noun / measure word HSK 1
yuan (Chinese currency) · dollar · primary · first
Meaning
元 is the basic unit of Chinese currency (RMB), equivalent to 'dollar' in English. It's also used as a formal way to say 'one yuan' when counting money. Beyond currency, 元 can mean 'primary' or 'beginning' in classical Chinese contexts.
Usage
In spoken Mandarin, people often say 块 (kuài) instead of 元 for money in casual contexts, though 元 is the official term used in formal settings, written receipts, and announcements. When stating prices, Chinese speakers typically say the amount followed by 元, like '五元' (five yuan).
Examples
- 01这本书十五元。.This book costs fifteen yuan.
- 02我只有一百元。.I only have one hundred yuan.
Common collocations
- 一元one yuan
- 多少元how many yuan
- 美元US dollar
- 元旦New Year's Day
Origin
Originally meant 'head' or 'beginning' in ancient Chinese. It came to represent the primary unit of currency when China modernized its monetary system, similar to how 'dollar' derives from a word meaning a standard unit.