“Token”中文名定了：词元

Core Viewpoint - The concept of Token, or "词元," is emerging as a significant metric in evaluating the usage of large models and serves as a billing unit for model vendors in the AI industry [1][2]. Group 1: Token Overview - Token is defined as the smallest unit of information processed by large models, characterized by its measurability, priceability, and tradability in the intelligent era [4]. - The daily average Token usage in China has seen a dramatic increase, surpassing 140 trillion in March 2023, up from 1 trillion at the beginning of 2024, indicating a growth of over 1,000 times within two years [3]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The rapid growth in Token usage reflects the ongoing reform in the market-oriented allocation of data elements, leading to the formation of a high-quality data supply system for artificial intelligence [5]. - A new value system surrounding the calling, distribution, and settlement of Tokens is accelerating, becoming a crucial pathway for the commercialization of the AI industry [5]. - Some model companies have reported revenues exceeding their total income for the entire year of 2025 within just 20 days, highlighting the effectiveness of the Token-based billing model [3].