倒卖

• Pinyin: dǎo mài
• Hanzi breakdown: 倒 = 亻 + 到 (to reverse, turn); 卖 = 士 + 买 (to sell)

Meaning

To resell goods at inflated prices for profit; to scalp. A verb describing buying goods cheaply and reselling at a higher price, often implying illegal or unethical conduct.

Common in contexts of ticket scalping, black market trading, or illegal resale of scarce goods. Carries a strong negative connotation and is often associated with profiteering from shortages or controlled supplies.

Examples

1. 他靠倒卖演唱会门票获利，最终被警方依法逮捕。 He made money by scalping concert tickets and was eventually arrested by the police according to law.
2. 在旅游旺季，倒卖景区门票的现象屡见不鲜。 During the peak tourist season, the scalping of scenic-area tickets is a common sight.
3. 严厉打击倒卖医疗物资的行为，确保物资能够发放到位。 Severely crack down on the resale of medical supplies at inflated prices to ensure that the supplies can be distributed where they are needed.

Usage Guide

Context: commerce, legal, social

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 严禁倒卖车票。(Scalping tickets is strictly prohibited.)
• 打击倒卖行为。(Crack down on resale profiteering.)

Don't Say

• 倒卖商品 when meaning legitimate resale — use 转卖 for legal resale without negative connotation

Origin & History

倒 (to turn over, reverse) + 卖 (to sell). Together meaning to flip or resell goods for profit.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal