925银
925 yín
The English phrase "sterling silver" is translated into Mandarin as 925银 (925 yín).
In China, the number 925 is the standard way to denote sterling silver in jewelry and metalwork.
Meaning: silver alloy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 925银 literally means "925 silver", referring to the 92.5% purity of the alloy.
How do you pronounce it?
925 yín
Did you know?
- The word 银 is also the root for the word 银行 meaning 'bank', because banks were historically places where silver ingots were stored and exchanged.
- The number 9 is exceptionally lucky in Chinese culture as it sounds like the word for 'long lasting', making the 925 designation feel auspicious to some buyers.
- When inspecting jewelry, a Chinese appraiser might use the term 成色 (chéngsè) to discuss the 'quality' or 'fineness' of the silver, rather than just its weight.
Examples in context
- 我买了一件纯银首饰。I bought a piece of sterling silver jewelry.
- 这对耳环是925银做的。Zhè duì ěrhuán shì 925 yín zuò de.These earrings are made of sterling silver.
- 这种项链是用925银打造的。Zhè zhǒng xiàngliàn shì yòng 925 yín dǎzào de.This kind of necklace is crafted from sterling silver.
- 我很喜欢这个925银戒指。Wǒ hěn xǐhuān zhège 925 yín jièzhǐ.I really like this sterling silver ring.
Example conversation
A woman is looking at jewelry in a gift shop.
- 伟 Wei这个手镯是925银的吗？Zhège shǒubó shì 925 yín de ma?Is this bracelet sterling silver?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，它是925银材质。Shì de, tā shì 925 yín cáizhì.Yes, it is made of sterling silver.
- 伟 Wei那它会褪色吗？Nà tā huì tuìsè ma?Will it tarnish then?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen只要经常保养就不会。Zhǐyào jīngcháng bǎoyǎng jiù bù huì.Not if you maintain it regularly.
