买卖

• Pinyin: mǎi mai
• Hanzi breakdown: 买 = 头 (head) simplified + 贝 (shell/money); 卖 = 十 + 买, to sell

Meaning

Business; trade; buying and selling. Commercial transactions or a business enterprise.

Can refer to the act of trading or to a business venture. Often used in casual contexts for small businesses or deals. In the phrase 做买卖, it means to run a business or engage in trade. Has a slightly informal or traditional flavor.

Examples

1. 他靠做小买卖养活了一家人。 He supported his whole family by running a small business.
2. 这笔买卖很划算，双方都满意。 This deal is quite worthwhile; both parties are satisfied.
3. 做买卖最重要的是诚信。 The most important thing in doing business is integrity.

Usage Guide

Context: business, commerce, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 他家祖辈都是做买卖的。(His family has been in business for generations.)
• 这个买卖值不值得做？(Is this deal worth doing?)

Don't Say

• 他在大公司做买卖。(For corporate work, use 工作 or 做生意 — 买卖 implies small-scale or traditional trade)

Origin & History

买 (mǎi, buy) + 卖 (mài, sell). The combined act of buying and selling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal