HSK 1
元／块
yuán／ kuài
(currency)
Structure
Number + 元 / 块 (+ Money)
How it works
These are both units of Chinese currency (RMB). '元' (yuán) is the formal term used in writing and formal speech, while '块' (kuài) is the colloquial term used in daily conversation.
Examples
这个杯子十元。
Zhège bēizi shí yuán.
This cup is ten yuan.
苹果五块一斤。
Píngguǒ wǔ kuài yì jīn.
Apples are five yuan per half-kilogram.
我有一百块钱。
Wǒ yǒu yìbǎi kuài qián.
I have one hundred yuan.
Common mistakes
Using '元' in casual shopping conversations can sound overly formal or stiff; '块' is much more natural when speaking.
Tip
Think of '元' like 'USD' or 'Currency' on a price tag, and '块' like saying 'bucks' or 'dollars' in English.
More HSK 1 grammar
See 元／块 in real Chinese
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