Learning how to say “decrease” in Chinese can be useful in various situations, whether you want to discuss economic trends, express your preferences, or simply understand Mandarin conversations more effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express “decrease” in Chinese, with tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “decrease” in Chinese
If you’re looking to use a formal term for “decrease” in Chinese, you can use the word “减少” (jiǎnshǎo). This term is commonly used in written and verbal communication, particularly in academic or professional settings.
Here’s an example sentence using the formal term:
例句 (lìjù): 这个月销售额减少了10%。 (Zhège yuè xiāoshòu’é jiǎnshǎo le 10%.)
Translation: “This month’s sales decreased by 10%.”
Informal ways to say “decrease” in Chinese
In informal situations, you can use the term “降低” (jiàngdī) to express “decrease” in Chinese. This term is commonly used in casual conversations and is more straightforward compared to the formal word “减少”.
For example:
例句 (lìjù): 我们需要降低开支。 (Wǒmen xūyào jiàngdī kāizhī.)
Translation: “We need to decrease our expenses.”
It’s important to note that both “减少” (jiǎnshǎo) and “降低” (jiàngdī) are commonly understood across Chinese-speaking regions and are generally used interchangeably in everyday conversations, regardless of the regional variation.
Tips for using “decrease” in Chinese
1. Word order: In Chinese, the word order follows the pattern “subject + verb + object.” For instance, “销售额减少了10%” (xiāoshòu’é jiǎnshǎo le 10%) translates to “sales decreased by 10%.” Remember to keep the structure consistent when using “decrease” in your sentences.
2. Context matters: To use the term “decrease” accurately, pay attention to the context and ensure its relevance. Different situations may require specific vocabulary or phrases related to “decrease.” For example, when discussing population decline, you may use “人口下降” (rénkǒu xiàjiàng) instead.
3. Using percentages: When mentioning a specific percentage of decrease, it is common to include the percentage after the verb. For example, “减少了10%” (jiǎnshǎo le 10%) means “decreased by 10%.”
Examples of “decrease” in Chinese
Here are a few more examples of how to use “decrease” in Chinese:
- 我们公司的利润降低了。（Wǒmen gōngsī de lìrùn jiàngdī le.）
Our company’s profits have decreased. - 过去十年，犯罪率明显减少了。（Guòqù shí nián, fànzuì lǜ míngxiǎn jiǎnshǎo le.）
In the past ten years, the crime rate has noticeably decreased. - 工作压力的增长导致了幸福感的下降。（Gōngzuò yālì de zēngzhǎng dǎozhìle xìngfú gǎn de xiàjiàng.）
The increase in work pressure led to a decrease in happiness.
Remember to adapt these sentences according to the context you want to convey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to express “decrease” in Chinese is valuable for effective communication in various settings. The most common formal term is “减少” (jiǎnshǎo), while the informal equivalent is “降低” (jiàngdī). Pay attention to word order, consider the specific context, and feel free to use percentages to accurately express the desired decrease. With these tips, examples, and phrases, you are well-equipped to discuss “decrease” with confidence in Mandarin Chinese.
