Are you interested in learning how to say “make money” in Chinese? Whether you want to have a casual conversation with a native Chinese speaker or discuss business matters, it’s essential to know the right phrases. In this guide, we’ll cover formal and informal ways to express the concept of “make money” in Chinese, and provide you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “Make Money”
When it comes to formal and professional settings, it’s crucial to use appropriate language in Chinese. Here are a few ways you can convey the idea of “making money” formally:
- 赚钱 (zhuànqián) – This is the most common and general way to express “make money” in Chinese. It can be used in any situation, from discussing business to personal finance. For example, you can say “我很努力地赚钱” (wǒ hěn nǔlì de zhuànqián), which means “I work hard to make money.”
- 挣钱 (zhèngqián) – This term is similar to 赚钱 but carries a slightly stronger connotation of earning money through hard work or effort. For instance, you might hear someone say “我每天都挣钱养家” (wǒ měitiān dōu zhèngqián yǎngjiā), meaning “I earn money every day to support my family.”
- 创造财富 (chuàngzào cáifù) – If you want to convey the idea of “creating wealth” instead of simply making money, this phrase is a great choice. It emphasizes the generation of long-term wealth through various means. For example, you can say “我们应该努力创造财富” (wǒmen yīnggāi nǔlì chuàngzào cáifù), which means “We should work hard to create wealth.”
Informal ways to say “Make Money”
When talking with friends or in casual conversations, you might prefer using more informal expressions. Here are a few common ways to say “make money” in a casual context:
- 赚大钱 (zhuàn dàqián) – This phrase literally means “make big money” and is often used to express the idea of making a significant amount of money quickly or hitting a financial jackpot. For example, you can say “他在股市上赚了大钱” (tā zài gǔshì shàng zhuàn le dàqián), which means “He made a lot of money in the stock market.”
- 捞钱 (lāoqián) – This term is commonly used in informal conversations to mean “make money.” It has a connotation of quickly earning or grabbing money opportunistically. For instance, you might hear someone say “他总是善于捞钱” (tā zǒngshì shànyú lāoqián), which means “He is always good at making money.”
- 发财 (fācái) – This phrase literally means “get rich” and is often used casually to talk about making money or achieving financial success. It implies the desire for substantial wealth. For example, you can say “我希望能早日发财” (wǒ xīwàng néng zǎorì fācái), which means “I hope to get rich soon.”
Regional Variations
Chinese has multiple regional variations in terms of pronunciation and vocabulary. While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood, you might come across the following regional variations for “make money” in specific areas:
赚钱 (zhuànqián) – The standard term used in Mandarin Chinese, which is widely understood across most regions of China and other Mandarin-speaking communities.
挣扎 (zhēngzhá) – This variation is sometimes used in the southern part of China, specifically in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions. It has a similar pronunciation to 赚钱 but carries a slightly different meaning of “to struggle for money.” Therefore, it’s best to stick with the standard “赚钱 (zhuànqián)” in most situations.
Examples and Tips
To help you grasp the concept of “make money” in Chinese more effectively, here are a few additional examples and tips:
- When using these phrases, you can add adverbs like “非常” (fēicháng) for “very” or “很” (hěn) for “quite” to emphasize your point. For instance, “她很努力地赚钱” (tā hěn nǔlì de zhuànqián) means “She works hard to make money.”
- Remember that Chinese is a tonal language, so pay attention to the correct tones when pronouncing these phrases.
- If you’re keen to learn more about money-related vocabulary or discuss financial matters further, you can consider seeking out additional resources like Chinese textbooks or online courses.
Now you’re well-equipped with various ways to say “make money” in Chinese. Whether you’re engaging in formal discussions or casual conversations, these phrases will help you express yourself fluently. Enjoy exploring the rich language and culture of China!
