资本

• Pinyin: zī běn
• Hanzi breakdown: 资 = 次 (next) + 贝 (shell/money) — resources; 本 = 木 (tree) + 一 (one) — root, origin

Meaning

Capital. Financial assets, funds, or resources used to generate wealth or start a business; also metaphorically refers to any valuable asset or advantage.

Central concept in economics and business. Can refer to financial capital (资金), human capital (人力资本), or social capital. In political contexts, 资本主义 means capitalism.

Examples

1. 创业需要一定的启动资本。 Starting a business requires a certain amount of startup capital.
2. 年轻就是你最大的资本，要好好珍惜。 Youth is your greatest asset — treasure it.
3. 外国资本大量涌入这个新兴市场。 Foreign capital is flowing heavily into this emerging market.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, finance

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 他用积蓄作为资本开了一家小店。(He used his savings as capital to open a small shop.)
• 健康是人生最重要的资本。(Health is the most important capital in life.)

Don't Say

• 说'我没有资本买咖啡'表示没钱 (Don't use 资本 for everyday expenses — use 钱 or 零钱; 资本 implies investment-grade funds)

Origin & History

资 (wealth, resources) + 本 (root, foundation). Together they mean the foundational wealth used for investment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal