薪水

• Pinyin: xīn shuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 薪 = 艹 (grass) + 新 (new), meaning firewood; 水 = pictograph of water

Meaning

Salary; wages; pay. Regular payment received for work.

A common word for salary, similar to 工资 but slightly more informal. Originally referred to money for firewood and water (basic necessities). Now used interchangeably with 工资 in most contexts. Related: 年薪 (annual salary), 薪资 (compensation).

Examples

1. 他跳槽后薪水涨了百分之三十。 His salary increased by thirty percent after changing jobs.
2. 大城市的薪水虽然高，但生活成本也很高。 Although salaries are high in big cities, the cost of living is also high.
3. 很多年轻人抱怨薪水涨不过房价。 Many young people complain that salary increases can't keep up with housing prices.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, everyday, financial

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这份工作薪水怎么样？(How's the salary for this job?)
• 薪水还没发。(The salary hasn't been paid yet.)

Don't Say

• 我付给你薪水 — 老板一般说'发工资'，薪水多从员工角度说'拿薪水'

Origin & History

Compound of 薪 (firewood) + 水 (water). Originally meant money for basic necessities like firewood and water, later generalized to salary.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal