钱
qián · HSK 1
money
💰 钱 = 钅(metal/gold radical) + 戔 (small/shallow)
The 钅radical marks metal, and 戔 (jiān) once meant small or thin — together suggesting small metal pieces, i.e. coins. 戔 also lends a rough phonetic hint for qián.
钱 — metal radical 钅 + 戋 (small/shallow)
Originally a name for a spade-shaped bronze tool used as early currency in ancient China. The metal radical 钅 gives the meaning (metal coin), while 戋 supplies the sound and hints at 'small, thin pieces.' Over time the meaning shifted from the spade-coin itself to money in general.
qián · HSK 1
coin
💰 钱 = 金 (metal/gold) + 戔 (small/shallow) — small bits of metal = coins
The 金 radical marks money words; 戔 (small/thin) hints at thin metal pieces. Historically 钱 named a spade-shaped coin, then any currency. Sounds like 'chyen' — rhymes with 'yen', another East Asian money word.
钱 — metal radical 钅 + 戋 (small/shallow)
Originally a name for a spade-shaped bronze tool used as early currency in ancient China. The metal radical 钅 gives the meaning (metal coin), while 戋 supplies the sound and hints at 'small, thin pieces.' Over time the meaning shifted from the spade-coin itself to money in general.