HSBC's monthly purchasing managers index for the services sector produced a reading of 50.7 in May, marking one of the slowest months in the survey's eight-year history.

汇丰银行(HSBC)5月中国服务业采购经理人指数(PMI)报50.7，为该调查8年历史中最弱的月份之一。

The survey is compiled by sending questionnaires to around 400 private sector, non-manufacturing companies. A reading above 50 suggests growth, but this month's figure was lower than the 51.4 score in April.

这一指数基于对约400家私营非制造企业所作的调查，读数超过50意味着服务业扩张。5月的数据低于4月的51.4。

"Anecdotal evidence suggested that tough market conditions weighed on services activity growth," the bank said.

汇丰表示：“坊间证据表明，艰难的市场环境影响到了服务业的增长。”

The depressed view is a contrast to the state-sponsored survey published on Tuesday, which with a reading of 55.5 suggested the services sector accelerated at its fastest pace since November.

这一悲观论调与中国政府周二公布的调查结果形成对比，官方调查结果为55.5，意味着中国服务业在5月实现了自去年11月以来的最快增速。

The official survey is wider and tends to track larger companies, many of which are backed by the state.

官方调查的范围更广，而且往往跟踪规模较大的公司，其中很多都是国有企业。

HSBC economist Qu Hongbin said the bank's survey showed an 11-month drop in the "business expectations" component, which fell from 60.7 to 58.1.

汇丰经济学家屈宏斌表示，汇丰的调查还显示，“企业预期”这一分项指数从60.7降至58.1，连续第11个月下滑。

"Growth momentum remains slow and private sector sentiment is weak," he added.

他补充称：“增长势头仍然缓慢，私营行业信心疲弱。”

We think policy makers should continue to ease monetary and fiscal policies in the coming months to help support growth.

“我们认为，政策制定者应在未来几个月继续放松货币和财政政策，以帮助经济增长。”