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March 24, 2026
收入shōurù(shou1ru4)
收入 (shōurù) refers to the amount of money received, often in the context of salary, profit, or revenue in business. It can also imply the act of taking in or receiving something, making it applicable in various financial contexts.
Frequency#3786DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 收入 is closely tied to the importance of financial stability and success, often reflected in the societal emphasis on saving and investment for future security.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person at a market where they '收' (shōu) their '入' (rù) of money from selling fruits. Visualize them collecting coins in a basket, reinforcing the idea of receiving income.
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AI Study Notes for 收入
Quick Contrast
收入 (shōurù) vs 赚 (zhuàn) — use 收入 when referring specifically to the total amount received, while 赚 focuses on the act of earning or making a profit.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person at a market where they '收' (shōu) their '入' (rù) of money from selling fruits. Visualize them collecting coins in a basket, reinforcing the idea of receiving income.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 收入 with other similar terms like 支出 (zhīchū), which means expenditure or expenses. This term is neutral; it can be used in both formal financial reports and casual conversations about personal finances.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 收入 connects well with other financial vocabulary such as 费用 (fèiyòng, expenses) and 利润 (lìrùn, profit). Students should focus on using it in sentences related to budgeting or salary discussions.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 收入 is closely tied to the importance of financial stability and success, often reflected in the societal emphasis on saving and investment for future security.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 收入 in the context of expenses, saying '我的收入是我的支出' (wǒ de shōurù shì wǒ de zhīchū), which translates to 'my income is my expenses.' The correct statement should be '我的收入和支出' (wǒ de shōurù hé zhīchū) meaning 'my income and expenses.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 收入
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Grammar Patterns of 收入
收入 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Last Thursday, Nick announced record revenues of $4 billion.
10
领取收入补贴的人不必缴纳市政税。
lǐng qǔ shōu rù bǔ tiē de rén bù bì jiǎo nà shì zhèng shuì。
People on income support do not have to pay council tax.
Cultural Notes for 收入
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 收入 is closely tied to the importance of financial stability and success, often reflected in the societal emphasis on saving and investment for future security.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
Unlike in many Western cultures where income may be discussed openly, in Chinese culture, financial discussions can be more private, reflecting a cultural norm of modesty regarding personal finances.
Frequently Asked Questions about 收入
收入 specifically refers to the total income received, while 赚 means to earn or make a profit.
Yes, 收入 can be used in both formal contexts, such as business meetings, and informal ones, like chatting about your salary.
Primarily, yes, but it can also refer to receiving other types of inputs or resources in broader contexts.