性价比

• Pinyin: xìng jià bǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 性 (performance) + 价 (price) + 比 (ratio) -> value-to-price ratio.

Meaning

Value for money; the balance between performance, quality, and price. It is used for nearly any purchase or choice.

性价比 is not slangy in form but is central to modern consumer talk. People use it for phones, meals, travel, courses, and even life choices.

Examples

1. 这家午餐性价比很高。 This lunch place is great value for money.
2. 买电脑别只看性价比，也看需求。 When buying a computer, don't look only at value for money - consider what you need too.
3. 这款耳机性价比一般。 These headphones are only average value for money.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, reviews, daily decisions

Tone: practical, evaluative

Do Say

• 这台车性价比不错。（This car offers good value for money.）
• 性价比高不等于最便宜。（High value does not simply mean cheapest.）

Don't Say

• 把低价直接等同于高性价比。（Low price alone is not good value.）

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring quality or fit; 性价比 compares what you get with what you pay.

Origin & History

Short for 性能价格比, the ratio of performance to price.

Cultural Context

Era: Longstanding consumer term, very active online

Generation: All ages

Social background: Mainstream consumer culture

Regional notes: A core Mainland review and shopping term.