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March 24, 2026
结账(結賬)jiézhàng(jie2zhang4)
结账 (jie2 zhang4) means to pay the bill or to settle accounts, commonly used in contexts such as restaurants, shops, or when concluding a financial transaction. Its usage implies finalizing payments and can denote both personal and business-related financial settlements.
Frequency#15267DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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'.
Meanings of 结账
jiézhàng(jie2zhang4)
1to pay the bill
2to settle accounts
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About 结账
结账Simplified
結賬Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15267Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4HSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 结账
Podcast: 结账
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AI Study Notes for 结账
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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'.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 结账
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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.
I'd like to check him out of here the day after tomorrow.
2
画线把那栏隔开,我们将按那个日期结账.
huà xiàn bǎ nà lán gé kāi, , wǒ mén jiāng àn nà gè rì qī jié.
Rule off the column and we'll close the account at that date.
3
如蒙即期结账,则不胜感激.
rú mēng jí qī jié zhàng, , zé bù shèng gǎn.
Prompt payment of bills is greatly appreciated.
Cultural Notes for 结账
🏮Cultural insight
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.
No, it typically implies paying after receiving goods or services; for advance payments, use 预付款 (yu4 fu4 kuan3).
In more formal contexts, you might say 结算 (jie2 suan4), which also means to settle accounts.
