Meaning
银行 refers to a financial institution that handles money, provides loans, and offers various financial services. It's one of the most common everyday words for any banking institution, from small local branches to major commercial banks.
Usage
This is a standard, neutral term used in all contexts. Native speakers use it when talking about going to the bank, opening accounts, or any banking-related matters. It's typically used with the measure word 家 (jiā) when counting banks as institutions, or 个 (gè) when referring to bank branches.
Examples
- 01我需要去银行取钱。.I need to go to the bank to withdraw money.
- 02这家银行的服务很好。.This bank's service is very good.
Characters
Measure words
- 家一家银行
- 个三个银行网点
Common collocations
- 去银行to go to the bank
- 银行账户bank account
- 中国银行Bank of China
- 银行卡bank card
Origin
The word literally means 'silver firm' or 'silver establishment,' reflecting the historical role of silver as currency in Chinese commerce. The character 行 in this context refers to a commercial establishment or trade house.