大款

• Pinyin: dà kuǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 款 = 士 + 欠 (funds, style, item)

Meaning

Rich person; tycoon; big spender. A colloquial noun for someone with a lot of money, often with connotations of flashy spending.

Popular slang from the 1990s-2000s, somewhat dated now but still understood. Can be neutral (acknowledging wealth) or slightly pejorative (implying nouveau riche behavior). More colorful than formal terms like 富人.

Examples

1. 看他出手那么阔绰，一定是个大款。 Seeing how lavishly he spends, he must be loaded.
2. 她嫁了个大款，从此过上了锦衣玉食的生活。 She married a rich man and has been living a life of luxury ever since.
3. 别装大款了，你那点工资我还不知道吗？ Stop acting like a big shot — I know exactly how much you make.

Usage Guide

Context: wealth, social status

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 那个大款买了好几套房子。(That rich guy bought several houses.)
• 别跟我装大款。(Don't act like a big shot with me.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合介绍：这位是大款张先生 (In formal settings, use 企业家 or proper titles — 大款 is too casual)

Origin & History

Colloquial term where 大 (big) + 款 (funds, style) together mean someone with substantial money.

Cultural Context

Era: 1990s-2000s

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal