金钱

• Pinyin: jīn qián
• Hanzi breakdown: 金 = pictograph of gold nuggets; 钱 = 钅(metal) + 戋, coins/money

Meaning

Money; wealth; riches. The concept of monetary wealth in general.

A more literary or philosophical term for money compared to the everyday 钱. Often used when discussing the role of money in life, values, or society. Common in phrases like 金钱观 (view of money/materialism), 金钱至上 (money above all else), and 金钱万能 (money is almighty). Carries a slightly more serious or reflective tone.

Examples

1. 金钱买不到真正的幸福，这话说起来容易做起来难。 Money can't buy true happiness — easy to say, hard to practice.
2. 他是个视金钱如粪土的人，一辈子淡泊名利。 He's someone who treats money like dirt, living his whole life indifferent to fame and fortune.
3. 在这个社会，很多人被金钱冲昏了头脑。 In this society, many people have lost their heads over money.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophical, literary, social commentary

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 不要让金钱成为你人生的唯一目标。(Don't let money become the only goal in your life.)
• 金钱关系有时候比友情还复杂。(Money matters can sometimes be more complicated than friendship.)

Don't Say

• 在日常对话中用金钱代替钱，如'我没有金钱' (In casual contexts, just say 钱 — 金钱 sounds overly literary for everyday use)

Origin & History

Compound of 金 (gold) + 钱 (money/coins). 钱 originally referred to a farming tool shaped like a spade, later used as currency. Together they emphasize monetary wealth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal