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块/元

HSK 1
  • Measure words

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Numeral块/元 (small change)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

块 (kuài) and 元 (yuán) are both monetary units in Chinese, with 块 being more commonly used in spoken language.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

Both 块 (kuài) and 元 (yuán) mean "yuan" when referring to Chinese currency (Renminbi).

  • 元 is the formal form, commonly used on banknotes, invoices, or in official documents.
  • 块 is the colloquial, more natural form in everyday conversation. When shopping or paying, you will hear and use 块 more often.

In spoken language, the two words are nearly interchangeable, but using 块 will make you sound more like a native speaker.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 这本书十块钱。
    繁: 這本書十塊錢。Zhè běn shū shí kuài qián.

    This book costs ten yuan.

  2. 这件衣服一百元。
    繁: 這件衣服一百元。Zhè jiàn yīfu yìbǎi yuán.

    This piece of clothing costs one hundred yuan.

  3. 这杯咖啡三十块。
    繁: 這杯咖啡三十塊。Zhè bēi kāfēi sānshí kuài.

    This cup of coffee costs thirty yuan.

  4. 一共是八十五元。
    Yígòng shì bāshíwǔ yuán.

    The total is eighty-five yuan.

  5. 苹果一斤五块五。
    繁: 蘋果一斤五塊五。Píngguǒ yì jīn wǔ kuài wǔ.

    Apples cost five yuan and fifty cents per catty.