📖 Meaning
The price is low and the quality is good. It describes products or services that offer excellent value for money. This is a highly positive characterization of something both affordable and well-made.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing Dynasty novel 近十年之怪现状 (Strange Situations of the Past Decade) by Wu Jianren (吴趼人), Chapter 10. In the story, a friend from Suzhou writes to a printing house saying he has long admired their reputation for being both affordable and of fine quality, and thus comes to seek their services. The phrase became a common expression in commerce and daily life. Lu Xun also used it in his short story 祝福 (New Year's Sacrifice) when describing a restaurant's inexpensive yet excellent fish fin dish.
💡 Example Usage
这家超市的商品价廉物美，深受附近居民喜爱。
The products at this supermarket are inexpensive and of high quality, making it a favorite among nearby residents.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 价廉物美
- Pinyin: jià lián wù měi
- Literal Translation: price, cheap, goods, beautiful
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4