At the A1 level, you usually only need to know the word '钱' (qián), which means money. '钱财' (qiáncái) is a bit more advanced. Think of '钱' as the coins and bills you use to buy a snack. '钱财' is like a big word for all the money and valuable things someone has. Even though it's a bit hard, you might hear it in stories. For an A1 student, just remember that if you see '钱财', it means 'wealth' or 'money stuff'. It is a noun. You cannot count it like 'one money stuff'. You just say 'a lot of money stuff' or 'no money stuff'. For example, 'He has no money stuff' is '他没有钱财'. It's better to use '钱' for now, but knowing '钱财' will help you understand when people talk about rich people in movies. Most A1 sentences will use '钱' because it is shorter and easier to say when you are shopping.
At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about more than just basic shopping. You might talk about people's lives, their jobs, and what they care about. '钱财' (qiáncái) is a useful word here because it sounds more 'grown-up' than just '钱'. When you want to say that someone is rich or that money is not the most important thing in the world, '钱财' is the perfect word. For example, you can say '钱财不重要,健康最重要' (Wealth is not important, health is the most important). This sounds much more natural in a discussion about life than using the simple word '钱'. You should also learn that '钱财' often goes with the word '没有' (don't have) or '追求' (to pursue). It's a formal way to describe worldly possessions. If you are reading a simple story and a dragon is guarding a pile of gold, the story might call that pile '钱财'.
At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between '钱' (money), '钱财' (wealth), and '财产' (property). '钱财' is specifically useful when discussing social issues, history, or moral dilemmas. You will start to see it in news headlines like 'Scammer steals elderly person's wealth' (骗子骗取老人的钱财). In your own writing, you can use '钱财' to avoid repeating '钱' too many times. It adds variety to your vocabulary. You should also be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Despite having vast wealth, he is not happy' (尽管他拥有巨额钱财,但他并不快乐). B1 learners should also recognize common phrases like '身外之物' (external things), which is often used with '钱财' to describe how money isn't everything. You are moving beyond simple transactions into the realm of describing human behavior and values.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '钱财' (qiáncái) with precision in both formal writing and discussions. You should understand the nuance that '钱财' covers not just cash but also jewelry, gold, and other portable valuables. In business or legal contexts, you might use it to describe liquid assets. You should also be comfortable with using '钱财' in the context of verbs like '挥霍' (to squander) or '聚敛' (to amass/gather). For example, '他通过不正当手段聚敛钱财' (He amassed wealth through improper means). At this level, you should also be aware of the cultural implications of the word, such as the tension between the desire for '钱财' and the traditional Confucian emphasis on '义' (righteousness). You can use '钱财' to write essays about materialism or the gap between the rich and the poor.
At the C1 level, '钱财' (qiáncái) becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You should be able to use it in literary analysis, high-level business reports, or philosophical debates. You will understand its usage in classical or semi-classical idioms and how it contributes to the tone of a piece of writing. For instance, you might use it to discuss the 'alienation of man by wealth' in a sociological essay. You should be able to distinguish '钱财' from even more specific terms like '头寸' (cash position) or '资产净值' (net asset value). Your use of '钱财' should feel effortless, appearing in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of the 'material world' as a whole. You will also encounter '钱财' in complex legal statutes regarding the 'disposal of wealth' or 'illicit gains'. At this stage, you are not just learning the word; you are mastering its register and its ability to carry weight in a sentence.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '钱财' (qiáncái). You understand its historical evolution and its presence in classical literature (where it might appear in slightly different forms). you can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, perhaps by contrasting it with '精神' (spirit) or '灵魂' (soul) in a highly stylized piece of prose. You are familiar with all the idioms involving '钱财' and can use them ironically or creatively. You understand how '钱财' functions in the most formal of diplomatic or legal contexts, such as treaties or high-court rulings. For a C2 learner, '钱财' is a versatile word that can be used to discuss anything from the macro-economics of a dynasty to the deepest psychological motivations of a character in a novel. You can explain the subtle difference between '钱财' and '孔方兄' (a slang term for money based on the shape of old coins) and choose the right one for the right audience.

钱财 in 30 Sekunden

  • 钱财 means wealth, including money and valuables. It is more formal and abstract than the common word for money, 钱.
  • Commonly used in literature, news, and moral discussions to refer to the sum of one's financial assets and belongings.
  • It is a mass noun, so it doesn't use standard count measure words. Use it with words like '笔' or '些'.
  • Culturally, it is often contrasted with health or morality, as in the saying 'Wealth is an external thing' (钱财乃身外之物).

The word 钱财 (qiáncái) is a comprehensive noun in Chinese that encompasses the concept of money, wealth, and worldly possessions. While the simple word 钱 (qián) refers specifically to currency or cash used in daily transactions, 钱财 carries a broader, slightly more formal, and often more philosophical or legal weight. It suggests not just the coins in your pocket, but the entirety of one's financial assets and valuable belongings. In many contexts, it is used to discuss the nature of wealth itself, its accumulation, its loss, or its relative importance compared to spiritual or moral values.

Semantic Composition
The term is a compound of two characters: 钱 (qián), meaning money or currency, and 财 (cái), meaning wealth, riches, or property. Together, they create a collective noun that represents all forms of financial value.

君子爱财,取之有道。 (A person of noble character loves 钱财 wealth, but obtains it through righteous means.)

You will encounter this word frequently in literature, formal discussions about heritage, news reports regarding large-scale theft or fraud, and philosophical debates. It is the standard term used when emphasizing that money is a 'thing' or an 'object' rather than just a medium of exchange. For instance, in Buddhist or Taoist contexts, teachers often speak of 钱财 as 'external things' (身外之物) to remind followers not to become overly attached to material success. It provides a level of abstraction that the word 钱 lacks.

Formality Level
This word is considered neutral to formal. It is rarely used in high-frequency casual slang but is essential for reading newspapers or understanding adult conversations about life planning and ethics.

他为了这些钱财付出了巨大的代价。 (He paid a huge price for this wealth.)

In a legal or news context, if someone is robbed of a large amount of cash and jewelry, the reporter might say they lost their 钱财. This covers everything of value taken. In a family setting, parents might warn children that 钱财 is hard-earned and should not be wasted. It carries a sense of gravity that the monosyllabic 钱 does not evoke. Furthermore, in historical dramas (Wuxia or Xianxia), characters often fight over 钱财, where it represents the physical treasures of a kingdom or a sect.

Cultural Nuance
In Chinese culture, there is a complex relationship with 钱财. While seeking wealth is traditionally celebrated (as seen in Chinese New Year greetings like 恭喜发财), there is also a strong moral tradition cautioning against the corrupting influence of 'ill-gotten wealth' (不义之财).

这些钱财对他来说只是数字。 (This wealth is just numbers to him.)

生不带来,死不带去的是钱财。 (Wealth is something you can't bring with you when you're born, and can't take with you when you die.)

Using 钱财 (qiáncái) correctly requires understanding its role as a mass noun that represents a collective concept. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often paired with verbs related to management, acquisition, loss, or moral judgment. Unlike 'money' in English which can sometimes be used as an adjective (e.g., money market), 钱财 is strictly a noun.

As a Direct Object
Common verbs that take 钱财 as an object include 追求 (pursue), 挥霍 (squander), 积累 (accumulate), and 贪图 (covet). For example: '他一生都在追求钱财' (He has been pursuing wealth his whole life).

不要为了贪图钱财而做违法的事情。 (Do not do illegal things for the sake of coveting wealth.)

In grammatical structures, 钱财 is often modified by adjectives that describe its quantity or its source. You might hear about '巨额钱财' (a huge amount of wealth) or '不义之财' (ill-gotten wealth). When it acts as a subject, it often precedes verbs that describe its movement or its effect on people, such as '钱财动人心' (Wealth moves people's hearts/tempts people).

In Comparative Structures
It is frequently used in 'A 比 B 重要' structures where wealth is compared to health, family, or happiness. Example: '对他来说,名誉比钱财更重要' (To him, reputation is more important than wealth).

身体健康是再多钱财也买不来的。 (Good health is something no amount of money can buy.)

When discussing loss, 钱财 is often used with the verb 损失 (sǔnshī). If a company loses money, they might say '钱财上的损失' (financial loss). In a personal context, if someone is scammed, you might say '他被骗走了所有钱财' (He was scammed out of all his wealth). Note that we don't usually use measure words like 个 or 张 with 钱财. Instead, we use words like 些 (some), 笔 (a sum of), or 堆 (a pile of).

他把大部分钱财都捐给了慈善机构。 (He donated most of his wealth to charity.)

Negation
When negating the possession of wealth, use '没有' (méiyǒu). Example: '他虽然没有多少钱财,但生活得很幸福' (Although he doesn't have much wealth, he lives very happily).

这种骗局就是为了骗取老人的钱财。 (This kind of scam is designed to swindle the elderly out of their wealth.)

Finally, 钱财 often appears in fixed four-character idioms (Chengyu) or common sayings. Understanding these patterns will make your Chinese sound much more natural. For instance, '散尽钱财' (to spend or give away all one's wealth) is a common way to describe someone who has become bankrupt or someone who is extremely generous.

While 钱 (qián) is the king of the marketplace, 钱财 (qiáncái) rules the world of storytelling, news reporting, and moral education. You will likely hear this word in several specific environments where the concept of money needs to be discussed with more weight or breadth than a simple transaction.

1. News and Legal Reports
In news broadcasts covering financial crimes, robberies, or inheritance disputes, reporters use 钱财 to refer to the sum total of assets involved. You might hear: '警方正在全力追缴被盗钱财' (The police are doing their best to recover the stolen wealth).

这起诈骗案涉及的钱财数额巨大。 (The amount of wealth involved in this fraud case is enormous.)

In legal documents or court proceedings, 钱财 is used to distinguish between physical property (like land or houses) and liquid wealth or portable valuables. It is a precise term for 'monetary assets'.

2. Movies and TV Dramas
In period dramas (Guzhuangju), characters often talk about 钱财 when discussing dowries, military funding, or buried treasure. A villain might say, '只要你交出钱财,我就饶你一命' (As long as you hand over the wealth, I will spare your life).

在权力和钱财面前,他选择了良心。 (In the face of power and wealth, he chose his conscience.)

In modern dramas, it is often heard during intense family arguments about wills or during scenes involving high-stakes business deals. It adds a dramatic flair that 'money' lacks. When a character says '我不稀罕你的钱财' (I don't care for your wealth), it sounds much more resolute and prideful than just saying 'I don't want your money'.

3. Religious and Philosophical Contexts
In temples or during lectures on philosophy, 钱财 is used to discuss the vanity of material life. Phrases like '钱财乃身外之物' (Wealth is but an external thing) are common mantras used to encourage spiritual growth over material accumulation.

过度看重钱财会让人失去快乐。 (Overvaluing wealth will make people lose their happiness.)

You will also see this word in financial advice columns or books. While they might use '投资' (investment) or '理财' (financial management) for technical parts, they use 钱财 when discussing the broader impact of wealth on one's life or family legacy. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical finance and human experience.

While 钱财 (qiáncái) is a useful word, learners often trip up by using it in situations where it feels too heavy or formal, or by confusing it with other similar terms like 财产 (cǎichǎn) or simply 钱 (qián).

1. Over-formality in Daily Life
The most common mistake is using 钱财 in casual transactions. You should never say '给我一些钱财买苹果' (Give me some wealth to buy apples). This sounds like you are a character from a 14th-century novel. For daily spending, always use 钱 (qián).

❌ 我没有钱财付车费。 (Incorrect: Too formal for a bus fare.)
✅ 我没有付车费。 (Correct: I don't have money for the fare.)

Another mistake is confusing 钱财 with 财产 (cǎichǎn). While both relate to wealth, 财产 is a more technical/legal term for 'property' or 'estates', including real estate, intellectual property, and stocks. 钱财 is more focused on 'liquid wealth' or 'valuables' that are easily moved. You 'divide property' (分割财产) in a divorce, but you 'squander wealth' (挥霍钱财) on a lavish lifestyle.

2. Measure Word Errors
Learners often try to use standard count measure words with 钱财. As mentioned before, 钱财 is an abstract mass noun. You cannot say '一个钱财' or '两个钱财'.

❌ 他偷走了一个钱财
✅ 他偷走了一笔钱财。 (He stole a sum of wealth.)

A third mistake is using 钱财 when referring to a specific currency. If you want to say 'I have US dollars', you use '美金' or '美元', not '美国的钱财'. 钱财 is too broad for specific denominations. It describes the *state* of being wealthy or the *category* of valuable things, not the specific currency units.

❌ 我换了很多日本的钱财
✅ 我换了很多日元。 (I exchanged a lot of Japanese Yen.)

Finally, avoid using 钱财 in idioms where only 财 or 钱 is required. For example, the phrase '发财' (to get rich) cannot be changed to '发钱财'. Idioms are fixed and swapping synonyms usually makes them incorrect.

To truly master the concept of wealth in Chinese, you need to know where 钱财 (qiáncái) fits in the spectrum of related terms. Each synonym has a slightly different shade of meaning or a specific context where it is preferred.

钱 (qián) vs. 钱财 (qiáncái)
钱 is the everyday, colloquial term for money. Use it for prices, pocket money, and small talk. 钱财 is more formal and refers to 'wealth' as a broader concept including valuables like jewelry or gold.

买菜用,谈人生用钱财。 (Use 'qián' to buy vegetables; use 'qiáncái' to talk about life.)

财富 (cáifù) vs. 钱财 (qiáncái)
财富 is a more positive and grand word for 'wealth'. It can also be abstract, such as '精神财富' (spiritual wealth) or '知识是财富' (knowledge is wealth). 钱财 is more literal and focused on material riches and money.

他的最大财富是他的智慧,而不是他的钱财。 (His greatest wealth is his wisdom, not his money.)

财产 (cǎichǎn) vs. 钱财 (qiáncái)
财产 is the formal, legal term for 'assets' or 'property'. It includes houses, cars, and land. 钱财 is more about liquid assets (cash, gold, jewelry) that someone might carry or hide.

由于火灾,他失去了所有的财产(包括房子)。 (Due to the fire, he lost all his property including the house.)

Other alternatives include 资金 (zījīn - capital/funds), which is used in business contexts like '项目资金' (project funds), and 资产 (zīchǎn - assets), a more technical accounting term. If you want to sound very literary or old-fashioned, you might use 镪 (qiǎng) or 泉 (quán), but these are only found in classical texts or very specific historical contexts.

公司需要更多资金来启动这个项目。 (The company needs more funds to start this project.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient China, shells were used as money. This is why many words related to money, like '财' (wealth) and '贵' (expensive), contain the '贝' (shell) radical.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /tɕʰjɛn³⁵ tsʰaɪ³⁵/
US /tʃjɛn³⁵ tsaɪ³⁵/
Both syllables carry equal stress as they are both 2nd tone Mandarin characters.
Reimt sich auf
蓝天 (lántiān) 人才 (réncái) 边才 (biāncái) 鲜 (xiān) 白 (bái) 开 (kāi) 排 (pái) 台 (tái)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'c' as 'k' (it should be 'ts').
  • Using the wrong tone (it's rising-rising, not falling-falling).
  • Confusing 'qián' with 'jiān'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the 'money' radical in the first character.

Schreiben 3/5

The second character '财' requires some practice to write correctly.

Sprechen 2/5

Simple pronunciation, just watch the tones.

Hören 2/5

Clear sounds, often distinguished by context from the simple word '钱'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Als Nächstes lernen

财富 财产 资金 资产 投资

Fortgeschritten

聚敛 挥霍 觊觎 锱铢必较 视金如土

Wichtige Grammatik

Measure words for wealth

一笔钱财 (A sum of wealth), 些许钱财 (A little bit of wealth).

Using '为了' for purpose

为了钱财,他背叛了朋友。

The '把' construction

他把钱财藏在了地下。

Topic-comment structure

钱财这件事,他看得很淡。

Comparative structures

健康比钱财更重要。

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

他有很多钱财。

He has a lot of wealth.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

我没有钱财。

I have no wealth.

Using '没有' for negation.

3

钱财不重要。

Wealth is not important.

Subject + Adjective structure.

4

这是谁的钱财?

Whose wealth is this?

Interrogative sentence with '谁的'.

5

他爱钱财。

He loves wealth.

Basic S-V-O.

6

钱财在包里。

The wealth is in the bag.

Locative structure with '在'.

7

我们要保护钱财。

We need to protect the wealth.

Using the modal verb '要'.

8

钱财是好的吗?

Is wealth good?

Simple '吗' question.

1

钱财虽然有用,但不是万能的。

Although wealth is useful, it is not omnipotent.

Using '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

2

他为了钱财工作得很辛苦。

He works very hard for the sake of wealth.

Using '为了' to indicate purpose.

3

这些钱财是从哪里来的?

Where did this wealth come from?

Using '从哪里来' to ask about origin.

4

他把所有的钱财都给了儿子。

He gave all his wealth to his son.

Using the '把' construction.

5

你觉得钱财重要还是健康重要?

Do you think wealth is important or health is important?

Using '还是' for choices in a question.

6

他一生积累了很多钱财。

He accumulated a lot of wealth in his lifetime.

Using '积累' (accumulate) with '钱财'.

7

不要把钱财看得太重。

Don't take wealth too seriously.

Using '看得...' to express an opinion or attitude.

8

他失去了所有的钱财,但他很乐观。

He lost all his wealth, but he is very optimistic.

Contrastive sentence using '但'.

1

在灾难面前,钱财显得微不足道。

In the face of disaster, wealth appears insignificant.

Using '显得' (to appear/seem) + adjective.

2

他因为贪图钱财而走上了犯罪的道路。

He turned to crime because of his greed for wealth.

Using '因为...而...' to show cause and effect.

3

合理管理钱财是每个人的必修课。

Managing wealth reasonably is a required course for everyone.

Subject is a phrase '合理管理钱财'.

4

他被骗子骗走了大量的钱财。

He was scammed out of a large amount of wealth.

Using the '被' (passive) construction.

5

钱财的诱惑有时让人迷失方向。

The temptation of wealth sometimes makes people lose their way.

Using '诱惑' as a subject.

6

他并不在意那些身外的钱财。

He doesn't care about those external riches.

Using '在意' (to care about) in negative.

7

我们要靠自己的努力去获得钱财。

We should rely on our own efforts to obtain wealth.

Using '靠' (rely on) to express means.

8

他把这些钱财捐给了受灾地区。

He donated this wealth to the disaster-stricken area.

Verb '捐' (donate) + indirect object.

1

这种过度追求钱财的社会风气令人担忧。

The social atmosphere of excessively pursuing wealth is worrying.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

2

他为了聚敛钱财,不惜损害他人的利益。

In order to amass wealth, he did not hesitate to harm others' interests.

Using '不惜' (not hesitate to/at any cost).

3

钱财的分配不公是导致社会矛盾的主要原因之一。

The unfair distribution of wealth is one of the main causes of social contradictions.

Using '导致' (to lead to/cause).

4

他深知钱财乃身外之物,因此生活非常简朴。

He knows well that wealth is an external thing, so he lives a very simple life.

Using '深知' (to know deeply) and '因此' (therefore).

5

无论拥有多少钱财,都买不回失去的时间。

No matter how much wealth you have, you can't buy back lost time.

Using '无论...都...' (no matter...).

6

他通过合法的途径积累了巨额钱财。

He accumulated massive wealth through legal channels.

Using '通过...途径' (through... channels).

7

这些钱财的来源至今仍然是个谜。

The source of this wealth remains a mystery to this day.

Using '至今仍然' (still... to this day).

8

他挥霍掉父辈留下来的所有钱财。

He squandered all the wealth left by his parents' generation.

Using the resultative complement '掉'.

1

在法律框架内,个人对合法获取的钱财拥有所有权。

Within the legal framework, individuals have ownership of legally acquired wealth.

Formal legal terminology.

2

这种对钱财的畸形崇拜扭曲了年轻人的价值观。

This abnormal worship of wealth has distorted the values of young people.

Using '畸形' (abnormal/distorted) and '扭曲' (to twist).

3

他看淡钱财,一心致力于慈善事业。

He takes wealth lightly and is fully committed to charitable causes.

Using '看淡' (to look upon indifferently).

4

钱财的流动性对宏观经济的稳定至关重要。

The liquidity of wealth is crucial to the stability of the macroeconomy.

Academic/Economic register.

5

他因涉嫌非法挪用巨额钱财而接受调查。

He is under investigation for suspected illegal embezzlement of a huge amount of wealth.

Using '涉嫌' (suspected of) and '挪用' (embezzle).

6

在权力的博弈中,钱财往往被当作筹码。

In the game of power, wealth is often used as a bargaining chip.

Using '博弈' (game/struggle) and '筹码' (bargaining chip).

7

他那点可怜的钱财根本无法应付如此庞大的开支。

His meager wealth was simply unable to cope with such enormous expenses.

Using '根本无法' (simply cannot).

8

我们要警惕钱财对人性的腐蚀作用。

We must be vigilant against the corrosive effect of wealth on human nature.

Using '警惕' (be vigilant) and '腐蚀' (corrode).

1

古人云:‘钱财如粪土,仁义值千金。’

As the ancients said: 'Wealth is like dung, but benevolence and righteousness are worth a thousand pieces of gold.'

Quoting classical proverbs.

2

他在晚年将毕生搜刮的钱财悉数散去,以求内心安宁。

In his later years, he gave away all the wealth he had extorted throughout his life, seeking inner peace.

Using '悉数' (all/entirely) and '散去' (disperse).

3

钱财之于他,不过是过眼云烟,转瞬即逝。

To him, wealth is nothing but passing clouds, vanishing in an instant.

Using '之于' (with respect to) and literary metaphors.

4

该家族的钱财积累跨越了数个世纪,带有浓厚的历史色彩。

The accumulation of wealth in this family spanned several centuries and carries a strong historical flavor.

Sophisticated narrative style.

5

他那贪婪的本性使其对钱财的渴求达到了近乎疯狂的程度。

His greedy nature made his craving for wealth reach an almost insane level.

Using '使其' (make him) and complex modifiers.

6

在这一桩桩钱财交易的背后,隐藏着不为人知的权力交易。

Behind these wealth transactions lie unknown power deals.

Using '一桩桩' (case after case) and '不为人知' (unknown).

7

他以一种近乎超脱的姿态审视着世人对钱财的狂热。

He looked at the world's fanaticism for wealth with an almost detached posture.

Using '超脱' (detached/transcendental) and '审视' (scrutinize).

8

钱财的匮乏并未磨灭他的志向,反而激发了他的斗志。

The lack of wealth did not obliterate his ambition; instead, it stimulated his fighting spirit.

Using '并未...反而...' (did not... but instead...).

Häufige Kollokationen

积累钱财
挥霍钱财
贪图钱财
巨额钱财
不义之财
散尽钱财
钱财损失
追求钱财
管理钱财
骗取钱财

Häufige Phrasen

钱财乃身外之物

— Wealth is just an external thing. It means money is not as important as life or character.

别太难过了,钱财乃身外之物,人没事就好。

君子爱财,取之有道

— A gentleman loves wealth but obtains it in a proper way. It emphasizes ethical earning.

虽然我也想赚钱,但君子爱财,取之有道。

人为财死,鸟为食亡

— Men die for wealth, birds die for food. It describes the dangerous nature of greed.

人为财死,鸟为食亡,这些贪官最终还是落网了。

破财消灾

— Lose money to avoid disaster. A common consolation when one loses money.

丢了钱包就当是破财消灾吧。

财源广进

— May wealth flow in from all sides. A common New Year greeting.

祝您在新的一年里财源广进!

义薄云天

— Righteousness reaching the sky. Often used in contrast to those who only care about 钱财.

他是一个重情义而轻钱财的人。

视钱财如粪土

— To view wealth as dirt. To have extreme contempt for money.

这位隐士视钱财如粪土。

财迷心窍

— Obsessed with money; greed has clouded one's mind.

他真是财迷心窍,连朋友都骗。

散财童子

— A person who spends money very freely (often used jokingly).

他简直就是我们公司的散财童子。

招财进宝

— Bringing in wealth and treasure. A common auspicious phrase.

门口贴着招财进宝的年画。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

钱财 vs

Too casual for abstract wealth; used for specific prices.

钱财 vs 财产

Refers to legal property/estate, not just liquid wealth.

钱财 vs 财务

Refers to financial affairs or accounting, not the wealth itself.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"仗义疏财"

— To be generous with money to help others out of a sense of justice.

他向来仗义疏财,深受邻里尊敬。

Commendatory
"富可敌国"

— Wealthy enough to rival a nation's riches.

据说那个家族富可敌国。

Neutral
"腰缠万贯"

— Extremely wealthy (literally: carrying ten thousand strings of coins around the waist).

他虽然腰缠万贯,但生活依然简朴。

Neutral
"见利忘义"

— To forget righteousness at the sight of profit.

这种见利忘义的小人不可深交。

Derogatory
"一贫如洗"

— As poor as if washed clean; utterly penniless.

经过这场大病,他的家境变得一贫如洗。

Neutral
"金玉满堂"

— Treasures filling the hall; extremely wealthy or having many talented children.

祝你们家金玉满堂,生活美满。

Commendatory
"挥金如土"

— To spend money like dirt; to be extremely extravagant.

他以前挥金如土,现在却要靠借钱度日。

Derogatory
"财大气粗"

— Rich and arrogant; speaking loudly because one has money.

别看他财大气粗的,其实没什么文化。

Derogatory
"堆金积玉"

— To pile up gold and jade; to accumulate great wealth.

他家里的财富堆金积玉。

Neutral
"贪得无厌"

— Insatiably greedy.

他对钱财贪得无厌,永远不知道满足。

Derogatory

Leicht verwechselbar

钱财 vs 财富

Both mean wealth.

财富 is more positive and can be spiritual; 钱财 is more material and literal.

他积累了大量钱财 (material) vs. 知识是宝贵的财富 (abstract).

钱财 vs 财产

Both refer to possessions.

财产 is a legal term including land/houses; 钱财 is for money and portable valuables.

法院没收了他的全部财产。

钱财 vs 金钱

Both mean money/wealth.

金钱 is often used in philosophical discussions about the power of money.

金钱不是万能的。

钱财 vs 资金

Both relate to money.

资金 is used specifically for business capital or project funds.

我们需要更多资金。

钱财 vs 财物

Both mean money and things.

财物 is usually used in the context of 'items' or 'belongings' (e.g., in a locker).

请看管好随身财物。

Satzmuster

A1

S + 有/没有 + 钱财

他没有钱财。

A2

S + 为了钱财 + V

他为了钱财努力工作。

B1

S + 把 + 钱财 + V + Complement

他把钱财都弄丢了。

B1

S + 并不在意 + 钱财

他并不在意这些钱财。

B2

虽然...但...钱财...

虽然他很有钱财,但他不快乐。

B2

钱财 + 乃 + 身外之物

你要记住,钱财乃身外之物。

C1

对...钱财...的追求

他对钱财的追求达到了疯狂的程度。

C2

视钱财如...

他视钱财如粪土。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

财富
财产
财主
财务

Verben

发财
理财
敛财
破财

Adjektive

有钱
富有
贪财

Verwandt

金钱
物资
宝贝
金银
珠宝

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written Chinese and formal speech.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 钱财 to pay for small items.

    钱财 is too formal for buying a coffee or fruit.

  • Saying '三个钱财'. 三笔钱财 / 很多钱财

    钱财 is an uncountable mass noun.

  • Confusing 钱财 with 财务. 钱财

    财务 refers to financial management/accounting, not wealth itself.

  • Using 钱财 to mean 'property' like a house. 财产

    财产 is the correct term for real estate and land.

  • Changing '发财' to '发钱财'. 发财

    Idioms and fixed phrases cannot be modified by adding characters.

Tipps

No Measure Words

Don't use '个' with 钱财. Use '笔' for sums or nothing at all.

Pair with Verbs

Learn it with '积累' (accumulate) and '挥霍' (squander) for maximum impact.

Moral Nuance

Remember that in Chinese stories, 钱财 is often a test of character.

Formal Tone

Use it in your HSK essays to demonstrate a higher level of vocabulary.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters are 2nd tone. Practice the rising pitch.

News Keywords

Listen for this word in news about scams or the economy.

Radical Recognition

Look for the 'metal' (钅) and 'shell' (贝) radicals to help you remember it's about money.

Alternatives

If 钱财 feels too formal, try 财富.

Proverb Power

Memorize '钱财乃身外之物' to impress native speakers.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a big bag with a dollar sign (钱) inside a treasure chest (财). Together, they represent all your 'Wealth'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a mountain of gold coins (钱) and sparkling diamonds (财) under a spotlight.

Word Web

Money Gold Wealth Jewelry Assets Bank Greed Fortune

Herausforderung

Try to use '钱财' instead of '钱' in a sentence about a movie character today.

Wortherkunft

The word is a combination of '钱' (originally referring to a type of farming tool made of metal, later used as currency) and '财' (referring to shells, which were ancient currency, plus a phonetic component).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The collective term for currency and valuable property.

Sino-Tibetan

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing someone's 钱财 directly in China, as it can be seen as intrusive or impolite, similar to Western cultures.

While English speakers often just say 'money', Chinese distinguishes between the physical 'money' (钱) and the broader 'wealth/possessions' (钱财).

The classic novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' frequently discusses the rise and fall of family 钱财. The 'God of Wealth' (Caishen) rituals. The saying 'Money can't buy happiness' is often translated using 钱财.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Inheritance

  • 分割钱财
  • 继承钱财
  • 分配钱财
  • 争夺钱财

Crime

  • 骗取钱财
  • 盗窃钱财
  • 非法钱财
  • 追回钱财

Moral Education

  • 视钱财如粪土
  • 钱财乃身外之物
  • 不贪图钱财

Financial Management

  • 合理分配钱财
  • 积攒钱财
  • 管理钱财
  • 钱财增值

Literature/Drama

  • 散尽钱财
  • 钱财万贯
  • 交出钱财
  • 为了钱财

Gesprächseinstiege

"你觉得对一个人来说,钱财有多重要?"

"如果你突然拥有了巨额钱财,你会怎么做?"

"你同意“钱财乃身外之物”这句话吗?"

"在你的国家,人们如何看待追求钱财的人?"

"父母应该如何教育孩子管理钱财?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你对钱财的看法,以及它在你的生活中的位置。

描述一个你认识的视钱财如粪土的人。

如果有一天你失去了所有的钱财,你会如何面对生活?

讨论一下社会过度追求钱财可能带来的负面影响。

写一个关于一个人为了钱财而改变的故事。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Mostly, yes, but it is more formal. In English, we might say 'wealth' or 'riches' to match the tone of '钱财'. You wouldn't use it to pay for a taco.

No. '钱财' is uncountable. Use '一笔钱财' (a sum of wealth) or '一些钱财' (some wealth).

Use '钱财' when you want to sound more formal, serious, or when discussing wealth as a life concept or in a news report.

It is neutral. However, it often appears in contexts discussing greed (negative) or charity (positive).

Usually, no. '财产' is used for houses. '钱财' typically refers to cash, gold, jewelry, and other portable riches.

Yes, it is very common in news, literature, and formal conversations.

It means 'ill-gotten wealth' or money obtained through dishonest or illegal means.

You can say '损失钱财' (financial loss) or '失去钱财' (lose wealth).

Sometimes, but business people prefer more specific terms like '资金' (funds) or '资产' (assets).

Yes, in historical or formal contexts, a dowry might be described as '钱财'.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using '钱财' to describe someone who is very generous.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Wealth is not everything.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why health is more important than wealth using the word '钱财'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a character in a movie who was greedy for wealth using '贪图钱财'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He lost all his wealth in a scam.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal sentence about a company's financial loss.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use the phrase '钱财乃身外之物' in a short dialogue.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Don't pursue wealth too much.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '积累钱财'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He donated his wealth to the poor.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a historical figure who was very rich using '富可敌国'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Ill-gotten wealth won't last long.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '挥霍钱财'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The source of this wealth is unknown.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a treasure chest using '钱财'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Wealth cannot buy happiness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '视钱财如粪土' to describe an honest official.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He was blinded by greed for wealth.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about managing money.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He gave all his wealth to his children.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Read '钱财' aloud with the correct tones.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the difference between '钱' and '钱财' in your own words.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Wealth is not important, health is important' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Give a common Chinese proverb that includes the word '财'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a time you lost something valuable using '钱财'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How would you tell someone not to be greedy for money?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use '钱财' in a sentence about a billionaire.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What would you do if you found a bag of '钱财'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '不义之财' and explain its meaning.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'He donated all his wealth to the school.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss: Can wealth bring happiness?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Don't let wealth tempt you.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '视钱财如粪土' and use it in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'This scam is for stealing wealth.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Roleplay: You are a parent telling your child to save money.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'He is pursuing wealth his whole life.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '仗义疏财' and explain it.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Health is something money cannot buy.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a rich person using '腰缠万贯'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Wealth is fleeting.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '钱财' (Audio simulation: qiáncái).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is being discussed? '他损失了很多钱财。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is the person happy? '他虽然有钱财,但不快乐。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What did the person do? '他把钱财捐了。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is the advice? '不要贪图钱财。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Who is being caught? '骗取钱财的人被抓了。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is health compared to? '健康比钱财更重要。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

How much wealth is there? '他拥有巨额钱财。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is the phrase used? '钱财乃身外之物。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is the person doing? '他在积累钱财。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What kind of wealth is it? '这是不义之财。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What did he view wealth as? '他视钱财如粪土。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is the warning? '警惕钱财的诱惑。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Where was the wealth hidden? '钱财藏在地下。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

What is the result of war? '钱财损失巨大。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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