Meanings of 结账
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About 结账
Podcast: 结账
Podcast: 结账
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AI Study Notes for 结账
结算 (jiésuàn) - use 结账 when referring specifically to paying a bill in a transactional context, while 结算 is broader and can refer to settling accounts in various financial contexts.
Imagine a scene in a restaurant where you finish your meal and call the waiter to 'tie up' (结) the bill (账) before leaving. Visualize tying a knot to represent finalizing the payment, which sounds like 'jie' for 'tie' and 'zhang' for 'bill'.
Common mistakes include confusing 结账 with 付款 (fu4 kuan3), which specifically means 'to pay'. Remember that 结账 is more about settling accounts rather than just making a payment. This term is generally informal, suitable for daily transactions.
As an HSK 5 word, 结账 connects with vocabulary related to finance and commerce, helping learners to discuss money matters more fluently. Students should focus on practicing it in dialogues about shopping and dining out.
In China, it is common for diners to ask for the bill only after finishing their meal, reflecting the cultural value placed on hospitality and ensuring guests feel comfortable. The act of settling the bill is often done discreetly.
Learners often confuse 结账 with 付款, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我付款了' (wo3 fu4 kuan3 le) when they should say '我结账了' (wo3 jie2 zhang4 le) after dining out is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 结账
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 结账
结账 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
喂，老板，____！
Hey boss, the bill please!
Example Sentences for 结账 (3)
Cultural Notes for 结账
In China, it is common for diners to ask for the bill only after finishing their meal, reflecting the cultural value placed on hospitality and ensuring guests feel comfortable. The act of settling the bill is often done discreetly.
Frequently Asked Questions about 结账
No, 结账 can be used in various contexts where payments are made, including shops, hotels, and utility services.