分
fēn
The English word 'cent' is translated into Chinese as 分 (fēn).
In the context of currency, 分 is used to denote the smallest unit of many East Asian currencies, such as the Chinese yuan/fen system. Depending on context, 分 can also refer to a decimal point or a unit of time (minute) in certain measurement contexts.
Meaning: subunit of currency in US and elsewhere (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The character 分 literally means to divide, a part or a point, which reflects its use as a subunit of a whole.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'per cent', the structure 百 (hundred) + 分 (part/cent) + 之 (of) is used, followed by the number.
How do you pronounce it?
fēn
When do people say it?
The term 毛 (máo) is colloquially used to refer to '10 cents'.
Did you know?
- While 分 is the official term for a 'cent', people in China often use the word 毛 'máo' to mean ten cents. This term literally means 'hair' or 'wool'.
- In modern daily life in China, 分 coins are so rare that you will almost never see one in a shop. Most transactions are handled digitally or rounded to the nearest 毛 'máo'.
- Because 分 means 'division' or 'part', it is used in Chinese to describe everything from a 'minute' of time to a 'point' in a sports score.
Examples in context
- 這些紙板盒是百分之百可回收的。These cardboard boxes are a hundred per cent recyclable.Tatoeba #6470897 by xjjAstrus, translation #10540352 by sundown
- 有百分之五十二的英國女性喜歡巧克力勝於性。Fifty-two per cent of British women prefer chocolate to sex.This example demonstrates the use of 分 in a percentage regarding a population.Tatoeba #769698 by Martha, translation #2329 by RJH
- 百分之十五的房屋将是经济适用，所以低收入家庭会在这个地区买或者租房子。Fifteen per cent of the housing will be affordable, so that low-income families will be able to buy or rent homes in the area.This sentence illustrates using 分 within a percentage to describe housing availability.Tatoeba #765296 by eastasiastudent, translation #765297 by sundown
- 你有五毛吗？Do you have fifty cents?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Zihan are checking the price of a small item.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个只有五分钱。Zhège zhǐyǒu wǔ fēn qián.This is only five cents.
- 梓涵 Zihan真的吗？太便宜了。Zhēnde ma? Tài piányi le.Really? That's so cheap.
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，不用担心价格。Shìde, bùyòng dānxīn jiàgé.Yes, don't worry about the price.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我就买一个。Nà wǒ jiù mǎi yī gè.Then I will buy one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cent” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
