工资
gōngzī · HSK 3
wage
💰 工资 = work (工) + funds (资) → wages paid for labor
工 depicts a carpenter's square, the classic symbol of labor. 资 combines 次 (phonetic) with 贝 (cowrie shell, ancient money). Together: the money you get for working — your salary.
gōng zī · HSK 4
wages
💰 工资 = work (工) + funds/资) — money you earn from working
工 means work or labor; 资 means funds, capital, or resources. Together they form the standard word for the regular pay an employee receives for their work.