1. Character Basics
2. Pronunciation
3. Meaning
- Loss, deficit, shortfall
- To lose money, to be in the red
- To suffer a loss, to be disadvantaged
- Unjust, unfair, wrong
- To treat unfairly, to wrong
4. Common Words
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "亏" is primarily used as a verb or noun to indicate loss, deficit, or unfair treatment. It can also be used as a complement in certain constructions.
这家公司今年亏损了一百万元。(Zhè jiā gōngsī jīnnián kuīsǔnle yībǎi wàn yuán.) - This company lost one million yuan this year.
做生意有可能盈利，也有可能亏本。(Zuò shēngyi yǒu kěnéng yínglì, yě yǒu kěnéng kuīběn.) - Doing business may make a profit or may lose money.
我们不应该亏待老人。(Wǒmen bù yīnggāi kuīdài lǎorén.) - We shouldn't treat the elderly unfairly.
你这样做，我感到很亏。(Nǐ zhèyàng zuò, wǒ gǎndào hěn kuī.) - I feel wronged by what you did.
幸亏你提醒我，不然我就忘了。(Xìngkuī nǐ tíxǐng wǒ, bùrán wǒ jiù wàngle.) - Fortunately you reminded me, otherwise I would have forgotten.
幸亏下雨前我们回到了家。(Xìngkuī xiàyǔ qián wǒmen huídàole jiā.) - Luckily we got home before it rained.
6. Cultural Background
The character "亏" has a long history in Chinese language and culture. Its basic meaning of "loss" or "deficit" reflects concerns about balance and fairness that are deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "亏" is closely related to the idea of justice and moral conduct. The phrase "亏心" (kuīxīn, having a guilty conscience) expresses the belief that acting unjustly will lead to inner turmoil and moral imbalance.
In business and financial contexts, avoiding "亏本" (kuīběn, losing money) has always been an important goal in Chinese commerce. This reflects the practical and prudent approach to financial matters that has characterized Chinese business practices for centuries.
The phrase "吃亏是福" (chī kuī shì fú, suffering loss is a blessing) is a well-known Chinese saying that reflects the cultural value of tolerance and the belief that temporary losses can lead to long-term benefits.
7. Example Sentence
虽然这次我亏本了，但我学到了很多做生意的经验。
Although I lost money this time, I learned a lot of experience in doing business.
8. Memory Tips
To remember the character "亏", look at its structure: it has a horizontal stroke at the top and two strokes below. You can think of it as representing a balanced scale that has become unbalanced, which connects to its meaning of "loss" or "deficit".
Another helpful mnemonic is to associate "亏" with common phrases like "亏本" (kuīběn, losing money) or "幸亏" (xìngkuī, fortunately). These everyday expressions can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation of "亏" (kuī).
You can also recall the Chinese saying "吃亏是福" (chī kuī shì fú, suffering loss is a blessing) to remember the character and its cultural significance.