HSK 3, n, 4 strokes, radical 巾, rank #9329, Medium
币
bì
coins
HSK 3, n, 4 strokes, radical 巾, rank #9329, Medium
币
bì
currency
HSK 3, n, 4 strokes, radical 巾, rank #9329, Medium
币
bì
silk
HSK 3, n, 4 strokes, radical 巾, rank #9329, Medium
币
bì
currency, coins, legal tender
HSK 3, n, 4 strokes, radical 巾, rank #9329, Medium
bì(bi4) T4
1money
2coins
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March 24, 2026
币(幣)bì(bi4)
币 (bì) refers to money or currency in a general sense, including coins and legal tender. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as discussing prices or exchanges, and can also denote forms of currency like paper money and digital currency.
Strokes4Radical巾Frequency#9329DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 币 extends beyond just financial transactions; it reflects the traditional importance of wealth and prosperity in society, particularly during festivals like the Chinese New Year when monetary gifts are exchanged.
Memory Tip
Imagine a coin (币) being tossed into a fountain. The coin represents money, and the sound it makes when it lands is like 'bì'. The character 币 consists of the radical 布 (bù), meaning 'to spread' or 'to cloth', suggesting the spread of currency in trade.
Meanings of 币
bì(bi4)
1money
2coins
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 币
币Simplified
幣Traditional
4Strokes
巾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9329Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3
Podcast: 币
Podcast: 币
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 币
Quick Contrast
人民币 (rénmínbì) is specifically the Chinese currency, while 币 (bì) is a general term for currency or money.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 币 with other characters related to money, such as 钱 (qián), which specifically means 'money' in a broader sense. 币 is more formal and specific to currency, so it's best used in financial discussions or formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 币 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is important for learners to understand its connection to money-related vocabulary. Students should focus on combining it with other words like 金 (jīn, gold) and 钱 (qián, money) to enhance their understanding of financial terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 币 with 钱, using them interchangeably in informal contexts. For example, saying '我需要一些币' (wǒ xūyào yīxiē bì) instead of '我需要一些钱' (wǒ xūyào yīxiē qián) can sound overly formal or incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 币
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Drill the tone of 币 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Simplified form of 幣. Phonosemantic compound. 巾 represents the meaning and 敝 represents the sound.
1The giveawayBills written on silk 巾
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 币? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 币?
Decomposition of 币
IDS Structure⿻丿巾
币Full Character
=
丿pie3
outer
巾jin1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 币?
How to say money in Chinese
“money” in Chinese is币bì
币 (bì) refers to money or currency in a general sense, including coins and legal tender. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as discussing prices or exchanges, and can also denote forms of currency like paper money and digital currency.
When to use 币
Learners often confuse 币 with other characters related to money, such as 钱 (qián), which specifically means 'money' in a broader sense. 币 is more formal and specific to currency, so it's best used in financial discussions or formal contexts.
币 or something close to it
人民币 (rénmínbì) is specifically the Chinese currency, while 币 (bì) is a general term for currency or money.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 币 with 钱, using them interchangeably in informal contexts. For example, saying '我需要一些币' (wǒ xūyào yīxiē bì) instead of '我需要一些钱' (wǒ xūyào yīxiē qián) can sound overly formal or incorrect.
Write 币
币
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Practice writing 币 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 币
币 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
