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March 24, 2026
利息lìxī(li4xi1)
利息 (lìxī) refers to the interest earned on savings or paid on loans. It is commonly used in financial contexts, particularly when discussing banking, investments, and loans. Understanding this term is essential for anyone dealing with money and financial transactions.
Frequency#7720DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding financial terms like 利息 is crucial, especially in a society where saving and investment play significant roles in personal and national economic strategies. Interest rates can influence people's saving behaviors and attitudes toward debt.
Memory Tip
Think of 利 (lì) as 'profit' and 息 (xī) as 'breath' or 'rest.' Imagine earning a breath of fresh air (息) every time you make a profit (利) from your savings. This connection can help you remember that 利息 is about the benefits of money over time.
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AI Study Notes for 利息
Quick Contrast
利息 (lìxī) vs 费用 (fèiyòng) — use 利息 when specifically referring to interest, while 费用 refers to general expenses or costs.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 利 (lì) as 'profit' and 息 (xī) as 'breath' or 'rest.' Imagine earning a breath of fresh air (息) every time you make a profit (利) from your savings. This connection can help you remember that 利息 is about the benefits of money over time.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 利息 with similar terms like 利润 (lìrùn), which means profit. While 利息 specifically refers to interest, 利润 refers to the overall profit made from transactions. Be aware of the formal use of this term in financial discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 利息 connects to terms related to finance and economics. Students should focus on its usage in sentences about loans and investments, and practice combining it with other financial vocabulary to enhance their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding financial terms like 利息 is crucial, especially in a society where saving and investment play significant roles in personal and national economic strategies. Interest rates can influence people's saving behaviors and attitudes toward debt.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 利息 with 贷款 (dàikuǎn), which means 'loan.' For instance, saying '我想要利息' (Wǒ xiǎng yào lìxī) instead of '我想要贷款' (Wǒ xiǎng yào dàikuǎn) can lead to confusion. It’s important to use each term in its proper context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 利息
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Grammar Patterns of 利息
利息 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你要是愿意，每年可以仅支取____。
You can just take out the interest each year, if you choose.
The availability of cheap long - term credit would help small business.
Cultural Notes for 利息
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, understanding financial terms like 利息 is crucial, especially in a society where saving and investment play significant roles in personal and national economic strategies. Interest rates can influence people's saving behaviors and attitudes toward debt.
Frequently Asked Questions about 利息
It is pronounced as lì xī, with the first syllable having a falling tone and the second syllable having a high, level tone.
利息 refers specifically to interest on loans or savings, while 利润 refers to profit made from business activities.
It's typically used in formal financial discussions, but it can also appear in casual contexts when discussing personal finances.
