便宜

piányi

convenient

HSK 1

한자 분해

Meaning and Usage

The word 便宜 (biàn yí) primarily means "cheap" or "inexpensive," referring to something that costs little money. It also means "convenient," describing situations or things that are easy to use or access.

Distinct Uses

  1. Price-related: Most commonly, 便宜 describes low cost or affordability, often used when shopping or discussing prices.
  2. Convenience-related: It can also describe convenience, such as a location or time that is easy or suitable.

Common Collocations

  • 便宜 (piányi yīdiǎn): a bit cheaper, often used when bargaining or comparing prices.
  • 便宜 (hěn piányi): very cheap.
  • 便宜 (piányi huò): cheap goods, sometimes implying lower quality.
  • 便宜 (piányi xíngshì): to act conveniently or take the easy way.

Usage Notes

  • When used to mean "cheap," 便宜 often implies good value but can sometimes suggest lower quality, so context matters.
  • When used to mean "convenient," it usually refers to time, place, or conditions that make something easier.
  • Avoid confusing 便宜 with 方便 (fāngbiàn), which strictly means "convenient" but not "cheap."

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse 便宜 (cheap/convenient) with 方便 (convenient). Remember 便宜 can mean both cheap and convenient depending on context, but 方便 only means convenient.

예문

这家店的衣服很便宜,质量也不错。

Zhè jiā diàn de yīfu hěn piányi, zhìliàng yě búcuò.

The clothes at this store are very cheap, and the quality is also good.

买东西的时候,便宜一点的总是更受欢迎。

Mǎi dōngxi de shíhòu, piányi yīdiǎn de zǒng shì gèng shòu huānyíng.

When shopping, the cheaper items are always more popular.

虽然便宜,但这款手机的功能很强大。

Suīrán piányi, dàn zhè kuǎn shǒujī de gōngnéng hěn qiángdà.

Although it is cheap, this model of phone has very powerful functions.

这个时间去商店很便宜,因为人不多。

Zhège shíjiān qù shāngdiàn hěn piányi, yīnwèi rén bù duō.

Going to the store at this time is very convenient because there are not

住在这里很便宜,交通也很方便。

Zhù zài zhèlǐ hěn piányi, jiāotōng yě hěn fāngbiàn.

Living here is cheap and the transportation is also very convenient.