yuán

解元

Word · Adjective · Classifier · NounTraditional元

beginning; first; currency unit

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 6 examples
1.

adjective

first; primary; original

formal

Common in historical and formal contexts.

Yuán元
dàn旦
shì是
xīn新
nián年
de的
dì第
yī一
tiān天
 。

New Year's Day is the first day of the year.

Zhè这
shì是
wèn问
tí题
de的
gēn根
yuán源
 。

This is the root cause of the problem.

2.

classifier

yuan (the basic unit of Chinese currency)

Used when stating prices; precedes the digit.

Zhè这
běn本
shū书
shí十
yuán元
qián钱
 。

This book costs ten yuan.

Gěi给
wǒ我
yī一
bǎi百
yuán元
 。

Give me one hundred yuan.

3.

noun

dynasty; era; head

archaic

Historical usage for dynasties (e.g., 元朝) or era names. Archaic usage for 'head'.

Yuán元
cháo朝
yóu由
měng蒙
gǔ古
rén人
jiàn建
lì立
 。

The Yuan Dynasty was established by the Mongols.

Yǒng勇
shì士
bù不
wàng忘
sàng丧
qí其
yuán元
 。

A brave warrior does not forget that he may lose his head. (Classical quote)