差额 chā’é balance (financial)
balance (financial); discrepancy (in a sum or quota); difference
How to remember 差额: 差 differ from + 额 forehead = balance (financial).
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How it is used
- The difference/shortfall between two amounts - 补上收支差额 (bǔ shàng shōuzhī chā'é) make up the balance between income and expenditure.
- Financial/quantitative term: 贸易差额 (trade balance), 差额选举 (an election with more candidates than seats). Refers to the numerical gap.
- Contrast 余额 (yú'é, remaining balance in an account); 差额 is the gap/discrepancy, not what's left. 差 reads chā.