Definition
支付 (zhīfù) is the standard, formal verb for 'to pay' a sum of money, fee, or bill — it's the go-to word for transactions like paying rent or using a payment app. 付 (fù) is shorter and more colloquial, often used in fixed phrases like 付款 (pay a fee) or 付钱 (pay money); 交 (jiāo) means 'to hand over' and is used for paying fees or dues (e.g., 交房租) but also for non-payment actions like submitting homework.
verb
to pay (a sum of money, a fee, etc.)
Easily confused
- 制服zhì fúsound-alikeuniform (for military, school, etc.)
- 制服zhì fúsound-aliketo subdue (physically, by force)
- 致富zhì fùsound-aliketo become rich, to achieve wealth
Examples
- 支付？Wǒ kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo zhī fù ma?Can I pay with Alipay?
- 支付。Tā yǐjīng yòng xiànjīn zhī fù le.He already paid in cash.
- 支付。Zhège yuè de fángzū wǒ yǐjīng zhī fù le.I've already paid this month's rent.
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