Core Meaning
The verb 卖 (mài) primarily means "to sell" — the act of exchanging goods or services for money. It is a fundamental verb used in everyday commerce and trade.
Extended Usage
Besides the literal meaning, 卖 can appear in expressions like 卖力 (màilì), which means "to work hard" or "to put in great effort." This usage is metaphorical, implying "selling" one's effort or energy.
Common Collocations
- 卖东西 (mài dōngxi): to sell things, a very common phrase in markets or shops.
- 卖给 (mài gěi): to sell to someone, indicating the buyer.
- 买卖 (mǎimài): buying and selling, trade or business activities.
- 卖力 (màilì): to work hard, often used to describe someone's effort.
Usage Notes
卖 is a transitive verb and often appears with objects indicating what is sold. When combined with 买 (buy), it forms 买卖, a noun referring to trade or business.
Be careful not to confuse 卖 with 买 (mǎi, to buy). 卖 focuses on the seller's action. In spoken and written Chinese, these two characters often appear together to describe commercial activities.
Register and Tone
卖 is neutral in tone and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase 卖力 is more colloquial and often used to praise someone's diligence.