fùdān dé qǐ
afford
In Chinese, the concept of being able to 'afford' something is captured by the phrase '负担得起' (fùdān dé qǐ). This phrase is used in sentences in a similar way as 'afford' is used in English, relaying the idea of having sufficient resources, such as time or money, to handle or take on a certain thing or activity.
fùdān de qǐ zhèxiē fèiyòng ma?
Can you afford these fees?
In this question, the speaker is inquiring if one can bear the cost of certain fees.
wǒ néng fùdān de qǐ zhègè jiàgé.
I can afford this price.
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their ability to bear the cost of something.
fùdān de qǐ zhè gè zérèn ma?
Can you afford this responsibility?
In this sentence, the speaker is questioning if someone else is capable of carrying a certain responsibility.
tāmen jiā fùdān de qǐ zhèyàng de sǔnshī.
Their family can afford such a loss.
In this narrative, the speaker talks about a family's ability to withstand a financial loss.
fùdān de qǐ rúcǐ fànzuì de chéngfá ma?
Can you afford the punishment for such a crime?
In this sentence, the speaker is questioning if one can bear the burden of punishment for committing a certain crime.
zhè piān wénzhāng de fèiyòng wǒ néng fùdān de qǐ.
I can afford the cost of this article.
In this sentence, the speaker explains their capability to carry the expenditure of an article.
wǒ wúfǎ fùdān de qǐ zhè zuò fángzi.
I can't afford this house.
In this sentence, The speaker is plainly stating their financial inability to afford a house.
fùdān de qǐ gāo'áng de yīliáo fèiyòng ma?
Can you afford the high medical costs?
In this question, the speaker is asking if one can handle high medical expenses.
duìyú tā lái shuō, fùdān de qǐ zhè cì lǚxíng.
For him, he can afford this trip.
In this sentence, the speaker is stating someone's ability to afford a specific travel.
nǐ zhēn de fùdān de qǐ zhège juédìng de hòuguǒ ma?
Can you really afford the consequences of this decision?
In this question, the speaker is doubting someone's ability to withstand the aftermath of a certain decision.