HSK 1 · Chinese hanzi
元 — unit of currency (yuan)
- Reading
- yuán
- Meaning
- unit of currency (yuan); first
- HSK level
- HSK 1
- Language
- Chinese
About this hanzi
元 is a chinese hanzi character commonly studied at the HSK 1 level. Its primary reading is yuán and it means unit of currency (yuan); first. To master it, see it in real Chinese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.
元 appears in everyday chinese words such as 元 (Chinese monetary unit), 元旦 (New Year's Day) and 单元 (unit, apartment).
Chinese words containing 元
Frequently asked questions
What does 元 mean in Chinese?
元 means unit of currency (yuan); first in Chinese. It is one of the HSK 1 hanzi every learner meets at that level.
How is 元 read?
元 is read yuán. Reading it inside real words — 元 and 元旦 and more — is the fastest way to remember it.
What level is 元 — is it HSK 1?
Yes. 元 is on the official HSK 1 hanzi list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.
How do you use 元 in a word?
A common word containing 元 is 元 (yuán) — "Chinese monetary unit". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.
How do I learn 元 effectively?
Read it in context. Import any Chinese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 元 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.
More HSK 1 hanzi
Learn every HSK hanzi in context
InputDojo gives you the full HSK 1–9 hanzi list — plus one-tap lookups in any real Chinese content. Free to start.
Start free