The character 元 (yuán) has multiple meanings depending on context. It can mean 'yuan' (the Chinese currency unit), 'meta' (as in 元宇宙, metaverse), or 'primary/first.' In modern usage, 元宇宙 (metaverse) has become a widely recognized compound.
这件衣服多少元?
Zhè jiàn yīfu duōshao yuán?
How much is this piece of clothing in yuan?
元宇宙是最近几年很热门的概念。
Yuán yǔzhòu shì zuìjìn jǐ nián hěn rèmén de gàiniàn.
The metaverse has been a very popular concept in recent years.
他花了五百元买了一双运动鞋。
Tā huā le wǔbǎi yuán mǎi le yì shuāng yùndòngxié.
He spent five hundred yuan to buy a pair of sneakers.