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March 24, 2026
银行(銀行)yínháng(yin2hang2)
银行 (yínháng) refers to a financial institution that accepts deposits from the public and provides loans. It plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating transactions, savings, and investments. You commonly encounter this term when discussing finances, opening accounts, or in economic contexts.
Frequency#1003DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, banks are not only places for financial transactions but also play a significant role in personal savings and investment, reflecting the importance of financial security in Chinese culture. The rapid growth of digital banking in China also shapes how people interact with banks.
Memory Tip
Think of 银 (yín), which means 'silver' and is associated with money, combined with 行 (háng), which means 'to walk' or 'to conduct'. Imagine walking into a silver bank where you can store and manage your money, helping you remember that 银行 is a bank.
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AI Study Notes for 银行
Quick Contrast
金融机构 (jīnróng jīgòu) - use 银行 (yínháng) specifically for traditional banks that accept deposits and provide loans, while 金融机构 (jīnróng jīgòu) is a broader term that includes various financial institutions.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 银 (yín), which means 'silver' and is associated with money, combined with 行 (háng), which means 'to walk' or 'to conduct'. Imagine walking into a silver bank where you can store and manage your money, helping you remember that 银行 is a bank.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; it is pronounced yín (2nd tone) and háng (2nd tone), as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. In informal contexts, people might simply refer to it as '银行' without specifying, but in formal writing, it’s important to use the full term.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 银行 connects with other financial vocabulary you will encounter, such as 钱 (qián - money) and 存款 (cúnkuǎn - deposit). Focus on using it in phrases related to banking activities, like '去银行' (qù yínháng - go to the bank).
Cultural Note
In China, banks are not only places for financial transactions but also play a significant role in personal savings and investment, reflecting the importance of financial security in Chinese culture. The rapid growth of digital banking in China also shapes how people interact with banks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 银行 (yínháng) with 商店 (shāngdiàn - shop), thinking they are synonymous. Remember, 银行 specifically refers to banks, not just any financial service provider.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 银行
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Grammar Patterns of 银行
银行 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Interest is paid monthly. Three months' notice is required for withdrawals.
9
投资者和外汇交易商被德意志联邦银行的这一举措打了个措手不及。
tóu zī zhě hé wài huì jiāo yì shāng bèi dé yì zhì lián bāng yín háng de zhè yī jǔ cuò dǎ le gè cuò shǒu bù jí。
Investors and currency dealers were caught completely unawares by the Bundesbank's action.
10
我继续寻找一家更好的银行。
wǒ jì xù xún zhǎo yī jiā gēng hǎo de yín háng。
My quest for a better bank continues.
Cultural Notes for 银行
🏮Cultural insight
In China, banks are not only places for financial transactions but also play a significant role in personal savings and investment, reflecting the importance of financial security in Chinese culture. The rapid growth of digital banking in China also shapes how people interact with banks.
Frequently Asked Questions about 银行
You can say '请问，银行在哪里？' (Qǐngwèn, yínháng zài nǎlǐ?).
银行 specifically refers to banks, while 机构 (jīgòu) is a more general term for institutions that could include banks, companies, or other organizations.
