Understanding "出售" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 出售
• Pinyin: chūshòu
• Literal Meaning: “to put out for sale” or “to sell out”
• Primary Meaning: to sell; to offer something for sale

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 出售 is a formal or semi-formal verb meaning “to sell” or “to offer for sale.” It is commonly used in signs, advertisements, business contexts, real estate listings, product descriptions, and official notices.

Compared with the more everyday word 卖, 出售 sounds more formal and emphasizes that something is being made available for purchase. For example, a store clerk might casually say 我们卖手机, meaning “We sell phones,” while a sign or advertisement might say 本店出售手机, meaning “This store sells phones” or “Phones for sale here.”

出售 is usually used with concrete goods, property, tickets, vehicles, or other items that can be legally sold. It is less likely to be used in very casual conversation unless the speaker wants a more formal tone.

• Character Breakdown:
• 出 means “to go out,” “to come out,” or “to produce.”
• 售 means “to sell.”

Together, 出售 literally suggests “putting something out to sell,” which leads to the meaning “to sell” or “to offer for sale.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这套房子正在出售。
• Pinyin: Zhè tào fángzi zhèngzài chūshòu.

• English: This apartment/house is currently for sale.

• Chinese: 商店出售各种新鲜水果。

• Pinyin: Shāngdiàn chūshòu gè zhǒng xīnxiān shuǐguǒ.

• English: The store sells all kinds of fresh fruit.

• Chinese: 这些门票已经停止出售了。

• Pinyin: Zhèxiē ménpiào yǐjīng tíngzhǐ chūshòu le.
• English: These tickets are no longer being sold.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese-speaking environments, 出售 is often seen on signs, websites, and listings. For example, 房屋出售 means “house for sale,” 二手车出售 means “used car for sale,” and 门票出售 means “tickets for sale.”

A useful distinction for learners is:

• 卖 is the common everyday word for “sell.”
• 出售 is more formal and often means “offer for sale.”
• 销售 often refers to “sales” as a business activity, such as product sales or a sales department.

Because 出售 sounds official and clear, it is especially common in written Chinese.

Conclusion

出售 means “to sell” or “to offer for sale.” Remember that 出 suggests something being put out or made available, and 售 means “to sell.” Compared with 卖, 出售 is more formal and is especially useful for signs, advertisements, listings, and business contexts.