Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to meta or the yuan unit with 元 (yuán)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    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.

    Examples

    • 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.

    Referring to meta or the yuan unit with 元 (yuán) | Chinese Grammar