Want to manage transactions in China easily? In this guide on Money in Chinese Language, learn essential terms and phrases!
Money plays a big role in daily life in China. Learning how to talk about it in Chinese can help you a lot. The Chinese word for money is “钱” (qián). This simple word is key for many money-related talks.
In Chinese, you can use “钱” (qián) to discuss various money matters, from buying things to discussing wealth. It’s used in many common phrases.
For example, “零钱” (líng qián) means loose change, and “钱包” (qián bāo) is the word for wallet.
Chinese also has special words for different types of money. “现金” (xiàn jīn) means cash, while “硬币” (yìng bì) refers to coins. If you need to pay a bill, you can say “请结账” (qǐng jiézhàng).
These terms can help you handle money matters in China with more ease.
Key Takeaways
- The basic Chinese word for money is “钱” (qián), used in many everyday phrases.
- Chinese has specific terms for different types of currency and financial transactions.
- Learning money-related Chinese words can help you navigate daily life in China.
The Basics of Chinese Currency
Chinese currency has a unique system and terminology. Learning the key terms and units will help you handle money matters in China confidently.
Understanding ‘Qián’ and Other Key Terms
钱 (qián) is the general word for money in Chinese. It’s used in everyday conversations about finances. When discussing currency exchange, you might hear 货币 (huòbì), which means currency.
Some other important terms:
- 银行 (yínháng) – bank
- 信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) – credit card
- 价格 (jiàgé) – price
Knowing these words will make talking about money and making purchases in China easier.
The Renminbi and Its Units
The official name of Chinese currency is Renminbi (人民币, rénmínbì), which means “people’s currency.” The basic unit is the yuan (元, yuán).
Smaller units include:
- Jiao (角, jiǎo): 1/10 of a yuan
- Fen (分, fēn): 1/100 of a yuan
You’ll often see prices written with the ¥ symbol or CNY abbreviation. For example, ¥100 or CNY 100 both mean 100 yuan.
Coins and Banknotes in Circulation
Chinese currency comes in both coins and paper money (纸币, zhǐbì).
Coins:
- 1 jiao, 5 jiao
- 1 yuan
Banknotes:
- 1 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan, 100 yuan
The most common bills are 100 yuan and 50 yuan. Smaller denominations are useful for daily purchases. Keeping some small bills and coins handy for taxis and street vendors is a good idea.
Managing Money in Chinese
Learning key phrases for financial transactions in Chinese can help you navigate everyday money matters. These skills are useful for shopping, dining out, and handling banking tasks.
Common Transactions and Vocabulary
Money in Chinese is 钱 (qián). To spend money, say 花钱 (huā qián). Earning money is 赚钱 (zhuàn qián). Borrowing money translates to 借钱 (jiè qián).
When you need cash, remember 取钱 (qǔ qián) for withdrawing money. Saving money is 省钱 (shěng qián) or 存钱 (cún qián) for long-term savings.
For tipping, use 小费 (xiǎo fèi). If you need a loan, ask about 贷款 (dài kuǎn).
Discussing Price and Cost
To ask “How much does it cost?”, say 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián). This phrase is key for shopping and dining out.
When bargaining, start low and work your way up. Use simple numbers and gestures to communicate prices.
Remember, prices in China are often given in hundreds or thousands. 一百 (yī bǎi) means 100, while 一千 (yī qiān) is 1000.
Handling Small Change
Small change in Chinese is 零钱 (líng qián). When getting change back, listen for 找钱 (zhǎo qián).
Chinese currency includes bills and coins. The smallest coin is 1 jiao, worth 0.1 yuan.
Counting change can be tricky. Take your time and don’t be afraid to double-check. Many stores have digital displays showing the amount due and change given.
Electronic and Cash Payments in China
China’s payment landscape has transformed rapidly in recent years. The country has shifted from cash to digital payments, with mobile apps dominating everyday transactions.
Cash Payments and Tradition
Cash was once king in China. People used to carry thick wads of bills for daily purchases. Giving red envelopes (红包) filled with cash remains popular during holidays and special events.
But times are changing. Many shops in big cities no longer accept cash, and young people rarely carry physical money. Still, some older folks and rural areas prefer cash.
The government is pushing for a “less-cash” society. They want to reduce fraud and make tracking money easier. This shift has been fast, leaving some struggling to adapt.
Modern Mobile Payment Systems
Mobile payments have taken over China. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the two main players. These apps let you pay for almost anything with your phone.
You can:
- Scan QR codes to pay at stores
- Send money to friends
- Pay bills and fines
- Book tickets and services
Over 80% of smartphone users in China use these apps. They’re easy, fast, and often offer discounts. Many people link their bank accounts directly to these apps.
Small vendors and even street performers use QR codes for payments. Shops often have signs saying “cashless only.”
Credit and Debit Cards in the Chinese Market
Credit cards (信用卡, xìnyòngkǎ) and debit cards are less popular in China than in Western countries.
Why? A few reasons:
- Mobile payments took off before cards became widespread
- Getting a credit card can be hard for many Chinese people
- Fewer places accept international cards
Some high-end stores and hotels accept credit cards, and tourists often need them. But for everyday life, most Chinese people skip plastic in favor of mobile apps.
Debit cards are more common than credit cards. Many use them to withdraw cash or as a backup payment method.
Additional Financial Concepts
Learning about international currencies and keeping financial records are key skills for managing money in Chinese. These topics will help you navigate global transactions and stay organized.
International Currency and Exchange Rates
Foreign currencies play a big role in global trade. Here are some common ones in Chinese:
- 美元 (měiyuán): US Dollar
- 欧元 (ōuyuán): Euro
- 日元 (rìyuán): Japanese Yen
- 韩元 (hányuán): Korean Won
- 加拿大元 (jiānádà yuán): Canadian Dollar
To exchange money, you can say “兑换外币” (duìhuàn wàibì). This means “exchange foreign currency.” Ask about the current exchange rate by saying “汇率是多少?” (huìlǜ shì duōshao?).
Receipts and Record Keeping
It is important to keep track of your spending. In Chinese, a receipt is called “发票” (fāpiào). You can ask for one by saying “请给我发票” (qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào).
Types of financial records:
- Bank statements: 银行对账单 (yínháng duìzhàngdān)
- Expense reports: 费用报告 (fèiyòng bàogào)
- Tax documents: 税务文件 (shuìwù wénjiàn)
Save these papers to help manage your money better. Good record keeping makes it easier to budget and plan for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about money in Chinese can be tricky. Here are answers to common questions about Chinese currency and money-related phrases.
How do you pronounce the word for money in Mandarin?
The most common word for money in Mandarin is “钱” (qián). It’s pronounced like “chyen” with a rising tone.
What are the denominations of Chinese currency?
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan. Common banknotes are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan. Coins come in 1 yuan and smaller amounts like 5 jiao (half yuan) and 1 jiao (tenth of yuan).
How do you say ‘I need money’ in Mandarin?
To say “I need money” in Mandarin, you can use “我需要钱” (wǒ xū yào qián). This phrase is straightforward and commonly used.
What is the slang term for money used in Chinese?
A popular slang term for money in Chinese is “kuai” (块). It’s similar to saying “bucks” in English. For example, “10 kuai” means 10 yuan.
What are the traditional Chinese characters for currency?
The traditional Chinese character for yuan is “圓”. In simplified Chinese, it’s written as “元”. Both represent the main unit of Chinese currency.
How is currency counted and used in everyday transactions in China?
In China, people often use digital payments through apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is still accepted in many places. When counting money, Chinese speakers typically say the number followed by “kuai” or “yuan”.
Source: Ethnologue
