基金

• Pinyin: jī jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 基 = 其 (that) + 土 (earth), meaning foundation; 金 = pictograph of gold nuggets under a roof

Meaning

Fund. A pool of money for investment or a specific purpose.

Used for investment funds, charitable foundations, pension funds, etc. 基金会 refers specifically to a foundation or charitable organization. Common in financial and business contexts.

Examples

1. 很多年轻人开始学习投资基金来增加收入。 Many young people are starting to learn about investing in funds to increase their income.
2. 这个慈善基金专门资助贫困地区的学生上学。 This charitable fund specifically sponsors students from impoverished areas to attend school.
3. 他把一部分工资定期投入养老基金，为退休做准备。 He regularly puts part of his salary into a pension fund to prepare for retirement.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, investment, charity, business

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 你买过基金吗？(Have you ever bought any funds?)
• 这只基金的收益不错。(This fund has good returns.)

Don't Say

• 我的基金很多 (基金 typically refers to investment products, not personal savings — use 存款 for savings)

Origin & History

Compound of 基 (foundation, basis) + 金 (gold, money), meaning foundational money or a pool of capital.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated/Professional