资金

• Pinyin: zī jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 资 = 次 (order) + 贝 (shell/money); 金 = a pictograph of gold nuggets or metal ingots

Meaning

Funds; capital; funding. Money used for a particular purpose, especially in business or projects.

A formal term for money allocated for specific purposes, commonly used in business, finance, and project management. Refers to investment capital, operating funds, or financial resources. More formal than 钱 (money) and specifically implies money designated for a purpose. Common in phrases like 资金不足 (insufficient funds) and 筹集资金 (raise funds).

Examples

1. 这个项目需要大量的资金。 This project requires a large amount of funding.
2. 公司正在想办法筹集资金。 The company is trying to find ways to raise capital.
3. 由于资金不足，计划被推迟了。 Due to insufficient funds, the plan was postponed.

Usage Guide

Context: business, finance, project management

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们需要更多的资金来完成这个项目。(We need more funding to complete this project.)
• 政府提供了一笔资金支持创业。(The government provided funding to support startups.)

Don't Say

• 我的资金不够买午饭。(Don't use 资金 for personal spending money — it refers to formal business or project funds; use 钱 for everyday expenses)

Origin & History

资 (resources, capital) + 金 (gold, metal, money). Together: financial resources or capital.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal