Learn a Chinese Character - 元 (yuán) - Beginning; Dollar

1. Character Basics (汉字基本信息)

Radical: 二 (Two, indicates the upper part related to the concept of top or beginning)

Stroke Count: 4

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation (发音)

Pinyin: yuán (Second tone)

3. Meaning (含义)

元 has multiple meanings, such as "beginning", "origin", "chief", and also used as the unit of currency (yuan). “元”有多种含义，如“开始”“起源”“首要的”，也作为货币单位“元”。

4. Common Words (常用词汇)

• 元旦 (yuán dàn) - New Year's Day
• 元首 (yuán shǒu) - Head of state
• 一元 (yī yuán) - One yuan (currency)

5. Grammar & Usage (语法与用法)

元 can be used as a noun, adjective, or a measure word. As a noun, it can refer to the beginning or the currency unit. As an adjective, it means chief or primary. As a measure word, it is used for the currency. “元”可以作名词、形容词或量词。作名词时，可指开始或货币单位；作形容词时，意为首要的、主要的；作量词时，用于货币。

6. Cultural Background (文化背景)

In Chinese culture, 元 is often associated with the beginning and the origin. For example, 元旦 (New Year's Day) marks the beginning of a new year. Also, it is the basic unit of the Chinese currency, which reflects its importance in daily life and economy. 在中国文化中，“元”常与开始、起源相关。例如，“元旦”标志着新一年的开始。同时，它也是中国货币的基本单位，体现了其在日常生活和经济中的重要性。

7. Example Sentence (例句)

8. Memory Tips (记忆技巧)

You can remember 元 by thinking that the upper part "二" represents the beginning or the top, and the whole character combines the meaning of "beginning" and "the topmost position". Also, associating it with common words like 元旦 and 一元 can help you better remember its meanings and usages. 你可以这样记忆“元”：上面的“二”代表开始或顶端，整个字融合了“开始”和“最顶端位置”的含义。此外，将它与“元旦”“一元”等常用词汇联系起来，能帮助你更好地记住它的含义和用法。