

考虑到当地物价较高，我们决定给外派员工增加生活补贴。 (Considering the high local price level, we have decided to increase the living allowance for expatriate employees.)

对比十年前，现在的物价简直是翻了几倍。 (Compared to ten years ago, the current price level has simply doubled or tripled.)

You will also see this word on official documents, such as the '物价局' (Price Bureau), which is the government body responsible for monitoring and regulating prices. While many of these functions have been integrated into larger market regulation departments, the term remains iconic. In digital spaces, social media users often use 物价 to discuss 'consumption downgrading' (消费降级) – the trend where people buy cheaper goods because the general 物价 is too high compared to their income.

网上的物价通常比实体店要便宜一些。 (Prices online are usually a bit cheaper than in physical stores.)

Whether you are reading a financial report, listening to a podcast about social trends, or just chatting with a neighbor, 物价 is a word that will inevitably surface because it touches upon the most basic aspect of human life: the cost of survival.
For English speakers learning Chinese, the most frequent mistake with 物价 is confusing it with the word 价格 (jiàgé). In English, 'price' can be used for both a specific item ('the price of this car') and a general level ('prices are rising'). However, Chinese is much more specific.
Mistake 1: Using 物价 for specific items
Incorrect: '这个手机的物价是多少？' (What is the 'commodity price' of this phone?) Correct: '这个手机的价格是多少？' (What is the price of this phone?). 物价 is a collective noun; it cannot be applied to a single object.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong adjectives
Incorrect: '物价很贵' (Prices are very expensive). While people say this in very casual speech, it is technically a category error. Prices are 'high' (高) or 'low' (低), whereas objects are 'expensive' (贵) or 'cheap' (便宜). In a B2 level exam, always use '物价高'.

错误：这里的物价很便宜。 (Incorrect: The prices here are very cheap.) 正确：这里的物价很低。 (Correct: The price level here is very low.)

Mistake 3: Measure Word Misuse
Learners often try to put a measure word before 物价, such as '一个物价'. Abstract nouns like 物价 generally do not take measure words. If you need to quantify it, you would use '这一时期的物价' (the price level of this period) or '当地的物价' (local price level).

错误：我发现了一个很高的物价。 (Incorrect: I found a high price level - implies as if it's a single object.) 正确：我发现这里的物价很高。 (Correct: I found that the price level here is high.)

Mistake 4: Confusing with 'Cost of Living' (生活费)
While related, 物价 is the *cause* and 生活费 (shēnghuófèi) is the *result*. You say '物价上涨导致生活费增加' (Rising prices lead to an increase in living expenses). Don't use them interchangeably in formal writing.

很多人抱怨物价高，但其实是他们的生活费管理有问题。 (Many people complain about high prices, but actually, it's that their living expense management has issues.)

我们要学会区分单个商品的价格和社会的总物价。 (We need to learn to distinguish between the price of a single product and the total price level of society.)

by avoiding these common pitfalls, your Chinese will sound much more professional and natural, especially when discussing economic or social topics.
To truly master 物价, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance, register, and context. Chinese has several words related to cost and price, each with its own specific domain.
价格 (jiàgé)
This is the most direct synonym but refers to the specific price of a single item or service. It is more concrete than 物价. Comparison: '这个手机的价格很合理' (The price of this phone is reasonable) vs '这个国家的物价很合理' (The price level of this country is reasonable).
开支 (kāizhī) / 支出 (zhīchū)
These words mean 'expenses' or 'expenditure.' They focus on the money going *out* from a person or company's pocket, rather than the market prices themselves. If 物价 goes up, your 支出 will likely increase.

随着物价上涨，家庭的日常开支也显著增加了。 (As prices rise, household daily expenses have also significantly increased.)

生活费 (shēnghuófèi)
This means 'cost of living' or 'living expenses.' It is more personal than 物价. While 物价 is a market statistic, 生活费 is what you actually spend to survive.

虽然那里的物价很高，但我的生活费并不高，因为我住得比较偏远。 (Although the prices there are high, my cost of living is not high because I live in a remote area.)

行情 (hángqíng)
This refers to 'market conditions' or 'current market prices' for a specific industry, like the stock market or real estate. It implies a sense of trend and timing. You ask about the '行情' of the housing market, but you discuss the '物价' of the city.

现在的房地产行情不太好，即便整体物价在涨。 (The current real estate market conditions are not good, even though the overall price level is rising.)

资费 (zīfèi)
Specifically used for 'fees' or 'rates,' usually for services like telecommunications, electricity, or water. You wouldn't call the electricity bill '物价', but rather '电费' or '资费'.

运营商宣布下调国际长途资费。 (The operator announced a reduction in international long-distance rates.)

为了稳定市场，我们需要综合分析物价、汇率和利率。 (In order to stabilize the market, we need to comprehensively analyze price levels, exchange rates, and interest rates.)

When you want to sound more academic, you can use 价格水平 (jiàgé shuǐpíng). When you want to sound more like a concerned citizen, stick with 物价. Understanding these subtle differences will help you navigate different social and professional environments in China with confidence.
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Examples by Level

1

这里的物价高。

The prices here are high.

Subject + Adjective structure.

2

物价不低。

The prices are not low.

Using '不' to negate the adjective.

3

物价贵吗？

Are the prices expensive?

Question using '吗'.

4

那里的物价很便宜。

The prices there are very cheap. (Note: Colloquial usage)

'很' + Adjective.

5

我不喜欢高物价。

I don't like high prices.

Verb '喜欢' + Object.

6

这个城市的物价怎么样？

How are the prices in this city?

'怎么样' for asking about state.

7

那里的物价比较低。

The prices there are relatively low.

'比较' means 'relatively'.

8

听说那里的物价不高。

I heard the prices there are not high.

'听说' means 'I heard'.

1

上海的物价比我的家乡高。

The prices in Shanghai are higher than in my hometown.

'A 比 B + Adjective' comparison structure.

2

最近物价涨了一点。

Prices have risen a little recently.

Verb '涨' + complement of quantity '一点'.

3

因为物价高，所以我很少去饭店。

Because prices are high, I rarely go to restaurants.

'因为...所以...' causal structure.

4

你想去物价低的地方旅游吗？

Do you want to travel to a place where prices are low?

Relative clause with '的'.

5

这个超市的物价不合理。

The prices in this supermarket are not reasonable.

Adjective '合理' means 'reasonable'.

6

我们要关注物价的变化。

We need to pay attention to the changes in prices.

'关注' means 'to pay attention to'.

7

物价上涨对我的生活有影响。

The rise in prices has an impact on my life.

'对...有影响' structure.

8

这里的物价水平还可以。

The price level here is okay.

'还可以' means 'okay' or 'passable'.

1

为了稳定物价，政府采取了新政策。

In order to stabilize prices, the government adopted new policies.

'为了' introduces a purpose.

2

虽然工资涨了，但物价涨得更快。

Although wages have risen, prices have risen even faster.

'虽然...但...' concessive structure.

3

控制物价是今年政府的主要任务。

Controlling prices is the main task of the government this year.

'控制

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