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March 24, 2026
划算()huásuàn(hua2suan4)
划算 means to calculate or assess the value of something, often in terms of cost-effectiveness or profitability. It is commonly used when discussing whether a purchase or investment is worthwhile, emphasizing the idea of getting good value for money.
Frequency#14539DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 划算 is particularly important in daily life, especially in markets where haggling is common. People often assess whether a deal is worth it, reflecting a pragmatic approach to spending.
Memory Tip
Imagine划 (huà) as a person drawing a line to represent a budget, and 算 (suàn) as them counting coins. Together, they illustrate someone who carefully assesses if their spending is '划算' (worthwhile) by drawing a line between their expenses and savings.
Meanings of 划算
huásuàn(hua2suan4)
1to calculate
2to weigh (pros and cons)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 划算
划算Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 划算
Podcast: 划算
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AI Study Notes for 划算
Quick Contrast
划算 (worthwhile) vs 划得来 (a good deal) — use 划算 when emphasizing overall value assessment, while 划得来 focuses more on the attractiveness of a specific deal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine划 (huà) as a person drawing a line to represent a budget, and 算 (suàn) as them counting coins. Together, they illustrate someone who carefully assesses if their spending is '划算' (worthwhile) by drawing a line between their expenses and savings.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 划算 in informal settings, as it may not fit in formal discussions about finances. Common collocations include '非常划算' (extremely cost-effective) and '不划算' (not worthwhile). Incorrect tone usage, such as saying hua4 suan4 instead of hua2 suan4, can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 划算 is not present in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above who are expanding their financial vocabulary. Focus on how it relates to other terms involving value and cost assessment.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 划算 is particularly important in daily life, especially in markets where haggling is common. People often assess whether a deal is worth it, reflecting a pragmatic approach to spending.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 划算 with similar terms like 便宜 (cheap) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个手机便宜' (This phone is cheap) instead of '这个手机划算' (This phone is cost-effective) misses the nuance of value.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 划算
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Usage Notes for 划算
Misunderstanding Cost-effectivenessCommon Error
Learn to differentiate between '划算' and other similar terms for cost-effectiveness.
1
这个产品很划算。
This product is very cost-effective.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
这个产品很____。
This product is very cost-effective.
Cultural Notes for 划算
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 划算 is particularly important in daily life, especially in markets where haggling is common. People often assess whether a deal is worth it, reflecting a pragmatic approach to spending.
Frequently Asked Questions about 划算
Yes, 划算 is a common term in everyday Chinese conversations, especially when discussing shopping or financial decisions. Many native speakers will use it to describe a deal that seems too good to pass up or when comparing prices.
Use 划算 when you want to emphasize value for money or a favorable cost-benefit ratio. It is particularly relevant in discussions about purchases or investments. Comparatively, if you're discussing a general calculation, you might choose 计算 (jì suàn) instead.
You can use 划算 in a sentence to express that something is a good deal. For example, you might say, '这个价格很划算' which means 'This price is very cost-effective.' It can also be used to weigh the pros and cons of a decision.
划算 (huá suàn) means to consider something worthwhile or cost-effective. It is often used to describe a good deal or an advantageous choice in purchasing decisions. The term emphasizes the balance between cost and benefit, highlighting the value one receives for the money spent.
You can say, '这个手机很划算' (This phone is very cost-effective).
While it primarily refers to financial matters, it can also apply to evaluating the overall benefits of any decision.
Yes, you can use 划算 to describe whether a travel package offers good value for the experience.
