verb HSK 3
Traditional 借錢
to borrow money · to lend money
Meaning
This verb phrase combines 借 (to borrow/lend) with 钱 (money). Notably, 借钱 can mean either borrowing or lending money, with the direction clarified by context or additional words like 给 (to give) or 从 (from). When someone says 我借钱 without context, it typically means 'I borrow money.'
Usage
Native speakers often add direction markers for clarity: 借钱给某人 means 'to lend money to someone,' while 向某人借钱 or 从某人那儿借钱 means 'to borrow money from someone.' This is a common topic in everyday life, though discussing personal finances can be somewhat sensitive in Chinese culture.
Examples
- 01我向朋友借钱买了一辆车。.I borrowed money from a friend to buy a car.
- 02他从来不借钱给别人。.He never lends money to others.
Characters
Common collocations
- 向...借钱...to borrow money from...
- 借钱给......to lend money to...
- 借了很多钱borrowed a lot of money
- 不好意思借钱embarrassed to borrow money
Antonyms
Origin
借 originally meant to use something temporarily and return it. Combined with 钱 (money), it naturally evolved to describe the lending and borrowing of funds.