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noun HSK 4
Traditional 發票
fā piào
receipt · invoice

Meaning

发票 refers to an official receipt or invoice issued for a purchase or transaction. In China, 发票 are particularly important as they serve as legal proof of purchase and are used for tax purposes, expense reimbursement, and consumer protection.

Usage

Commonly used in business and shopping contexts. After making a purchase, especially at restaurants or stores, customers often ask '能开发票吗?' (Can you issue a receipt?). In mainland China, official 发票 are government-regulated and often required for business expense reimbursement.

Examples

  1. 01
    请问能给我开一张发票吗？
    Qǐng wèn néng gěi wǒ kāi yī zhāng fā piào ma?
    Excuse me, could you issue me a receipt?
  2. 02
    报销的时候别忘了带上发票。
    Bào xiāo de shí hòu bié wàng le dài shàng fā piào.
    Don't forget to bring the receipt when you submit for reimbursement.

Characters

Measure words

  • 张zhāng一张发票

Common collocations

  • 开发票
    kāi fā piào
    to issue a receipt/invoice
  • 发票抬头
    fā piào tái tóu
    invoice header (recipient name)
  • 增值税发票
    zēng zhí shuì fā piào
    VAT invoice
  • 电子发票
    diàn zǐ fā piào
    electronic receipt/invoice

Origin

The compound literally means 'issued note/document.' 发 (to issue) + 票 (bill/document) creates a term for officially issued financial documentation.

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