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March 24, 2026
銀yín(yin2)
The character 銀 (yín) means 'silver' and is often associated with money, wealth, and currency in general. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as discussing prices, transactions, or value. In Chinese culture, silver also symbolizes purity and high value.
Strokes14Radical釒Frequency#93790DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and beliefs, silver is often considered a protective metal, and it has historical significance in trade, especially during the Silk Road era where silver was a key currency.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny silver coin (銀) that glimmers like the moonlight. The character resembles a metal (金) with a component that represents the idea of money, helping you remember that 銀 is related to wealth.
Meanings of 銀
yín(yin2)
1silver; cash, money, wealth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 銀
銀Simplified
14Strokes
釒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 銀
Podcast: 銀
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AI Study Notes for 銀
Quick Contrast
铝 (lǚ) - choose 銀 (yín) when referring specifically to 'silver' in contexts of wealth or currency, while 铝 (lǚ) refers to 'aluminum', a different metal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shiny silver coin (銀) that glimmers like the moonlight. The character resembles a metal (金) with a component that represents the idea of money, helping you remember that 銀 is related to wealth.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 銀 with similar-sounding characters like 音 (yīn), which means 'sound.' 銀 is generally used in formal contexts related to finance, while in everyday conversation, you might simply refer to money as 钱 (qián).
HSK Study Tips
Although 銀 is not part of the official HSK levels, it's useful for learners at HSK 4 and above who are dealing with financial topics. Focus on its usage in phrases like 銀行 (yínháng, bank) and 銀子 (yínzi, silver coins).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and beliefs, silver is often considered a protective metal, and it has historical significance in trade, especially during the Silk Road era where silver was a key currency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 銀 with other characters due to its pronunciation. For example, saying '音' (yīn, sound) instead of 銀 when discussing money. Remember that 銀 is specifically related to silver and wealth.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 銀
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Cultural Notes for 銀
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine and beliefs, silver is often considered a protective metal, and it has historical significance in trade, especially during the Silk Road era where silver was a key currency.
Word Family of 銀
Words Containing This Character20
银行yínhángbank銀行
银yínsilver銀
商业银行commercial bank商業銀行
银色silver (color)銀色
银河Milky Way銀河
银子money銀子
中国银行Bank of China (BoC)中國銀行
银行家banker銀行家
银行业banking銀行業
银河系Milky Way Galaxy銀河系
收银to receive payment收銀
银幕yínmùmovie screen銀幕
中国人民银行People's Bank of China中國人民銀行
银币silver coinage銀幣
金银gold and silver金銀
银器silverware銀器
白银Baiyin prefecture-level city in Gansu白銀
银牌yínpáisilver medal銀牌
人民银行People's Bank of China人民銀行
水银mercury水銀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 银行 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 銀
It is pronounced as 'yín' with a rising tone.
Common phrases include 銀行 (yínháng, bank) and 銀貨 (yínhuò, silver goods).
While it primarily means 'silver,' it can also refer to money and wealth in broader financial contexts.
