里程
lǐchéng
In Mandarin, "mileage" is expressed as 里程 (lǐchéng).
The term 里程 is used to refer to the total distance a vehicle has traveled or the specific distance recorded for a particular journey.
Meaning: distance travelled on certain amount of fuel (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 里程 is composed of 里 (lǐ), meaning a unit of distance or mile and 程 (chéng), meaning journey or distance.
Which one should you use?
While 里程 is a standard term, 里程数 is another formal way to express the concept of mileage.
How do you pronounce it?
lǐchéng
Did you know?
- While 里程 describes distance, Chinese speakers use a completely different word, 油耗 (fuel consumption), to discuss the efficiency of a car's gas mileage.
- In a figurative sense, 里程 is often used to describe a 'milestone' or the progress of a long-term project. A person might speak of the 里程碑 (milestone) of a historical event or a career achievement.
- The character 里 in 里程 refers to the traditional Chinese 'li', a unit that is roughly half a kilometer. While the modern world uses the metric system, this ancient unit remains the linguistic foundation for talking about distance.
Examples in context
- 这辆车已经行驶了五万公里，里程非常高。This car has already traveled 50,000 kilometers, the mileage is very high.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are discussing a used car they want to buy.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你看这辆车的里程怎么样？Xiǎowén, nǐ kàn zhè liàng chē de lǐchéng zěnmeyàng?Xiaowen, what do you think of the mileage on this car?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我觉得它的里程太高了。Wǒ juéde tā de lǐchéng tài gāo le.I think its mileage is too high.
- 志强 Zhiqiang但是价格非常便宜。Dànshì jiàgé fēicháng piányi.But the price is very cheap.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen里程太高的话，以后会很麻烦。Lǐchéng tài gāo de huà, yǐhòu huì hěn máfan.If the mileage is too high, it will be a hassle later.
