Meaning and Usage
"百货" refers to a wide range of goods or merchandise, often associated with department stores or markets selling various products. It is commonly used to describe places where many different types of items are sold under one roof.
Common Collocations
- 百货商店: department store, a large retail store offering many kinds of goods.
- 百货公司: another term for department store, often used in business contexts.
- 百货市场: market selling diverse merchandise, including food, clothing, and household goods.
Usage Notes
When using "百货," it usually implies a variety of products rather than a single category. It is often paired with 商店 (store), 公司 (company), or 市场 (market) to specify the type of retail environment. This term is formal and common in both spoken and written Chinese.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "百货" with "商品" which means goods or commodities in general. "百货" emphasizes the variety and assortment of goods, often in a retail context.