Meaning
低廉 describes something that has a low price or cost, emphasizing affordability and value. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts to describe prices, costs, or fees that are notably lower than expected or compared to alternatives. The word carries a neutral to positive connotation, suggesting good value rather than poor quality.
Usage
This word is more formal than 便宜 (piányi) and appears frequently in business writing, advertisements, and official documents. It often modifies nouns like 价格 (price), 成本 (cost), or 费用 (fee). Native speakers use it when discussing economic matters or when emphasizing that something offers good value for money without the colloquial casualness of 便宜.
Examples
- 01这家餐厅价格低廉，但是味道很不错。, .This restaurant has low prices, but the taste is quite good.
- 02由于成本低廉，这种产品在市场上很有竞争力。, .Due to its low cost, this product is very competitive in the market.
Characters
Common collocations
- 价格低廉low-priced, inexpensive price
- 成本低廉low cost
- 费用低廉low fee
- 低廉的劳动力cheap labor
Antonyms
Origin
The character 廉 originally meant 'side of a building' or 'corner,' and later developed the meaning of 'honest' or 'incorruptible.' In combination with 低, it came to mean 'low in price,' suggesting fair or honest pricing.