1. Character Basics
2. Pronunciation
3. Meaning
- Money, funds, sum of money
- Payment, installment
- Style, design (of clothing, products)
- Paragraph, section (in a document)
- Sincere, kind (as in 款待 - to entertain cordially)
4. Common Words
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "款" has multiple meanings and uses in Chinese. It is most commonly used as a noun referring to money or funds, but can also be used to describe style or design, or to mean sincere or kind in certain contexts.
我需要支付这笔款项。(Wǒ xūyào zhīfù zhè bǐ kuǎnxiàng.) - I need to pay this sum of money.
银行贷款需要利息。(Yínháng dàikuǎn xūyào lìxī.) - Bank loans require interest.
这件衣服的款式很新颖。(Zhè jiàn yīfu de kuǎnshì hěn xīnyǐng.) - The style of this clothing is very novel.
他们热情款待了我们。(Tāmen rèqíng kuǎndài le wǒmen.) - They entertained us cordially.
6. Cultural Background
The character "款" consists of "士" (shì, scholar) and "欠" (qiàn, to owe). Originally meaning "to be sincere" or "to treat with respect", it later developed financial connotations, possibly through the association of fulfilling obligations or debts with sincerity.
In Chinese business culture, terms related to "款" such as "付款方式" (payment method) and "货款" (payment for goods) are essential in commercial transactions. The concept of prompt payment is highly valued in maintaining good business relationships.
Additionally, in the context of design and fashion, "款式" (style) plays an important role in Chinese consumer culture, with a growing appreciation for both traditional and modern designs.
7. Example Sentence
我们已经收到了客户的付款，可以开始生产这批新款产品了。
We have received the customer's payment and can start producing this new style of products.
8. Memory Tips
To remember the character "款", notice its structure: it combines "士" (shì, scholar) and "欠" (qiàn, to owe). You can think of a scholar who deals with financial matters or obligations. The pronunciation "kuǎn" rhymes with "款" in Mandarin, which can help with memorization.
Another way to remember it is to associate it with common financial terms like "付款" (fùkuǎn, to pay) or "存款" (cúnkuǎn, deposit), which are frequently used in daily life.