HSK · Level 34
135 words
Chinese word
甜头
Pronunciation
Pinyintián tóu
Meaning
- nounprofit
Example
这笔买卖有甜头，别错过。zhè bǐ mǎi mài yǒu tián tóu bié cuò guò
This deal offers a profit, so don't miss it.
More examples
这家公司开始盈利后，股东们都尝到甜头。zhè jiā gōng sī kāi shǐ yíng lì hòu gǔ dōng men dōu cháng dào tián tóu
After the company began making a profit, all the shareholders reaped the benefits.
Core concept
A tempting payoff that makes continued involvement feel worthwhile.
Common phrases
尝到甜头cháng dào tián tóu
reap the benefits
有甜头yǒu tián tóu
offer a profit
Similar words
好处hǎo chù: A good point or useful benefit gained from an action or situation.
利益lì yì: Financial profit or gain that benefits a person or organization.
赚头zhuàn tou: A colloquial expression for an opportunity that looks likely to make money.
收益shōu yì: Ongoing income or profit earned from an investment or business.
Definition in Chinese
表示能带来实际利益或好处的事，常含诱惑或吸引人继续参与的意味。biǎo shì néng dài lái shí jì lì yì huò hǎo chù de shì cháng hán yòu huò huò xī yǐn rén jì xù cān yù de yì wèi
Word origin
甜头 (tiántóu, "sweet taste") became a colloquial metaphor for a reward or advantage that draws someone back for more.
Usage tips
- Unlike the neutral English word profit, this noun often highlights the attractive reward that encourages continued participation rather than formal financial results.