Usage of 支付
The verb 支付 (zhīfù) primarily means 'to pay' or 'to make a payment.' It is commonly used in contexts involving money transactions, such as paying bills, fees, salaries, or purchases.
Common Collocations
- 支付费用 (zhīfù fèiyòng): to pay fees or costs
- 支付现金 (zhīfù xiànjīn): to pay cash
- 支付工资 (zhīfù gōngzī): to pay salaries
These collocations are frequently used in both formal and informal settings.
Register and Tone
支付 is neutral and appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese, including business contexts. It is more formal than colloquial verbs like 付钱 (fù qián, 'to pay money').
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 支付 with 付款 (fùkuǎn), which also means 'to pay.' 支付 emphasizes the act of paying, often in a broader sense, while 付款 is more specific to the payment of money, often used in contracts or receipts.
Summary
Use 支付 when referring to the act of paying money in various contexts, especially in formal or business situations. It pairs naturally with words like 费用 (fees), 现金 (cash), and 工资 (salary).