Chinese phrase
利息怎么算？ lì xī zěn me suàn
Meaning
How is interest calculated?
When to use it
Asks how interest is worked out. It is a clear, neutral question about the rate, time period, and amount involved.
Example dialogue
我想申请贷款，利息怎么算？ wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng dài kuǎn lì xī zěn me suàn
I'd like to apply for a loan. How is interest calculated?
年利率是3%，按月计息，利息=本金×年利率×贷款年数。 nián lì lǜ shì 3 àn yuè jì xī lì xī běn jīn nián lì lǜ dài kuǎn nián shù
The annual interest rate is 3%, and interest is calculated monthly. Interest equals the principal times the annual interest rate times the number of years borrowed.