In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “cents” in Chinese. Whether you are learning Chinese for business, travel, or personal reasons, it’s essential to understand how to express currency accurately. We will cover both formal and informal ways, focusing on standard Mandarin Chinese. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Cents” in Chinese
When it comes to speaking formally about cents in Chinese, there are a few different phrases you can use:
- 分 (fēn): This is the most common way to say “cents” in Chinese. It is used in Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. For example, 10 cents is 十分 (shí fēn).
- 角 (jiǎo): While primarily used to refer to “dimes,” 角 (jiǎo) can also represent “10 cents” in Chinese. For instance, 20 cents can be expressed as 两角 (liǎng jiǎo).
- 毛 (máo): This term is less common nowadays but is still widely used in Taiwan and Hong Kong to describe “10 cents”. For instance, 30 cents can be said as 三毛 (sān máo).
Informal Ways to Say “Cents” in Chinese
When it comes to speaking more casually or informally about cents in Chinese, people often use the following phrases:
- 块 (kuài): This is a colloquial term for “dollar” in Chinese, but it is often used to describe “100 cents” as well. For example, 150 cents can be said as 一块五 (yī kuài wǔ).
- 毛 (máo): Although mentioned earlier as a formal term for “10 cents,” it is also used informally to describe “10 cents.” For instance, 70 cents can be expressed as 七毛 (qī máo).
Examples and Usage
Let’s take a look at some examples to help you further understand how to use these phrases:
Example 1:
English: How much is 50 cents?
Mandarin Chinese: 五角钱/五毛钱 (wǔ jiǎo qián/wǔ máo qián).
In this example, “五角钱” (wǔ jiǎo qián) is the formal way of saying “50 cents,” while “五毛钱” (wǔ máo qián) is the informal way.
Example 2:
English: I want to exchange 20 cents.
Mandarin Chinese: 我想换两角 (wǒ xiǎng huàn liǎng jiǎo).
Here, “我想换两角” (wǒ xiǎng huàn liǎng jiǎo) is the formal way of saying “I want to exchange 20 cents.”
Important Tips and Regional Variations to Remember
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Chinese-speaking world, there are a few regional variations to keep in mind:
- In Taiwan and Hong Kong, using “分” (fēn) for “cents” may cause some confusion, as they primarily use “角” (jiǎo) or “毛” (máo) instead.
- When in Mainland China, Singapore, or Malaysia, using “角” (jiǎo) or “毛” (máo) for “cents” may also lead to some confusion, as these terms are predominantly used to refer to “dimes” and “10 cents,” respectively.
- If you are unsure which term to use, sticking with “分” (fēn) as a general term for “cents” is a safe choice.
Remember, understanding the context and clarifying when necessary is key to effective communication when discussing currency in Chinese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various ways to say “cents” in Chinese, depending on the formality of the situation and the region you are in.
In formal settings, “分” (fēn), “角” (jiǎo), and “毛” (máo) are commonly used to describe “cents” in Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, respectively.
For informal conversations, “块” (kuài) and “毛” (máo) can also be used to represent “cents” or “100 cents” in Chinese.
Remember to consider regional differences and adapt your language accordingly to avoid any confusion. Happy conversing in Chinese!
