氪金

• Pinyin: kè jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 氪 (sound-based gamer character) + 金 (money) -> spend money in games.

Meaning

To spend real money in a game or online service, especially on in-game currency, characters, items, or cosmetics.

氪金 can be neutral, self-mocking, or critical depending on amount and context. It is especially common in mobile games and gacha systems.

Examples

1. 他为了抽角色，昨晚又氪金了。 He 氪金ed again last night just to try to pull the character.
2. 这游戏不氪金也能慢慢玩。 You can still play this game slowly without 氪金.
3. 氪金前先看概率，别上头。 Check the odds before you 氪金, and don't get carried away.

Usage Guide

Context: gaming, gacha, mobile apps

Tone: practical, self-mocking, sometimes critical

Do Say

• 他为了抽角色，昨晚又氪金了。
• Pair it with 零氪, 微氪, or 重氪 to discuss spending levels.

Don't Say

• Do not use it for ordinary offline purchases.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming 氪金 always means irresponsible spending; it can be neutral.

Origin & History

From Japanese gaming slang 課金, adapted into Chinese as 氪金 with a similar sound and gamer feel.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Gamers and app users

Social background: Common in mobile gaming communities

Regional notes: Very common across Mainland gaming discourse.