Definitions

cái (noun) money; wealth; property

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character for wealth, "财" in its simplified form and "財" in its traditional form, originates from the semantic component "贝" or "貝" representing shell or currency, coupled with the phonetic component "才". Shells functioned as early currency in China, linking the component directly to economic value, while the "才" element primarily indicates pronunciation. The meaning of the character has consistently centered on material possessions and monetary assets, with its application broadening over time to encompass general financial resources and prosperity.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

富能带来快乐。

Cáifù néng dàilái kuàilè.

Wealth can bring happiness.

他负责经新闻。

Tā fùzé cáijīng xīnwén.

He is in charge of financial news.

政府调整政政策。

Zhèngfǔ tiáozhěng cáizhèng zhèngcè.

The government adjusts fiscal policy.

是每个人的责任。

Lǐcái shì měi gè rén de zérèn.

Financial management is everyone's responsibility.

他的产受法律保护。

Tā de cáichǎn shòu fǎlǜ bǎohù.

His property is protected by law.

今年运不太好。

Jīnnián cáiyùn bù tài hǎo.

This year's financial luck is not very good.

神在中国很受欢迎。

Cáishén zài Zhōngguó hěn shòu huānyíng.

The God of Wealth is very popular in China.

全球经趋势影响投资。

Quánqiú cáijīng qūshì yǐngxiǎng tóuzī.

Global financial trends affect investment.