Meanings of 贩卖
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About 贩卖
Podcast: 贩卖
Podcast: 贩卖
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AI Study Notes for 贩卖
买卖 (mǎimài) — use 贩卖 when emphasizing the act of selling, especially in informal or questionable contexts, while 买卖 refers more broadly to buying and selling transactions.
Learners should note that 贩卖 is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing legal issues or illicit trade. A common mistake is to confuse it with other terms for selling like 销售 (xiāoshòu), which is more formal. Be careful with the tones when pronouncing it, as a slip can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 贩卖 connects to other commerce-related vocabulary at this level, such as 销售 (xiāoshòu) and 买卖 (mǎimài). Students should focus on using it in sentences related to business to gain fluency.
Learners often mistakenly use 贩卖 in all selling contexts, whereas it is more appropriate for informal or illicit sales. For example, saying '我贩卖书' (I sell books) is awkward; '我卖书' (I sell books) is better.
Pronunciation of 贩卖
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Component Characters
How to say to sell in Chinese
“to sell” in Chinese is贩卖
贩卖 refers to the act of selling or peddling goods, often on a smaller scale or in a less formal setting. The term can also imply the sale of items that may be illegal or ethically questionable, such as trafficking in contraband. It is commonly used in contexts related to commerce and trade.
When to use 贩卖
Learners should note that 贩卖 is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing legal issues or illicit trade. A common mistake is to confuse it with other terms for selling like 销售 (xiāoshòu), which is more formal. Be careful with the tones when pronouncing it, as a slip can change the meaning entirely.
贩卖 or something close to it
买卖 (mǎimài) — use 贩卖 when emphasizing the act of selling, especially in informal or questionable contexts, while 买卖 refers more broadly to buying and selling transactions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 贩卖 in all selling contexts, whereas it is more appropriate for informal or illicit sales. For example, saying '我贩卖书' (I sell books) is awkward; '我卖书' (I sell books) is better.
Write 贩卖
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Practice writing 贩卖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 贩卖
贩卖 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
有人发现他与毒品____牵涉很深.
He was found to have a deep involvement in drug dealing.
Example Sentences for 贩卖 (1)
Frequently Asked Questions about 贩卖
贩卖 typically refers to informal selling or peddling, while 销售 is used for formal sales transactions.
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