About
The character for currency, now written as "币", originates from the traditional form "幣", which is structured with the semantic component "巾" denoting cloth and the phonetic component "敝". Initially, this term specifically referred to silks or fabrics employed in ritual ceremonies and as valuable gifts, reflecting an era where textiles served as a principal medium of exchange. Over time, the meaning gradually expanded to encompass any object utilized as money, eventually narrowing to denote currency in a general sense. The simplified form "币" retains the "巾" element while reducing the original phonetic part to a minimal stroke, resulting in a character that visually echoes its historical link to cloth but with a more streamlined graphic form, aligning with its conceptual shift from material goods to abstract monetary value.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢人民币。
我找到了一个硬币。
这张纸币很旧。
美元是一种货币。
我需要兑换一些外币。
比特币的价格波动很大。
这些金币具有收藏价值。
中央银行负责发行法定货币。