亏本

• Pinyin: kuī běn
• Hanzi breakdown: 亏 = simplified from 虧 — loss/deficit; 本 = 木 (tree) + 一 (root marker) — origin/capital

Meaning

To lose money; to operate at a loss. Selling below cost or running a business unprofitably.

Describes financial loss in commercial transactions or business operations. Often used colloquially to express that something isn't worth the cost, even metaphorically.

Examples

1. 这批货卖出去肯定亏本，但不卖更麻烦。 Selling this batch will definitely be a loss, but not selling is even more troublesome.
2. 开店头两年一直在亏本经营。 The store operated at a loss for the first two years.
3. 他宁愿亏本也不愿意跟老客户翻脸。 He would rather take a loss than fall out with an old customer.

Usage Guide

Context: business, commerce, finance

Tone: pragmatic

Do Say

• 这笔生意做下来是亏本的。(This deal ended up being a loss.)
• 亏本大甩卖！(Selling at a loss! Big clearance sale!)

Don't Say

• 用亏本形容非商业的损失，如感情。(亏本 specifically refers to financial/commercial loss — use 吃亏 for general disadvantage)

Origin & History

Compound of 亏 (lose/deficit) + 本 (capital/principal). Literally 'losing one's capital.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal