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批发 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
批发pīfāwholesaleHSK 7, v, rank #26213, Hard
批发pīfābulk tradeHSK 7, v, rank #26213, Hard
批发pīfādistributionHSK 7, v, rank #26213, Hard
pīfā(pi1fa1) T1
  1. 1wholesale
  2. 2bulk trade
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March 24, 2026
批发(批發)pīfā(pi1fa1)

批发 (pīfā) refers to the practice of selling goods in large quantities, typically at lower prices, to retailers or other businesses instead of directly to consumers. This term is commonly used in commercial contexts, especially in trade and distribution sectors.

Frequency#26213DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese markets, wholesale trade plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in cities like Guangzhou, known for its wholesale markets that cater to various industries, reflecting the importance of bulk commerce in daily life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant '批' (pī) sign on a warehouse, where lots of '发' (fā) packets are being shipped out in bulk. The '批' looks like a stack of goods, and '发' suggests distribution. Together, they represent the essence of wholesale trade.

Meanings of 批发

pīfā(pi1fa1)
1wholesale
2bulk trade
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 批发

批发Simplified
批發Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#26213Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 批发

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Podcast: 批发

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AI Study Notes for 批发

Quick Contrast

批发 (pīfā) vs 零售 (língshòu) — use 批发 when referring to wholesale transactions, while 零售 specifically denotes retail sales to consumers.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant '批' (pī) sign on a warehouse, where lots of '发' (fā) packets are being shipped out in bulk. The '批' looks like a stack of goods, and '发' suggests distribution. Together, they represent the essence of wholesale trade.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 批发 in the correct context; it is typically formal and used in business settings. Common collocations include 批发市场 (wholesale market) and 批发价 (wholesale price). Avoid confusing it with 零售 (língshòu), which means retail.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 批发 connects to other business-related terms such as 采购 (cǎigòu - procurement) and 销售 (xiāoshòu - sales). Focus on understanding its application in trade contexts and related vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In Chinese markets, wholesale trade plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in cities like Guangzhou, known for its wholesale markets that cater to various industries, reflecting the importance of bulk commerce in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 批发 with 零售. For instance, saying '我在批发买东西' (I buy things wholesale) when referring to personal purchases is incorrect; the proper term would be '我在零售买东西'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 批发

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Component Characters

批pīto ascertain
HSK 57 strokes扌
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发fāto send out
HSK 35 strokes又
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Write 批发

批
发

Practice writing 批发 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 批发

批发 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

他经营____生意, 他弟弟则经营零售生意.

He does wholesale business, while his brother is engaged in retail business.

Example Sentences for 批发 (3)

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1
他经营批发生意, 他弟弟则经营零售生意.

tā jīng yíng pī fā shēng yì, , tā dì dì zé jīng yíng líng shòu shēng.

He does wholesale business, while his brother is engaged in retail business.
2
“ 那家批发行有什么消息给你吗? ”

“ “ nà jiā pī fā háng yǒu shí mó xiāo xī gěi nǐ?”

" Did you ever hear any more from that wholesale house? "
3
他的洋葱批发价每磅9便士；打包送货的话要10便士。

tā de yáng cōng pī fā jià měi bàng9 9 biàn； shì ； dǎ bāo sòng huò de10 huà yào。

His onions cost 9p a lb wholesale; packing and transport costs 10p.

Cultural Notes for 批发

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese markets, wholesale trade plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in cities like Guangzhou, known for its wholesale markets that cater to various industries, reflecting the importance of bulk commerce in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions about 批发

批发 refers to wholesale trading in bulk, while 零售 means retail sales to consumers.