亏

• Pinyin: kuī
• Hanzi breakdown: 亏 = 一 (one) + 于, simplified from 虧 which showed deficiency

Meaning

To lose money; to owe; luckily; to treat unfairly. A versatile word with several related meanings.

Primary meaning is to suffer a loss (especially financial). Also used sarcastically to mean 'thanks to' (implying someone did something bad or unexpected). In 多亏, it genuinely means 'thanks to.' Can also mean to wrong someone or treat them unfairly.

Examples

1. 这笔投资亏了不少钱，他后悔没听朋友的建议。 This investment lost quite a bit of money; he regrets not listening to his friend's advice.
2. 多亏你提醒我，不然我就忘了开会的时间。 Thanks to your reminder, otherwise I would have forgotten the meeting time.
3. 亏你还是她男朋友，她生病你都不知道。 And you call yourself her boyfriend — you didn't even know she was sick.

Usage Guide

Context: business, everyday, sarcasm

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 这次生意亏大了。(I lost big on this business deal.)
• 多亏有你帮忙，事情才这么顺利。(Thanks to your help, things went so smoothly.)

Don't Say

• 我亏欠你一本书。(For owing objects, use 欠 — 亏欠 is for emotional debt or guilt, not physical items)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a vessel that was deficient or lacking. The meaning extended to financial loss and then to owing or being indebted.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal