现金

• Pinyin: xiàn jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 现 = 王 (jade) + 见 (see), meaning present or ready; 金 = pictograph of nuggets under a roof, meaning gold or money

Meaning

Cash; ready money. Physical currency in the form of banknotes and coins, as opposed to digital or card payments.

Refers specifically to physical money rather than electronic payments. In modern China, where mobile payment (微信支付, 支付宝) is extremely prevalent, 现金 is increasingly contrasted with digital payment methods. Common collocations include 现金支付 (cash payment), 现金流 (cash flow), and 带现金 (carry cash).

Examples

1. 现在很多地方都不收现金了。 Many places no longer accept cash nowadays.
2. 你身上带了多少现金？ How much cash do you have on you?
3. 这家店只能用现金付款。 This shop can only accept cash payment.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, finance, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请问可以用现金付吗？(Excuse me, can I pay with cash?)
• 我没带现金，可以刷卡吗？(I didn't bring cash. Can I use a card?)

Don't Say

• 我有很多现金钱。(Don't add 钱 after 现金 — 现金 already means 'cash money'. Just say 我有很多现金.)

Origin & History

现 means 'present' or 'ready' and 金 means 'gold' or 'money'. Together they refer to money that is immediately available in physical form.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal