Learning how to express the concept of “expensive” in Chinese can be a valuable skill, whether you’re traveling to a Chinese-speaking country, conducting business, or simply conversing with Chinese-speaking friends. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “expensive” in Chinese, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Expensive in Chinese
If you’re in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or official correspondence, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are some formal expressions for “expensive” in Chinese:
- 贵 (guì) – This is the most common and universal term for “expensive” in Chinese. It can be used to describe the high price of various items or services, such as clothes, food, or transportation. For example, you can say “这件衣服很贵” (zhè jiàn yīfú hěn guì), which means “This piece of clothing is expensive.”
- 昂贵 (áng guì) – This term conveys a stronger sense of high price and is often used for luxurious or extravagant items. You can use it to say “这辆汽车太昂贵了” (zhè liàng qìchē tài áng guì le), meaning “This car is too expensive.”
- 高价 (gāo jià) – When referring to expensive prices or high costs, this phrase is suitable. For example, you can say “这本书的高价让我有些犹豫” (zhè běn shū de gāo jià ràng wǒ yǒuxiē yóuyù), which translates to “The high price of this book makes me hesitate.”
Informal Ways to Say Expensive in Chinese
In casual conversations with friends or family, you can use more colloquial expressions to describe high prices. Here are a few examples:
- 贵得离谱 (guì dé lípǔ) – This phrase is commonly used to describe something outrageously expensive. For instance, you can say “这个餐厅的菜贵得离谱” (zhè ge cāntīng de cài guì dé lípǔ), which means “The food at this restaurant is outrageously expensive.”
- 价钱不菲 (jiàqian bù fěi) – Used to convey the sense of high price, this expression implies that something is not cheap. You can say “这台电视的价钱不菲” (zhè tái diànshì de jiàqián bù fěi), translating to “The price of this TV is not cheap.”
- 破贵 (pò guì) – This term is often used among young people to describe something that is unreasonably expensive or overpriced. For example, you can say “这双鞋子破贵了” (zhè shuāng xiézi pò guì le), meaning “These shoes are unreasonably expensive.”
Regional Variations
When it comes to regional variations, Mandarin Chinese is generally the most widely spoken dialect. However, there are some variations in the ways people express “expensive” across different regions in China. Here is an example:
In Cantonese, which is spoken in Hong Kong and some other southern regions of China, the word for “expensive” is 貴 (gwai3). While the pronunciation differs from Mandarin Chinese, the meaning remains the same.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear understanding of how to say “expensive” in Chinese, you can confidently use these expressions in various contexts. Remember to adapt your language to formal or informal settings accordingly. Whether you’re discussing prices in a business negotiation or chatting with a friend, these phrases will help you navigate conversations about expensive items or services. Happy language learning!
