At the A1 level, you only need to know that 投资人 (tóuzīrén) means 'investor'—a person who gives money to a business to help it grow. You can think of it as 'person' (人) + 'invest' (投资). At this stage, just focus on identifying the word in simple sentences like 'He is an investor' (他是投资人). You don't need to worry about complex financial terms yet. Just remember that it refers to a person with money for business. It is a useful word to know if you are interested in business or talking about rich people in news stories. You can practice by saying 'I want to find an investor' (我要找投资人). This is a great word to add to your basic vocabulary about people and jobs.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 投资人 in basic sentences about work and money. You should know that '投资' means 'to invest' and '人' means 'person'. You can use it with measure words like '一位' (a polite way to say one person). For example, 'I have an investor' (我有一位投资人). You can also start to understand simple contexts, like an investor looking at a business plan. You might hear this word in basic news or in conversations about startups. It's important to differentiate it from '老板' (boss). An investor gives money, but a boss runs the company. At this level, you can also start to use adjectives like '好的' (good) or '有钱的' (rich) to describe the investor.
At the B1 level, you can use 投资人 in more complex business discussions. You should be able to talk about the relationship between an entrepreneur and an investor. You can use verbs like '吸引' (to attract) or '说服' (to persuade) with 投资人. For example, 'How to attract investors' (如何吸引投资人). You should also be aware of common phrases like '天使投资人' (angel investor). You can participate in simple role-plays where you describe your business idea to an investor. You should understand that 投资人 is a standard term in the Chinese startup world. You can also start to read short articles about investment and recognize this word as a key subject. Your sentences should become more descriptive, such as 'The investor decided to invest in our new project.'
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 投资人 and its nuances. You can distinguish it from '投资者' (investor - more formal) and '股东' (shareholder). You can discuss different types of investors, such as '风险投资人' (venture capitalist) or '机构投资人' (institutional investor). You should be able to follow business news in Chinese that discusses investor sentiment or investment rounds. You can use the word in professional emails and presentations. For example, you might discuss 'investor relations' (投资人关系). At this level, you should also understand the cultural context of investment in China, such as the importance of 'Guanxi' (connections) when meeting an investor. You can write short essays or reports about the role of investors in the economy.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use 投资人 in highly sophisticated contexts, such as legal discussions, deep financial analysis, or academic writing. You can debate the ethical responsibilities of a 投资人 or analyze their impact on market trends. You should be comfortable with idiomatic expressions and high-level collocations. You can understand the subtle differences in tone when an investor is referred to as a 'strategic investor' (战略投资人) versus a 'financial investor' (财务投资人). You should be able to read complex financial reports and understand the specific demands and rights of investors mentioned therein. Your use of the word should be natural and precise, reflecting a deep understanding of Chinese business etiquette and terminology.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 投资人. You can use it in any context, from high-stakes negotiations to philosophical discussions about capital. You can understand allusions to famous investors in Chinese history or modern culture. You can use the word to navigate the most complex corporate structures and legal frameworks in the Chinese-speaking world. You can effortlessly switch between '投资人', '投资者', and more specialized terms depending on the audience and purpose. You can critique investment strategies at a professional level and provide expert commentary on investor behavior in the Chinese market. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for complex professional and intellectual expression.

投资人 in 30 Seconds

  • 投资人 means 'investor' in Chinese, referring to a person who provides capital for a business.
  • It is a common term in business, finance, and the startup ecosystem.
  • The word is composed of 'invest' (投资) and 'person' (人).
  • It is used formally in news and informally in business networking.

The term 投资人 (tóuzīrén) is a foundational noun in the Mandarin Chinese lexicon, particularly within the realms of business, finance, and entrepreneurship. At its core, it translates directly to 'investor' in English. The word is composed of three characters: 投 (tóu) meaning to throw or cast, 资 (zī) referring to resources or capital, and 人 (rén) meaning person. Together, they describe someone who 'casts capital' into a venture with the expectation of a return. In modern China, this word carries a weight of prestige and strategic importance, reflecting the country's rapid economic transformation and its vibrant startup ecosystem. Whether you are discussing a small-scale individual putting money into a friend's restaurant or a massive venture capital firm funding the next tech giant, 投资人 is the go-to designation.

Formal Usage
In official documents, news reports, and business meetings, 投资人 is used to identify the parties providing funding. It is a neutral but respectful term that acknowledges the financial role of the individual or entity.

这位投资人对我们的项目非常感兴趣。(This investor is very interested in our project.)

Social Context
In social settings, being called a 投资人 often implies a certain level of wealth and professional acumen. It is a title that people use to introduce themselves in networking events to signal their capacity to support new ideas.

他不仅是老板,还是几家公司的投资人。(He is not only a boss but also an investor in several companies.)

The evolution of the term tracks with China's 'Reform and Opening-up' policy. Previously, the state was the sole 'investor' in most enterprises. Today, the term encompasses 'angel investors' (天使投资人), 'venture capitalists' (风险投资人), and even retail investors in the stock market. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate the Chinese corporate world or follow financial news in the Sinosphere. It represents the bridge between capital and innovation.

Using 投资人 (tóuzīrén) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a standard noun. It can serve as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a possessive phrase. Because it refers to a person, you can use the measure word 位 (wèi) to show respect, or the generic 个 (gè) in casual conversation. When constructing sentences, it is often paired with verbs like 寻找 (xúnzhǎo - to look for), 说服 (shuōfú - to persuade), or 吸引 (xīyǐn - to attract).

As a Subject
When the investor is the one performing the action, such as signing a contract or asking a question.

投资人正在阅读我们的商业计划书。(The investor is currently reading our business plan.)

As an Object
When the investor is the recipient of an action, such as being contacted or presented to.

我们需要寻找更多的投资人。(We need to look for more investors.)

Furthermore, you can modify 投资人 with adjectives to specify the type of investor. Common modifiers include 潜在 (qiánzài - potential), 主要 (zhǔyào - main/lead), and 天使 (tiānshǐ - angel). Understanding these combinations allows for more precise communication in a professional environment. For example, '天使投资人' specifically refers to those who provide early-stage capital.

他是这家初创公司的主要投资人。(He is the main investor in this startup.)

You will encounter 投资人 (tóuzīrén) in a variety of real-world scenarios in China. The most common place is in the financial districts of major cities like Beijing (Zhongguancun), Shanghai (Lujiazui), and Shenzhen. In these hubs, the word is spoken a thousand times a day in coffee shops where entrepreneurs 'pitch' their ideas. If you watch Chinese business news channels like CCTV-2 or read financial apps like Caixin or Wall Street CN, the term is ubiquitous.

Startup Culture
In the 'Double Innovation' (双创) culture of China, 投资人 are seen as the kingmakers. Phrases like '见投资人' (meeting an investor) are standard part of an entrepreneur's vocabulary.

明天我要去见一位很有名的投资人。(Tomorrow I am going to meet a very famous investor.)

Beyond the boardroom, you might hear this word in television dramas centered around urban life and career struggles. Shows like 'Ideal City' or 'The First Half of My Life' often feature characters who are investors, depicting them as high-powered individuals navigating complex social and financial webs. In these contexts, the word often carries a connotation of power, intelligence, and sometimes, ruthlessness.

电视剧里的投资人总是穿得很帅。(Investors in TV dramas always dress very handsomely.)

Finally, in the context of the stock market, while '散户' (sǎnhù - individual retail investor) is common, '投资人' is the broader term used in shareholder meetings and annual reports. If you attend a '股东大会' (shareholders' meeting), you will hear the management addressing the '各位投资人' (all investors).

While 投资人 (tóuzīrén) is straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in its application. The most common mistake is confusing it with 投资者 (tóuzīzhě). While both mean 'investor', '投资者' is more formal and often refers to a collective or abstract group, whereas '投资人' is more concrete and often refers to a specific person you might actually talk to. Using '投资者' in a casual conversation about a specific friend who invested money can sound overly academic.

Confusion with 'Boss'
Another mistake is using '老板' (lǎobǎn - boss) when you mean '投资人'. A boss manages the day-to-day operations, while an investor provides capital. In some cases they are the same, but in a professional setting, distinguishing between the two is crucial for clarity.

错误:他是我的老板,他给我钱开公司。(Incorrect: He is my boss, he gave me money to start the company. - This implies he is your employer.)
正确:他是我的投资人。(Correct: He is my investor.)

Additionally, avoid using 投资人 to refer to someone who just 'buys things'. An investment implies an expectation of future profit. If someone buys a house to live in, they are a '买家' (mǎijiā - buyer). If they buy it to rent out or flip, they are a '房产投资人' (real estate investor). Precision in intent is key when using this word.

To enrich your Chinese vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 投资人 (tóuzīrén) with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning or level of formality.

投资者 (tóuzīzhě)
This is the most common synonym. The suffix '-者' is similar to '-er' or '-ist' in English and is used in formal writing. It is used in phrases like '保护投资者利益' (protecting investors' interests).
股东 (gǔdōng)
Meaning 'shareholder'. While all shareholders are investors, not all investors are shareholders (e.g., debt investors). 股东 specifically implies ownership of shares.

作为公司的股东,他有权投票。(As a shareholder of the company, he has the right to vote.)

金主 (jīnzhǔ)
A slang/informal term meaning 'financial backer' or 'money bags'. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or cynical connotation, implying someone who just provides money without much expertise, or someone supporting an artist or celebrity.

By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right word for the right situation. In a venture capital meeting, use 投资人. In a legal contract, use 投资者. In a casual talk about a wealthy backer, you might hear 金主.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '投' (tóu) originally depicted a hand throwing a weapon or object. In 'investment', you are figuratively 'throwing' your money into the future.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /təʊ ziː rɛn/
US /toʊ zi rɛn/
The emphasis is usually balanced across the three syllables, but 'tóu' and 'rén' rise, making them stand out.
Rhymes With
人 (rén) rhymes with 门 (mén) 人 (rén) rhymes with 真 (zhēn) 人 (rén) rhymes with 晨 (chén) 人 (rén) rhymes with 盆 (pén) 人 (rén) rhymes with 根 (gēn) 人 (rén) rhymes with 痕 (hén) 人 (rén) rhymes with 恩 (ēn) 人 (rén) rhymes with 伦 (lún)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'zī' like 'zee' with a vibrating English 'z' (Mandarin 'z' is more like 'ds').
  • Falling on the second syllable 'zī' instead of keeping it flat.
  • Muffling the 'r' in 'rén' (it should be a retroflex sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common in news.

Writing 3/5

Writing '资' and '投' requires attention to stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

The word is distinct and easy to recognize in business contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人 (Person) 钱 (Money) 公司 (Company) 给 (To give) 买 (To buy)

Learn Next

股票 (Stock) 利润 (Profit) 风险 (Risk) 合同 (Contract) 创业 (Entrepreneurship)

Advanced

股权 (Equity) 分红 (Dividend) 尽职调查 (Due Diligence) 市盈率 (P/E Ratio) 资产配置 (Asset Allocation)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for People

一位投资人 (A polite way to count investors).

Possessive '的'

投资人的钱 (The investor's money).

Preposition '对' (Towards)

对投资人负责 (Be responsible to the investor).

Verb Reduplication

去见见投资人 (Go meet the investor briefly).

Resultative Complements

说服了投资人 (Successfully persuaded the investor).

Examples by Level

1

他是投资人。

He is an investor.

Simple subject + verb + noun structure.

2

投资人很有钱。

The investor is very rich.

Noun + adjective construction.

3

我不认识那个投资人。

I don't know that investor.

Negative sentence with '不'.

4

投资人在哪里?

Where is the investor?

Question with '哪里'.

5

这是一个投资人。

This is an investor.

Demonstrative '这' + measure word '个'.

6

投资人喜欢这个项目。

The investor likes this project.

Subject + verb + object.

7

我的爸爸是投资人。

My dad is an investor.

Possessive '的'.

8

你想当投资人吗?

Do you want to be an investor?

Question with '吗'.

1

我需要找一位投资人。

I need to find an investor.

Use of polite measure word '位'.

2

那位投资人来自上海。

That investor is from Shanghai.

Origin indicated by '来自'.

3

投资人给了我们很多钱。

The investor gave us a lot of money.

Past action with '了'.

4

他在和投资人说话。

He is talking with the investor.

Progressive action with '在'.

5

投资人什么时候来?

When is the investor coming?

Question with '什么时候'.

6

这个投资人很聪明。

This investor is very smart.

Adverb '很' modifying an adjective.

7

投资人看了一下计划书。

The investor took a look at the plan.

Brief action with '一下'.

8

我们有三个投资人。

We have three investors.

Number + measure word + noun.

1

如何吸引更多的投资人?

How to attract more investors?

Question word '如何' for 'how'.

2

投资人对我们的技术很感兴趣。

The investor is very interested in our technology.

Structure '对...感兴趣'.

3

我们需要说服投资人支持我们。

We need to persuade the investor to support us.

Verb '说服' followed by object and action.

4

他是我们的第一个天使投资人。

He is our first angel investor.

Ordinal number '第一个'.

5

投资人通常会关注利润。

Investors usually focus on profit.

Adverb '通常' (usually).

6

我昨天给投资人发了邮件。

I sent an email to the investor yesterday.

Time phrase '昨天' at the beginning.

7

投资人希望看到市场增长。

The investor hopes to see market growth.

Verb '希望' (to hope).

8

我们必须回答投资人的问题。

We must answer the investor's questions.

Modal verb '必须' (must).

1

投资人对风险的承受能力不同。

Investors have different risk tolerances.

Abstract noun '承受能力'.

2

我们需要定期向投资人汇报进度。

We need to report progress to investors regularly.

Adverb '定期' (regularly).

3

这些投资人主要来自风险投资机构。

These investors mainly come from venture capital firms.

Modifier '主要' (mainly).

4

投资人决定撤回他们的资金。

The investors decided to withdraw their funds.

Verb '撤回' (to withdraw).

5

他是一位经验丰富的机构投资人。

He is an experienced institutional investor.

Compound adjective '经验丰富'.

6

投资人关系是初创公司的重中之重。

Investor relations is a top priority for startups.

Idiomatic '重中之重' (top priority).

7

我们需要考虑投资人的长期利益。

We need to consider the long-term interests of the investors.

Adjective '长期' (long-term).

8

投资人对这个行业的未来感到乐观。

Investors feel optimistic about the future of this industry.

Structure '对...感到乐观'.

1

投资人往往会对市场波动产生连锁反应。

Investors often have a chain reaction to market fluctuations.

Noun '连锁反应' (chain reaction).

2

我们需要平衡创始人与投资人之间的权力。

We need to balance the power between founders and investors.

Verb '平衡' (to balance).

3

这位投资人以其犀利的眼光闻名于业界。

This investor is famous in the industry for his sharp insight.

Structure '以...闻名' (famous for).

4

投资人的退出机制必须在合同中明确规定。

The investor's exit mechanism must be clearly specified in the contract.

Legal term '退出机制'.

5

许多投资人开始转向可持续发展项目。

Many investors are starting to shift towards sustainable development projects.

Verb '转向' (to turn towards).

6

投资人的情绪往往会影响股市的走向。

Investor sentiment often affects the direction of the stock market.

Noun '走向' (direction/trend).

7

我们需要为投资人提供更透明的财务报表。

We need to provide investors with more transparent financial statements.

Adjective '透明' (transparent).

8

投资人的尽职调查过程通常非常严谨。

The investor's due diligence process is usually very rigorous.

Business term '尽职调查' (due diligence).

1

投资人的博弈策略在并购案中至关重要。

The game theory strategies of investors are crucial in M&A cases.

Sophisticated term '博弈策略'.

2

他巧妙地化解了投资人对公司治理的质疑。

He skillfully resolved the investors' doubts about corporate governance.

Verb '化解' (to resolve/neutralize).

3

投资人的资本逐利本质决定了其行为逻辑。

The profit-seeking nature of investor capital determines its behavioral logic.

Philosophical phrasing '逐利本质'.

4

我们需要深刻领会投资人背后的战略意图。

We need to deeply understand the strategic intent behind the investors.

Formal verb '领会' (to comprehend).

5

投资人与管理层之间的代理问题不容忽视。

The agency problem between investors and management cannot be ignored.

Academic term '代理问题'.

6

该政策旨在规范投资人的非理性投资行为。

The policy aims to regulate the irrational investment behavior of investors.

Formal verb '规范' (to regulate).

7

投资人的预期往往会自我实现,从而加剧市场波动。

Investor expectations are often self-fulfilling, thereby exacerbating market volatility.

Complex logic '自我实现'.

8

我们需要重塑投资人对品牌长期价值的信心。

We need to reshape investor confidence in the long-term value of the brand.

Verb '重塑' (to reshape).

Common Collocations

寻找投资人
吸引投资人
说服投资人
潜在投资人
主要投资人
天使投资人
机构投资人
投资人关系
投资人会议
个人投资人

Common Phrases

合格投资人

— An accredited investor who meets certain financial criteria.

只有合格投资人才能参与此项目。

领投人

— The lead investor in a funding round.

他是这次融资的领投人。

跟投人

— Investors who follow the lead investor's terms.

有几位跟投人也加入了。

战略投资人

— An investor who provides more than just money (e.g., industry expertise).

我们更想要战略投资人。

财务投资人

— An investor primarily interested in financial returns.

他只是一个财务投资人,不参与管理。

风险投资人

— A venture capitalist.

风险投资人喜欢高增长的项目。

资深投资人

— A senior or experienced investor.

他是一位资深投资人,见过很多项目。

个人投资人

— An individual investor as opposed to a company.

个人投资人的资金规模通常较小。

著名投资人

— A famous investor.

他是国内著名的投资人。

潜在投资人

— A potential investor.

我们需要给潜在投资人发BP。

Often Confused With

投资人 vs 老板 (Lǎobǎn)

A boss runs the company; an investor provides capital. They are not always the same person.

投资人 vs 赞助商 (Zànzhùshāng)

A sponsor provides money for marketing/events; an investor provides money for equity/profit.

投资人 vs 债权人 (Zhàiquánrén)

A creditor lends money that must be repaid; an investor takes equity and shares the risk.

Idioms & Expressions

"慧眼识珠"

— To have a discerning eye for talent or value, often used for investors who find 'unicorns'.

这位投资人慧眼识珠,投中了阿里巴巴。

Literary/Praise
"投石问路"

— To throw a stone to clear the way; making a small initial investment to test the market.

投资人先投了一小笔钱,算是投石问路。

Common
"奇货可居"

— Holding onto something rare to sell for a high price; sometimes used for investors holding onto high-value shares.

他觉得这个公司的股份是奇货可居。

Literary
"一掷千金"

— To spend or invest a massive amount of money at once.

他在这个项目上一掷千金。

Colloquial/Exaggerated
"利令智昏"

— Driven by profit to the point of losing one's mind; a warning for investors.

投资人不能利令智昏,要看清风险。

Cautionary
"稳扎稳打"

— To proceed steadily and surely; a common strategy for conservative investors.

这位投资人喜欢稳扎稳打的风格。

Common
"见风使舵"

— To trim one's sails to the wind; changing investment strategy based on market trends.

有些投资人总是见风使舵。

Critical
"孤注一掷"

— To stake everything on a single throw; a very risky investment.

他把所有钱都投了进去,真是孤注一掷。

Risky
"未雨绸缪"

— To prepare for a rainy day; investors planning for market downturns.

成熟的投资人总是懂得未雨绸缪。

Praise
"坐收渔利"

— To reap the spoils while others do the work; sometimes how founders view passive investors.

他不想让投资人只是坐收渔利。

Critical

Easily Confused

投资人 vs 投资者

Both mean 'investor'.

投资者 is more formal and used in writing/media; 投资人 is more common in spoken business contexts.

投资者保护法 (Investor Protection Law) vs. 我去见投资人 (I'm going to see the investor).

投资人 vs 股东

Both provide money to a company.

A 股东 (shareholder) specifically owns shares and has voting rights; an 投资人 is a broader term for anyone providing capital.

他是公司的大股东。

投资人 vs 投机者

Both 'invest' money.

A 投机者 (speculator) takes high risks for short-term gains; a 投资人 usually looks for long-term growth.

他不是投资人,他只是个投机者。

投资人 vs 融资人

Both are related to funding.

A 融资人 (fundraiser) is the one seeking money; the 投资人 is the one giving it.

作为融资人,他压力很大。

投资人 vs 合伙人

Both are involved in a business.

A 合伙人 (partner) usually works in the business; an 投资人 might just provide money and stay passive.

他是我的合伙人,也是投资人。

Sentence Patterns

A1

他是[Noun]。

他是投资人。

A2

我有一位[Noun]。

我有一位投资人。

B1

如何[Verb][Noun]?

如何吸引投资人?

B1

[Noun]对[Something]感兴趣。

投资人对我们的项目感兴趣。

B2

[Noun]决定[Action]。

投资人决定投资。

B2

虽然[Clause], 但是[Noun][Clause]。

虽然有风险,但是投资人还是投了。

C1

[Noun]以其[Attribute]闻名。

这位投资人以其专业闻名。

C2

[Noun]的本质是[Clause]。

投资人的本质是追求回报。

Word Family

Nouns

投资 (Investment)
投资者 (Investor - formal)
投资额 (Investment amount)
投资回报 (ROI)

Verbs

投资 (To invest)
再投资 (To reinvest)

Adjectives

投资性的 (Investment-related)
可投资的 (Investable)

Related

资本 (Capital)
利润 (Profit)
风险 (Risk)
融资 (Financing)
项目 (Project)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business and financial circles.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '个' for investors in a meeting. Using '位'.

    '位' is the respectful measure word for people in professional settings.

  • Confusing '投资人' with '赞助商'. Knowing the difference between equity and sponsorship.

    An investor wants profit/shares; a sponsor wants marketing.

  • Mispronouncing 'zī' as 'zǐ'. Pronouncing 'zī' with a first tone.

    The wrong tone can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.

  • Writing '资' without the '贝' component. Including '贝' at the bottom.

    The '贝' component is essential for words related to wealth/money.

  • Using '投资人' to mean 'buyer'. Using '买家'.

    Investment implies a future return, not just a purchase for use.

Tips

Build Relationships

In China, investors often care as much about the founder's character as the business plan. Use '投资人' with respect.

Measure Words

Always use '一位投资人' in formal emails. It shows you have good manners and language skills.

Specific Types

Learn modifiers like '天使' (angel) or '战略' (strategic) to sound more like a professional.

Tone Accuracy

The tones in tóu-zī-rén are 2-1-2. Practice them together to ensure the word sounds natural.

Context Clues

If you see '资金' (funds) or '股份' (shares) nearby, the word is almost certainly '投资人'.

Stroke Order

The character '资' is often written incorrectly; remember the '贝' at the bottom refers to money.

Investor Relations

The phrase '投资人关系' (IR) is a specific job title in large Chinese companies.

The 'Throw' Action

Associate '投' (throw) with 'throwing' money into a project to remember the first character.

News Keywords

Business news often starts with '各位投资人' (Dear investors) during earning calls.

Don't confuse with Boss

An investor might not want to be called '老板' if they are only providing capital and not managing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

TOU (Throw) + ZI (Money/Resources) + REN (Person). An investor is a person who throws money into a business.

Visual Association

Imagine a person (人) standing on a diving board, throwing (投) coins (资) into a pool that grows into a fountain of gold.

Word Web

Money Business Risk Profit Shares Capital Contract Growth

Challenge

Try to use '投资人' in a sentence describing your dream job or a person you admire in business.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '投资' (tóuzī) became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as China adopted Western economic concepts. '人' (rén) has been the standard word for 'person' for millennia.

Original meaning: To cast resources (into a venture).

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '金主' (jīnzhǔ) in professional settings as it can imply a lack of professional respect or suggest a 'sugar daddy' dynamic in certain slang contexts.

In English, 'investor' can be anyone from a Wall Street pro to a grandma with a stock app. In Chinese, '投资人' often leans towards the professional or business-funding side.

Warren Buffett (沃伦·巴菲特) is often called a '传奇投资人' (legendary investor) in Chinese media. The show 'Dragon's Den' is similar to the environment where one meets 投资人. Li Ka-shing is a famous 投资人 in the Hong Kong context.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Startup Pitch

  • 这是我们的商业计划。
  • 我们正在寻求种子轮融资。
  • 您对我们的市场规模怎么看?
  • 我们需要一位投资人。

Financial News

  • 投资人信心增强。
  • 市场吸引了大量投资人。
  • 投资人开始抛售股票。
  • 著名投资人发表讲话。

Networking Event

  • 您是做投资的吗?
  • 我想向您介绍一下我的公司。
  • 很高兴认识您,投资人先生。
  • 能不能留个联系方式?

Legal/Contracts

  • 投资人权利。
  • 投资人义务。
  • 投资人退出机制。
  • 投资人签字。

Classroom/Education

  • 什么是投资人?
  • 投资人如何赚钱?
  • 投资人面临哪些风险?
  • 请举一个投资人的例子。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这位投资人怎么样? (What do you think of this investor?)"

"你想成为一名投资人吗? (Do you want to become an investor?)"

"哪里可以找到好的投资人? (Where can one find good investors?)"

"投资人最看重什么? (What do investors value most?)"

"你认识这位著名的投资人吗? (Do you know this famous investor?)"

Journal Prompts

如果你是一位投资人,你会投什么样的公司? (If you were an investor, what kind of company would you invest in?)

描述一次你试图说服别人的经历。 (Describe a time you tried to persuade someone.)

你认为投资人对社会有什么贡献? (What contribution do you think investors make to society?)

写一封给潜在投资人的信。 (Write a letter to a potential investor.)

为什么投资人需要关注风险? (Why do investors need to focus on risk?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

They both mean investor. 投资者 (tóuzīzhě) is more formal and often used in written reports, laws, or when referring to investors as a collective group. 投资人 (tóuzīrén) is more common in daily business speech and when referring to a specific person.

Yes, you can. However, stock market investors are often called '股民' (gǔmín) or '散户' (sǎnhù) if they are small individual traders. 投资人 usually implies a more professional or substantial level of investment.

Yes, it is a neutral and professional term. To be extra polite, use the measure word '位' (wèi) instead of '个' (gè) when referring to one.

You can say '风险投资人' (fēngxiǎn tóuzīrén) or '风投' (fēngtóu) for short.

It is '天使投资人' (tiānshǐ tóuzīrén).

Technically, anyone who invests is an 投资人, but in common usage, the term often implies someone who does it professionally or with significant capital.

Usually, we call a company an '机构投资人' (institutional investor) or '投资机构' (investment institution). 投资人 usually refers to the person representing the firm or an individual.

You can say '[Last Name] 总' (e.g., Wang Zong) or '[Last Name] 先生/女士'. You can also refer to them as '投资人' in a general sense.

Yes, the term is widely understood and used in all Mandarin-speaking regions, though local slang for investors might vary.

In a business deal, the opposite would be the '创业者' (entrepreneur) or '融资人' (the person seeking funds).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'He is a famous investor.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '寻找投资人'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The investor is interested in our idea.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I want to be an investor.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '天使投资人'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'How to attract investors?'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe what an investor does in 10 words.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The investor signed the contract.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Investor relations are important.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a short email opening to an investor.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'She is a venture capitalist.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We have three potential investors.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The investor gave us good advice.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '主要投资人'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Investors look at profit.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Where is the investor from?'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The investor is very rich.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '说服'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Institutional investors are more cautious.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The investor's exit mechanism.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce '投资人' clearly.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am looking for an investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He is a rich investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Thank you for your investment.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We need to meet the investor tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Are you an investor?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'This is our angel investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The investor is coming.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'How many investors do you have?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I want to talk to the investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The investor likes our technology.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He is a very famous investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Let's call the investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The investor has a lot of questions.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We are ready for the investor meeting.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Is the investor happy?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He is a venture capitalist from Beijing.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We need to persuade the investor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The investor decided to invest.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Investor relations are our priority.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '投资人来了' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '寻找一位投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '天使投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the word: tóu-zī-rén.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '投资人决定撤资' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '吸引投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '主要投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '投资人会议' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '潜在的投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '投资人很聪明' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '风险投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '谢谢投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '机构投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '投资人关系' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to '著名的投资人' and translate.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The investor's decision was wise.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!