Meaning and Usage
The verb 付出 (fùchū) primarily means to pay or give something, often referring to effort, time, money, or sacrifice. It is commonly used to express the idea of investing resources or making sacrifices to achieve a goal.
Common Contexts
You will often see 付出 used in contexts related to work, study, relationships, or any situation where effort or resources are invested. For example, parents '付出' time and money for their children, or someone '付出' effort to succeed.
Collocations and Patterns
- 付出努力 (fùchū nǔlì): to put in effort
- 付出时间 (fùchū shíjiān): to spend time
- 付出代价 (fùchū dàijià): to pay a price (often figurative)
These collocations emphasize the kind of resource being given or sacrificed.
Nuances
Using 付出 implies a conscious investment or sacrifice, often with an expectation of some outcome or value. It is more formal and serious than simply '给' (to give). Avoid confusing 付出 with 付款 (to pay money) which is more transactional.
Tone and Register
付出 is neutral to formal and suitable in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in contexts discussing effort, sacrifice, or investment.