錢包 / 钱包
qiánbāo
The English word "wallet" is translated into Chinese as 錢包 / 钱包 (qiánbāo). If unsure, use 錢包 / 钱包. Wiktionary also lists 皮夾 / 皮夹 (píjiā) and 錢袋 / 钱袋 (qiándài).
Meaning: case for keeping money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 錢包 / 钱包 | qiánbāo |
| 皮夾 / 皮夹 | píjiā |
| 錢袋 / 钱袋 | qiándài |
In Chinese, different terms are used for a wallet depending on its material, its specific function or the historical context of the container.
What does it mean word for word?
The standard term 錢包 / 钱包 is composed of 錢 (money) and 包 (bag or package).
Which one should you use?
錢包 / 钱包 is the standard term for a wallet or purse in most contexts. 皮夾 / 皮夹 specifically refers to a leather wallet or cardholder. 錢袋 / 钱袋 refers to a drawstring money pouch or a larger money bag, which is often used in historical or traditional contexts. Additionally, the informal term 钱夹 literally means "money clip" but is often used interchangeably with "wallet."
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 皮夾 / 皮夹 is more commonly used in Taiwan and Hong Kong to refer to a wallet, whereas 錢包 / 钱包 is more common in Mainland China.
How do you pronounce it?
qiánbāo
Did you know?
- The character 包 in 錢包 / 钱包 can also mean 'to wrap' or 'to guarantee', which is why it is used in terms for everything from buns to insurance.
- In historical contexts, the 錢袋 / 钱袋 was often tied to a belt, as Chinese clothing traditionally lacked the pockets found in Western trousers.
- In many Chinese cultures, a full wallet is seen as a sign of good fortune, so people may avoid keeping it empty or 'leaking' money during certain festivals.
Examples in context
- 在商务场合，我总是会携带我的钱包。In business settings, I always carry my wallet with me.
- 我把钥匙放在钱夹里了。I put the keys in my wallet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallet” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
