Meanings of 元
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Podcast: 元
Podcast: 元
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AI Study Notes for 元
元 (yuán) vs 钱 (qián) — use 元 for specific currency units, while 钱 is a more general term for money.
In financial contexts, remember that 元 is often written as RMB (Renminbi) or simply ¥. Be cautious not to confuse it with other monetary units from different countries. The tone can be tricky; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone (rising) to avoid misunderstandings.
As an HSK 3 level word, 元 connects with other words related to money and numbers, such as 钱 (qián - money) and 价 (jià - price). Focus on using it in sentences related to pricing and currency exchanges.
Learners often confuse 元 with the character for 'money' (钱). For example, saying '我有十钱' (I have ten money) instead of '我有十元' (I have ten yuan) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 元
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Jason Explains 元 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 元 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 元
Pictograph of a person with two lines added at the head area, representing the meaning the meaning "head" or "first".
A man 儿 with two lines emphasizing their head 二
Origin
What kind of character is 元?
Decomposition of 元
Parts
Which of these is part of 元?
How to say unit of money (in PRC: Chinese yuan, in USA: dollar, etc) in Chinese
“unit of money (in PRC: Chinese yuan, in USA: dollar, etc)” in Chinese is元
The character 元 (yuán) has several meanings, including a unit of currency in China, equivalent to the dollar in the U.S. It can also refer to the Yuan dynasty, which was established by the Mongols, and signifies 'first' or 'primary' in various contexts. It is commonly used in financial transactions and historical discussions.
When to use 元
In financial contexts, remember that 元 is often written as RMB (Renminbi) or simply ¥. Be cautious not to confuse it with other monetary units from different countries. The tone can be tricky; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone (rising) to avoid misunderstandings.
元 or something close to it
元 (yuán) vs 钱 (qián) — use 元 for specific currency units, while 钱 is a more general term for money.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 元 with the character for 'money' (钱). For example, saying '我有十钱' (I have ten money) instead of '我有十元' (I have ten yuan) is incorrect.
Write 元
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Practice writing 元 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 元
元 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
大致的估计费用为每月9,000万美____。
Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
Common Confusions with 元
Similar shape but different meaning.
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “unit of money (in PRC: Chinese yuan, in USA: dollar, etc)”?
Usage Notes for 元
Learners often confuse '元' (yuán) with '员' (yuán) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that '元' refers to 'original' or 'primary,' while '员' means 'member' or 'staff.'
他是公司的一名员工。
He is a member of the company.
Example Sentences for 元 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 元
The Yuan Dynasty was the first foreign-led dynasty in China, established by the Mongols under Kublai Khan. It significantly influenced Chinese culture, trade, and governance.
Word Family of 元
Characters with 元
What does 完 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 元
Yes, 元 is still commonly used in modern Chinese. It appears in contexts such as currency, where it represents the basic unit of Chinese money (RMB or Renminbi). Additionally, it is used in phrases and expressions related to foundational concepts.
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