noun HSK 1
Traditional 錢
money · cash · currency
Meaning
钱 is one of the most fundamental words in Chinese, referring to money in all its forms. It's used in everyday transactions, financial discussions, and countless idiomatic expressions about wealth and economics.
Usage
This is an extremely common word used in all registers from casual to formal. It appears in numerous set phrases and idioms. When talking about specific amounts, Chinese speakers typically say the amount followed by 钱 or use specific currency terms like 块 (kuài) for yuan.
Examples
- 01我没带钱，你能借我一些吗？, ?I didn't bring any money. Can you lend me some?
- 02这件衣服要多少钱？?How much does this piece of clothing cost?
Measure words
- 块五块钱
- 笔一笔钱
Common collocations
- 有钱to be wealthy, to have money
- 没钱to have no money, to be broke
- 赚钱to make money
- 零钱change, small money
Origin
The traditional form 錢 contains the metal radical 金 (jīn), reflecting that ancient Chinese currency was made of metal. The character originally referred to a small agricultural tool, which later became a unit of weight and eventually currency.