Understanding "利润" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 利润
• Pinyin: lì rùn
• Literal Meaning: "Benefit moisture" (though this is not the actual meaning; it’s a compound word where the characters combine to form a new meaning).
• Primary Meaning: "Profit" (the financial gain earned after deducting costs and expenses).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"利润" is a formal term used in business, economics, and finance to refer to the monetary gain a company or individual makes after subtracting expenses. It is commonly seen in financial reports, discussions about business performance, and economic analyses. Unlike informal terms like "赚的钱" (earned money), "利润" carries a precise, professional connotation.

Character Breakdown

• 利 (lì): Means "benefit," "advantage," or "sharp" (as in a blade). In this context, it refers to financial gain.
• 润 (rùn): Means "moisture," "smooth," or "profit." Here, it emphasizes the idea of surplus or added value.

Together, the characters create the concept of "profit" as the surplus remaining after costs.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这家公司去年的利润增长了很多。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī qùnián de lìrùn zēngzhǎngle hěnduō.
   English: This company’s profit increased a lot last year.

2. Chinese: 高利润往往伴随着高风险。
   Pinyin: Gāo lìrùn wǎngwǎng bànsuízhe gāo fēngxiǎn.
   English: High profits often come with high risks.

3. Chinese: 我们需要提高产品的利润空间。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào tígāo chǎnpǐn de lìrùn kōngjiān.
   English: We need to increase the profit margin of our products.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese business culture, discussing "利润" is common, but there’s also an emphasis on long-term sustainability rather than just short-term gains. Confucian values sometimes influence business practices, where trust and relationships (关系, guānxi) can be prioritized alongside pure profitability.

Conclusion

"利润" (lì rùn) is a key term in Chinese for "profit," used in financial and business contexts. Remember that it combines "利" (benefit) and "润" (surplus) to describe earnings after expenses. Practice using it in sentences to master its application!