Hésuàn means something is worthwhile because its benefits outweigh its costs.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cost-effective, worthwhile, good value for money.
- Compares cost and benefit, emphasizes good return.
- Common in daily life, shopping, and decisions.
Overview
合算（hé suàn）是一个常用的中文形容词，用来形容一项交易、活动或决定是否物有所值。它强调的是投入与产出之间的比例关系，如果投入少而产出多，或者投入与产出相当但质量很高，那么这件事就可以被认为是“合算的”。这个词在日常生活中非常普遍，尤其是在购物、投资、时间管理等方面。
合算通常用来评价购买商品、选择服务、进行投资或参与某项活动是否明智。它可以单独使用，也可以和“不合算”相对比。在句子中，它常常放在名词前面作定语，或者放在动词后面作补语，表示评价或判断。
时间安排：比如，“我周末花时间学习这个技能，虽然累，但长远来看很合算。”
“值”是一个更广泛的词，可以表示“值得”。“合算”是“值”的一种具体表现，特指在经济或效益上的价值。例如，“这本书值得读”用“值”，而“买这本书很合算”则强调其经济效益。
“便宜”只表示价格低廉，不一定代表物有所值。一件东西很便宜，但可能质量不好，就不合算。而“合算”则包含了价格和价值的综合考量。
“划算”和“合算”的意思非常接近，都可以表示物有所值、便宜。在很多情况下可以互换使用。但“划算”更侧重于价格上的便宜和优惠，而“合算”则更强调整体的效益和价值。例如，买一件打折的衣服可以说“很划算”，但如果这项服务虽然便宜但质量很差，就不能说是“合算”。
Examples
这家超市的东西种类多，而且价格比别的地方都便宜，买东西真的很合算。
everydayThe variety of goods in this supermarket is large, and the prices are cheaper than elsewhere. Shopping here is really cost-effective.
考虑到长期收益，这项投资虽然初期投入较大，但总体上是合算的。
formalConsidering the long-term returns, although the initial investment is substantial, this investment is cost-effective overall.
我买了个打折的套餐，比单点便宜多了，太合算了！
informalI bought a discounted set meal, much cheaper than ordering à la carte. It's such a great deal!
通过优化生产流程，我们成功降低了单位成本，使得产品更具市场合算性。
academicBy optimizing the production process, we have successfully reduced unit costs, making the product more market-competitive and cost-effective.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
买得合算
bought cost-effectively
觉得合算
feel it's worthwhile
不怎么合算
not very cost-effective
Often Confused With
'划算' (huá suàn) is very similar and often interchangeable with '合算'. However, '划算' tends to emphasize the 'cheapness' or 'bargain' aspect more directly, while '合算' implies a more thorough calculation of value against cost.
'值' (zhí) means 'worth' or 'to be worth'. '合算' is a specific type of '值', focusing on the cost-benefit analysis. You can say something is '值得' (worthwhile), but '合算' specifically implies it's financially or practically beneficial.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '合算' is widely used in everyday Chinese conversations, particularly when discussing purchases, services, or any decision involving expenditure. It's generally considered neutral in formality but leans towards informal usage. While it can be used in slightly more formal contexts like business discussions about value, it's most natural in casual settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '合算' with simply '便宜' (cheap). Remember that '合算' implies value for money, meaning the benefits justify the cost. Something can be cheap but not '合算' if the quality is poor.
Tips
Think Value, Not Just Price
Remember '合算' considers the overall benefit, not just the low price. A cheap item might not be '合算' if it's poor quality.
Avoid Overusing '划算'
While similar, '划算' focuses more on price. Use '合算' when the overall value proposition is strong.
Pragmatism in Decisions
The concept of '合算' reflects a practical and pragmatic approach to decision-making, common in Chinese culture where efficiency and value are important.
Word Origin
The word '合算' is formed from '合' (hé), meaning 'to combine' or 'to join', and '算' (suàn), meaning 'to calculate' or 'to count'. Together, it literally implies 'calculating together' or 'combining calculations', leading to the meaning of assessing whether the costs and benefits align favorably.
Cultural Context
The concept of '合算' highlights the practical and value-conscious mindset often found in Chinese culture. Decisions are frequently weighed based on their perceived return on investment, whether that investment is time, money, or effort.
Memory Tip
Think of '合算' as 'calculating together' (合 means combine/together, 算 means calculate). You're combining the costs and benefits to see if the calculation 'adds up' favorably.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“合算”和“划算”意思很接近，都表示物有所值。但“划算”更偏重于价格上的优惠和便宜，而“合算”更侧重于整体的效益和投入产出比。在很多日常场景下，两者可以通用。
“合算”可以用在很多方面，比如购物、选择服务、投资、学习、时间安排等等，只要涉及到成本和收益的评估，都可以使用“合算”来判断是否值得。
“不合算”的意思是“不值得”、“不划算”或“亏本”。表示投入的成本大于或等于其带来的收益，或者说不具备经济效益或价值。
“合算”是一个非常口语化和日常化的词语，广泛用于各种场合，既可以在非正式场合使用，也可以在一些比较轻松的正式场合使用，不算特别正式，但也不失礼貌。
Test Yourself
这次旅行虽然花了点钱，但是看到了很多美丽的风景，我觉得很______。
这句话描述了旅行的花费和得到的体验，强调的是投入（钱）和产出（风景）的价值，所以用“合算”最合适。
以下哪个词语最适合形容购买一件质量好且价格合理的商品？
“合算”表示花费是值得的，物有所值，包含了价格和价值的综合考量，最符合题意。
请根据以下情境选择正确的句子：你买了一件衣服，质量很好，价格也很合理。
衣服质量好且价格合理，说明投入产出比高，是值得的，所以用“很合算”来形容。
Score: /3
Summary
Hésuàn means something is worthwhile because its benefits outweigh its costs.
- Cost-effective, worthwhile, good value for money.
- Compares cost and benefit, emphasizes good return.
- Common in daily life, shopping, and decisions.
Think Value, Not Just Price
Remember '合算' considers the overall benefit, not just the low price. A cheap item might not be '合算' if it's poor quality.
Avoid Overusing '划算'
While similar, '划算' focuses more on price. Use '合算' when the overall value proposition is strong.
Pragmatism in Decisions
The concept of '合算' reflects a practical and pragmatic approach to decision-making, common in Chinese culture where efficiency and value are important.
Examples
4 of 4这家超市的东西种类多，而且价格比别的地方都便宜，买东西真的很合算。
The variety of goods in this supermarket is large, and the prices are cheaper than elsewhere. Shopping here is really cost-effective.
考虑到长期收益，这项投资虽然初期投入较大，但总体上是合算的。
Considering the long-term returns, although the initial investment is substantial, this investment is cost-effective overall.
我买了个打折的套餐，比单点便宜多了，太合算了！
I bought a discounted set meal, much cheaper than ordering à la carte. It's such a great deal!
通过优化生产流程，我们成功降低了单位成本，使得产品更具市场合算性。
By optimizing the production process, we have successfully reduced unit costs, making the product more market-competitive and cost-effective.
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