免费
Traditional: 免費
miǎn fèi HSK 4

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

这杯水是免费的。
Zhè bēi shuǐ shì miǎnfèi de.
This glass of water is free.
我们提供免费Wi-Fi。
Wǒmen tígōng miǎnfèi Wi-Fi.
We offer free Wi-Fi.
儿童可以免费入场。
Értóng kěyǐ miǎnfèi rùchǎng.
Children can enter for free.
这个软件免费。
Zhège ruǎnjiàn miǎnfèi.
This software is free.
水是免费的。
Shuǐ shì miǎnfèi de.
Water is free.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 免 (miǎn) looks like a person (儿) under a roof (宀) being 'exempted,' and 费 (fèi) contains 贝 (shell/money) - so you're exempt from money! Think: '免去费用 (miǎn qù fèiyòng)' - 'remove the fee.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and used in both spoken and written Chinese across formal and informal contexts. Common contexts include promotions (免费试用 - free trial), public services (免费教育 - free education), and describing complimentary items (免费饮料 - free drinks).

📖 Grammar Points

Can function as: 1) Verb: 我们免费提供Wi-Fi (We provide Wi-Fi free of charge). 2) Adverb: 可以免费参观 (can visit for free). Often appears in 是...的 structure: 这本书是免费的 (This book is free).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In China's digital economy, 免费 is commonly seen in marketing (免费试用 - free trial, 免费送货 - free delivery). Note that some 'free' services may have hidden conditions or later require payment, similar to freemium models elsewhere.

🔄 Similar Words

Unlike 自由 (zìyóu, 'freedom/liberty') which refers to personal freedom, 免费 specifically means free of monetary cost. 无偿 (wúcháng) also means 'free/gratis' but emphasizes lack of compensation (often for labor/services) and is more formal.

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