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March 24, 2026
代价(代價)dàijià(dai4jia4)
代价 (dài jià) refers to the price or cost associated with an action or decision, often implying a trade-off. It is commonly used in contexts involving financial transactions, personal sacrifices, or the consequences of choices made in life or business.
Frequency#1752DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 代价 is prevalent in Chinese culture, especially in discussions about the sacrifices made for family or career advancement. The idea of paying a price for one's actions resonates with traditional values around hard work and accountability.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are at a market where you have to decide whether to buy a beautiful vase. The '代' (dài) part looks like a person making a decision, while '价' (jià) resembles a price tag hanging from the vase. Together, they remind you of the cost you must consider before making a purchase.
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AI Study Notes for 代价
Quick Contrast
代价 (cost) vs 费用 (expense) — use 代价 when emphasizing the trade-off or consequence of a decision, while 费用 focuses on the incurred costs.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you are at a market where you have to decide whether to buy a beautiful vase. The '代' (dài) part looks like a person making a decision, while '价' (jià) resembles a price tag hanging from the vase. Together, they remind you of the cost you must consider before making a purchase.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 代价 in contexts where it implies a negative consequence or sacrifice, as it often carries a heavier connotation than just 'price.' Avoid confusing it with 价格 (jiàgé), which strictly means 'price' without the implication of cost or sacrifice. It is more commonly used in formal discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 代价 connects to other financial terms and expressions that deal with value or cost. Focus on using it in sentences that reflect decision-making scenarios or discussions about investments to solidify its meaning and application.
Cultural Note
The concept of 代价 is prevalent in Chinese culture, especially in discussions about the sacrifices made for family or career advancement. The idea of paying a price for one's actions resonates with traditional values around hard work and accountability.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 代价 with 价格, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个东西的代价是五十块' (The cost of this thing is 50 yuan) is incorrect; it should be '这个东西的价格是五十块' to convey a simple price.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 代价
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Grammar Patterns of 代价
代价 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 3 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.
E - keeps a dear school, but fools learn in no other.
10
不管付出什么代价, 她就是要到杉树桥去.
bù guǎn fù chū shí mó dài jià, , tā jiù shì yào dào shān shù qiáo.
Whatever the cost, she was going out to Cedar Bridge.
Cultural Notes for 代价
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 代价 is prevalent in Chinese culture, especially in discussions about the sacrifices made for family or career advancement. The idea of paying a price for one's actions resonates with traditional values around hard work and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions about 代价
代价 refers to the cost or price associated with a decision or consequence, while 价格 specifically means the price of an item without the implications of sacrifice.
Yes, but it is more common in formal contexts or discussions about significant decisions, rather than casual conversations.
It is often used in negative contexts, emphasizing the sacrifices or costs associated with a choice.
