Meaning
成本 refers to the cost or expense required to produce something, operate a business, or complete a project. It encompasses all financial inputs like materials, labor, and overhead. The term is widely used in business, economics, and everyday discussions about expenses.
Usage
This word is common in business and economic contexts, but also appears in daily conversation when discussing the expense of doing something. It often appears in phrases like 降低成本 (reduce costs) or 成本太高 (the cost is too high). Native speakers use it for both tangible production costs and abstract costs like time or effort.
Examples
- 01这个项目的成本太高了，我们需要重新考虑。, .The cost of this project is too high; we need to reconsider.
- 02公司正在想办法降低生产成本。.The company is trying to find ways to reduce production costs.
Characters
Common collocations
- 降低成本to reduce costs
- 生产成本production cost
- 成本控制cost control
- 高成本high cost
Antonyms
Origin
成本 literally combines 成 (to accomplish/complete) and 本 (capital/principal), suggesting the capital or resources needed to accomplish or produce something. The term reflects the fundamental investment required for any undertaking.