Meaning and Usage
The term "亏本" (kuīběn) literally means "to lose the principal" and is commonly used in business contexts to indicate operating at a loss or selling below cost. It often describes financial situations where expenses exceed income.
Common Contexts
"亏本" is frequently used when discussing business profits and losses, investments, or sales. For example, a shop owner might say their store is "亏本" if they are losing money month after month.
Collocations and Patterns
- 亏本生意: a losing business deal
- 亏本销售: selling at a loss, often to clear inventory
- 连续亏本: continuous losses over a period
These collocations highlight the financial loss aspect and are useful in commercial conversations.
Nuances and Tips
Using "亏本" implies a negative financial outcome and often carries a tone of concern or caution. It is more specific than just "亏损" (loss) because it emphasizes losing the original capital or principal. Avoid confusing it with "赔本" which also means losing money but can be more colloquial.
When using "亏本," it usually appears after the subject and before the verb or noun describing the business or transaction.
Summary
"亏本" is a practical term for learners interested in business Chinese, helping express financial loss clearly and naturally in conversation.