零钱 língqián small change (of money)
How to remember 零钱: 零 zero + 钱 money = small change (of money).
Characters
How it is used
- Small change / loose money - 找零钱 (zhǎo língqián) give change; 没有零钱 no small change.
- 零 (fractional) + 钱 (money); coins and small bills for making change.
- Contrast 现金 (xiànjīn) 'cash (as a form)'; 零钱 specifically is small denominations/change.
Example sentences
- 有零钱吗？ Yǒu língqián ma?Do you have any change?
- 不好意思，我没零钱。 Bùhǎoyìsī, wǒ méi língqián.I'm sorry, I don't have change.
- 店主给我找零钱。 Diànzhǔ gěi wǒ zhǎo língqián.The shop owner gave me the change.