货币
huò bì
Type of money · trad. 貨幣
货币 (huòbì) is the standard term for 'currency' or 'type of money' in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to the system of money used in a particular country or region, often used in financial or economic contexts when discussing different national currencies.
When to use it
Neutral and formal. While 钱 (qián) is the general word for 'money,' 货币 is more specific to 'currency' as a system or type. When asking 'what kind of money' or 'what currency,' 货币 is the appropriate term.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like 'HWO-bee.' Both 货 and 币 are falling tones, so it's pronounced with two distinct drops in pitch.
Other ways to say it
- 钱qiánmoney (general term)
- 货币种类huò bì zhǒng lèitype of currency (more explicit)
- 外币wài bìforeign currency
Examples
日本的货币是什么？
rì běn de huò bì shì shén me ？
What is the currency of Japan?
我需要兑换一些外币。
wǒ xū yào duì huàn yì xiē wài bì 。
I need to exchange some foreign currency.
人民币是中国的法定货币。
rén mín bì shì zhōng guó de fǎ dìng huò bì 。
Renminbi is the legal currency of China.
Pro tip: While 钱 (qián) is the common word for 'money' in general, 货币 (huòbì) specifically refers to a country's currency system or a particular type of currency. Use 货币 when you mean 'currency' rather than just 'money'.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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