利率

利率 refers to the percentage of a loan or deposit that is charged or paid as interest. It is a key factor in financial transactions and economic policy, influencing borrowing costs and savings returns.

The character 利 (lì) originally meant 'profit' or 'advantage,' while 率 (lǜ) means 'rate' or 'proportion.' Together, they form a term that precisely describes the cost of money over time.

利率 is commonly used in banking, economics, and personal finance. Understanding interest rates helps individuals make informed decisions about loans, savings accounts, and investments. In China, central bank policies often adjust interest rates to manage inflation and economic growth.