verb / noun HSK 4
Traditional 消費
to consume · to spend · consumption · spending
Meaning
消费 refers to the act of spending money or using up goods and services. As a verb, it means to consume or make purchases. As a noun, it refers to consumption or consumer spending in economic contexts.
Usage
消费 is commonly used in both everyday and economic contexts. It's more formal than 买 (to buy) and often appears in business, retail, and economic discussions. Frequently seen on signs like '持卡消费' (pay by card) or in phrases about consumer behavior.
Examples
- 01中国人的消费水平越来越高了。.Chinese people's consumption level is getting higher and higher.
- 02在这家店消费满五百元可以打九折。.If you spend 500 yuan or more at this store, you can get a 10% discount.
Characters
Common collocations
- 消费者consumer
- 消费水平consumption level
- 刷卡消费to pay by card
- 消费习惯consumption habits
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 消 (to eliminate/use up) and 费 (expense/cost), literally meaning 'to use up expenses' or 'to expend resources', which evolved to mean consumption and spending.