钱财

Alright, let's get into how to use 钱财 (qiáncái) in Chinese sentences. This word is pretty straightforward, but knowing its common grammatical roles will help you sound natural.

§ 钱财 as a Noun

As you know, 钱财 (qiáncái) means 'money and valuables' or 'wealth.' It functions purely as a noun, which means it will usually be the subject or object in your sentences. It's often used in a more general sense than just 'money' (钱, qián).

Subject

When 钱财 is the thing performing the action or being described.

Translation hint

Money and valuables are external things (i.e., not essential to life).

Translation hint

After losing all his money and valuables, he became very depressed.

Object

When 钱财 is the thing being acted upon.

Translation hint

He spent his whole life pursuing wealth.

Translation hint

They became enemies over the struggle for wealth.

§ Common Verbs Used with 钱财

You'll often see 钱财 paired with verbs that relate to gaining, losing, managing, or valuing wealth. Here are a few common ones:

• 拥有 (yōngyǒu): to possess, to have
• 积累 (jīlěi): to accumulate
• 花费 (huāfèi): to spend (though usually more specific for money, 钱财 can be the object when talking about spending wealth generally)
• 失去 (shīqù): to lose
• 看重 (kànzhòng): to value highly, to attach importance to
• 追求 (zhuīqiú): to pursue

Translation hint

He possesses a huge amount of wealth.

Translation hint

He spent his whole life accumulating wealth.

§ Prepositions and Structures with 钱财

While 钱财 itself doesn't directly take many prepositions, it often appears in phrases modified by prepositions indicating purpose or relation. The most common structure is 为了...钱财 (wèile...qiáncái), meaning 'for the sake of...wealth' or 'because of...money/valuables.'

Translation hint

He can do anything for money/wealth.

Translation hint

Don't betray friends for money/wealth.

That's the rundown on using 钱财 (qiáncái) in sentences. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it!