Understanding 零售 (língshòu)
零售 means selling goods directly to consumers, as opposed to wholesale which sells in bulk to retailers or businesses. It is commonly used in business contexts to describe the sale of products in small quantities.
Usage and Context
零售 often appears in phrases like 零售价格 (retail price) and 零售店 (retail store). It contrasts with 批发 (pīfā), meaning wholesale. When discussing pricing or business models, 零售 highlights the consumer-facing side of sales.
Common Collocations
- 零售价格: retail price, used when comparing with wholesale prices.
- 零售店: retail store, a place where goods are sold directly to customers.
- 零售业务: retail business, referring to the operations involved in selling to consumers.
Tips
零售 is a formal term often used in business or economic contexts rather than casual conversation. Avoid confusing it with 批发, which involves selling large quantities to other businesses. When you see 零售, think about the final step in the sales chain where the product reaches the end user.