小费

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Understanding 小费 (xiǎofèi)

小费 specifically refers to a tip or gratuity given for services, especially in hospitality contexts like restaurants or hotels. It is a small amount of money given voluntarily to show appreciation for good service.

Usage and Cultural Context

In many Western countries, giving 小费 is customary and expected, often calculated as a percentage of the bill. However, in some East Asian countries, tipping is less common or even considered rude. When using 小费, it’s important to be aware of local customs.

Common Collocations

Tips for Learners

小费 is a noun and usually appears after verbs like (to give). Avoid confusing it with general expenses or fees (费用), which are broader terms. When talking about paying bills, 小费 specifically refers to the extra money given voluntarily, not the total cost.

Example Sentences

After dining at a restaurant, we usually give the waiter a tip.

In the United States, giving tips is a form of politeness and custom.

In some countries, the tip is already included in the bill, so no extra