付出 (fù chū) is a verb meaning 'to invest' — typically effort, time, energy, or resources — toward a goal or person. Literally, 付 means 'to hand over' or 'to pay,' and 出 means 'to go out' or 'to produce'; together, they convey the idea of giving something tangible or intangible outward, often with intention and sacrifice. It carries a positive, earnest connotation and implies commitment and sincerity.

This word is commonly used in contexts involving personal growth, relationships, work, and education — for example, '付出努力' (invest effort), '付出时间' (invest time), or '付出爱心' (offer love). Unlike neutral terms like 花费 (to spend), 付出 emphasizes willingness, dedication, and emotional weight. It rarely refers to money alone (use 支付 or 付款 for monetary payment) and is seldom used in casual speech without a clear object (e.g., you wouldn’t say just '我付出' — it needs what was invested).