贸易

• Pinyin: mào yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 贸 = 卯 (fourth earthly branch) + 贝 (shell/money), trading goods; 易 = 日 (sun) + 勿, exchange

Meaning

Trade; commerce. The exchange of goods and services, especially international trade.

Often used in formal or economic contexts for commercial exchange, particularly international trade. Common in discussions of economics, business, and global commerce. Found in terms like 国际贸易 (international trade) and 贸易战 (trade war).

Examples

1. 中国和东南亚国家的贸易往来越来越频繁。 Trade between China and Southeast Asian countries is becoming increasingly frequent.
2. 自由贸易协定促进了两国的经济发展。 The free trade agreement has promoted the economic development of both countries.
3. 他在一家贸易公司工作，经常出差。 He works at a trading company and often travels for business.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, business, international

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 两国的贸易额逐年增长。(The trade volume between the two countries is growing year by year.)
• 贸易谈判进展顺利。(The trade negotiations are progressing smoothly.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友贸易了几本书。(For personal exchanges, use 交换 — 贸易 is for commercial or international trade)

Origin & History

贸 (mào, trade) + 易 (yì, exchange). Exchange of goods; trading.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal