'批发' (pī fā) literally combines 批 (pī), meaning 'batch' or 'lot', and 发 (fā), meaning 'to distribute' or 'to issue'. Together, they denote the business practice of selling goods in large quantities at reduced unit prices, typically to retailers or other businesses—not end consumers. It is a core concept in commerce and supply chains, often contrasted with 零售 (líng shòu, 'retail').

The term functions both as a noun ('wholesale') and a verb ('to wholesale'). As a noun, it commonly appears in compounds like 批发市场 (pīfā shìchǎng, 'wholesale market') or 批发价 (pīfā jià, 'wholesale price'). As a verb, it usually takes an object (e.g., 批发服装, 'wholesale clothing') and often appears in business contexts, logistics, or entrepreneurship discussions. Learners should note that 批发 is rarely used alone without context—it almost always relates to goods, pricing, or trade activity.