Definitions

zhuàn (verb) to earn; to make a profit
zuàn (verb) to cheat; to swindle

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "赚" originates from its traditional form "賺", structurally integrating the radical "貝", representing currency or valuables, with the phonetic component "兼". Initially, in classical Chinese texts, this character conveyed the sense of deception or swindling, indicating an act of cheating someone for gain. Over subsequent dynastic periods, its meaning gradually shifted towards the concept of earning or making a profit, a transition likely influenced by the pervasive commercial culture that reinterpreted the radical's association with wealth into a positive context of legitimate acquisition. This semantic evolution from fraud to financial benefit illustrates how linguistic elements adapt to changing societal values, with the simplified form preserving the essential compositional logic while modifying the radical to "贝".

Example Sentences Hide

爸爸钱养家。

Bàba zhuàn qián yǎng jiā.

Dad earns money to support the family.

到第一桶金。

Tā zhuàn dào dì yī tǒng jīn.

She earned her first pot of gold.

我们计划取利润。

Wǒmen jìhuà zhuànqǔ lìrùn.

We plan to earn profits.

他投资股票了钱。

Tā tóuzī gǔpiào zhuànle qián.

He earned money by investing in stocks.

外汇需要专业知识。

Zhuàn wàihuì xūyào zhuānyè zhīshì.

Earning foreign exchange requires professional knowledge.

虽然工作辛苦,但得多。

Suīrán gōngzuò xīnkǔ, dàn zhuàn de duō.

Although the work is hard, the earnings are high.

他通过兼职额外收入。

Tā tōngguò jiānzhí zhuàn éwài shōurù.

He earns extra income through part-time jobs.

在数字经济中,钱的方式发生了变化。

Zài shùzì jīngjì zhōng, zhuàn qián de fāngshì fāshēngle biànhuà.

In the digital economy, the ways of earning money have changed.