Meaning
金钱 is a formal term for money or currency, emphasizing its material and financial aspect. It consists of 金 (gold/metal) and 钱 (money), making it a somewhat literary or serious word compared to everyday terms like 钱. It's commonly used in discussions about wealth, financial matters, philosophy, and social issues.
Usage
This word appears frequently in formal contexts, news articles, essays, and discussions about values or economics. It's more formal than simply saying 钱, and native speakers use it when discussing abstract concepts related to money, such as 'money can't buy happiness' or financial philosophy. In casual conversation about prices or shopping, people typically just say 钱.
Examples
- 01金钱不是万能的，但没有金钱是万万不能的。, .Money isn't everything, but you can't do anything without money.
- 02他的金钱观很健康，既不浪费也不吝啬。, .His attitude toward money is very healthy—he neither wastes it nor is stingy.
Characters
Common collocations
- 金钱观view/attitude toward money
- 金钱至上money above all else
- 金钱利益monetary interests
- 金钱的诱惑the temptation of money
Origin
The compound combines 金 (originally meaning gold or precious metal, later extended to money) with 钱 (money, historically referring to copper coins). Together they emphasize the metallic, monetary, and valuable nature of currency.