挣钱

• Pinyin: zhèng qián
• Hanzi breakdown: 挣 = 扌(hand) + 争 (compete); 钱 = 钅(metal) + 戋 (phonetic)

Meaning

To earn money; to make money. The act of gaining income through work.

Very common colloquial expression for earning money. More casual than 赚钱, though both are widely used. Often used in discussions about work, livelihood, and financial goals.

Examples

1. 他从十八岁就开始自己挣钱养活自己。 He started earning money to support himself at eighteen.
2. 光靠挣钱买不来幸福。 Money alone can't buy happiness.
3. 现在挣钱的方式比以前多了很多。 There are now many more ways to earn money than before.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, finance

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 出来挣钱不容易。(It's not easy being out here making money.)
• 挣钱养家是他的责任。(Earning money to support the family is his responsibility.)

Don't Say

• 挣很多钱钱 (Don't double 钱 — just say 挣很多钱)

Origin & History

Verb-object compound of 挣 (to earn) and 钱 (money). To earn money.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal