When combined, 代价 (dàijià) literally translates to “substitute price” or “replacement value.” This beautifully illustrates the core concept: it is the value you must give up or substitute in order to obtain your desired outcome.
The concept of 代价 is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, which often emphasizes pragmatism, hard work, and the idea that “there's no such thing as a free lunch” (天下没有免费的午餐 - tiānxià méiyǒu miǎnfèi de wǔcān). The word reflects a sober understanding that every goal, from academic success to national development, requires a significant trade-off.
While similar to the English idea of “paying the price,” 代价 is used more frequently and broadly in everyday Chinese conversation. In English, saying someone “paid the price” can sound quite dramatic or moralistic. In Chinese, discussing the 代价 of a choice (e.g., “The 代价 of working in a big city is being far from my parents”) is a common and neutral way to analyze a situation's pros and cons. It's a less emotional and more analytical concept than “sacrifice” can sometimes be in English. It's the practical calculation of what is lost versus what is gained, a fundamental part of decision-making in both personal and professional spheres.
代价 is a versatile word used in various contexts, almost always with a serious and slightly negative connotation.
The word implies that the cost is significant and often unavoidable. When someone says they “付出了代价” (fùchūle dàijià), they are acknowledging a serious loss or hardship they endured.
The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 代价 (dàijià) with 价格 (jiàgé).
INCORRECT USAGE:
Think of it this way: You can pay a 价格 (jiàgé) with money. You can only pay a 代价 (dàijià) with effort, time, health, happiness, or even your life.