供求（gōng qiú）

Pronunciation: gōng qiú

Basic Meaning: supply and demand

Detailed Explanation: 供求 refers to the relationship between the supply of a commodity or service and the demand for it. It reflects the balance or imbalance between the quantity of goods or services available and the quantity that consumers are willing to buy. When supply exceeds demand, it is called a surplus, and when demand exceeds supply, it is called a shortage. The concept of supply and demand is fundamental in economics and plays a crucial role in determining prices and market equilibrium.

Usage Scenarios: 供求 is commonly used in discussions related to economics, business, and market trends. It can be used to describe the current state of a market, analyze price fluctuations, or predict future trends. It is also frequently used in news reports, academic research, and policy discussions.

Story Origin: The concept of supply and demand has been recognized for centuries, and the phrase 供求 has been in use in the Chinese language for a long time. The understanding of supply and demand is rooted in the observation of market dynamics and the interactions between buyers and sellers.

Structure of the Idiom: 供 refers to the supply or provision of goods or services, while 求 refers to the demand or desire for them. The two characters together represent the relationship between supply and demand.

Example Sentences:

1. 這個市場的供求關系非常穩定。 (The supply and demand relationship in this market is very stable.)

2. 價格的變動是由供求關系決定的。 (Price fluctuations are determined by the relationship between supply and demand.)

Memory Techniques: To remember the meaning of 供求, you can associate it with the image of a balance scale. Imagine the character 供 representing the supply side and the character 求 representing the demand side. Picture the balance scale in equilibrium when supply and demand are balanced. This visual representation can help you remember the concept and meaning of 供求.

Extended Learning: To deepen your understanding of supply and demand, you can explore economic theories such as the law of supply and demand, elasticity of demand, and market equilibrium. You can also study real-life examples of supply and demand in action, such as the impact of technological advancements on supply and demand dynamics.

Example Sentences by Different Age Groups:

1. Children: 我們學校的足球比賽票的供求關系很大。 (The supply and demand for tickets to our school's football game is high.)

2. Teenagers: 這款新手機的供求關系非常緊張，很多人都想買。 (The supply and demand for this new phone is very intense, and many people want to buy it.)

3. Adults: 房地產市場的供求關系對房價產生了影響。 (The supply and demand relationship in the real estate market has an impact on housing prices.)