拍
卖

About

The Chinese word "拍卖" (pāimài), meaning "auction", is formed by combining two conceptual actions into a single process. The first character, "拍" (pāi), originally means "to clap" or "to beat", and here evokes the striking of a gavel to finalize a sale. The second character, "卖" (mài), means "to sell". Together, they sequentially depict the essential auction mechanism: an open bidding process (symbolized by the gavel's strike, "拍") that culminates in a transfer of ownership ("卖").

Example Sentences Hide

他拍卖了一辆旧车。

Tā pāimài le yī liàng jiù chē.

He auctioned off an old car.

网上拍卖非常方便快捷。

Wǎngshàng pāimài fēicháng fāngbiàn kuàijié.

Online auctions are very convenient and fast.

慈善拍卖筹集了很多善款。

Císhàn pāimài chóují le hěnduō shànkuǎn.

The charity auction raised a lot of money for a good cause.

这场艺术品拍卖会吸引了众多收藏家。

Zhè chǎng yìshùpǐn pāimàihuì xīyǐn le zhòngduō shōucángjiā.

This art auction attracted numerous collectors.

根据拍卖规则，最高出价者将获得标的物。

Gēnjù pāimài guīzé, zuìgāo chūjià zhě jiāng huòdé biāodìwù.

According to the auction rules, the highest bidder will obtain the lot.

Word Definition - 拍卖

pāi mài to auction; auction sale; to sell at a reduced price

Individual Character Details

拍 pāi
卖 mài