How to Write 钞 (chāo) — Meaning “Banknote”

Think: "A banknote (钅) is something you always have too few (少) of!" This connects the metal radical for money with the right part meaning "few" or "little." It reminds you that banknotes are valuable because they are scarce.

The left radical 钅 has five strokes ending with a vertical hook, while the right side 少 has four strokes starting with a vertical line. Make sure the right side is slightly wider than the left, and do not forget the two left-falling strokes in 少 — the second one should be a bit longer. A common mistake is making the left side too big, throwing off the balance.

All three share the metal radical 钅, but their right sides differ: 钞 has 少 (few), 针 has 十 (ten), and 钉 has 丁 (nail). Their meanings are also different: 钞 means banknote, 针 means needle, and 钉 means nail. Visually, remember that 钞 has more strokes on the right than the others.

You will see 钞 in words like 钞票 (banknote/paper money) and 现钞 (cash). It is commonly used in daily life when talking about physical currency, especially in informal settings. There is also 验钞, which means checking money for counterfeits — an important term in China due to the prevalence of fake bills.

Common words containing 钞 include: 钞票 (chāo piào) — Banknote/Paper money; 现钞 (xiàn chāo) — banknotes / cash; 验钞 (yàn chāo) — To check for counterfeit money.