Yuan

/ˈjuːɑn/ noun

Definition

The main unit of money used in China.

Etymology

From Chinese 'yuán' (圆), meaning 'round' or 'circular,' referring to the shape of old Chinese coins. The word entered English in the 17th century through trade with China.

Kelly Says

The word 'yuan' literally means 'round' in Chinese because historic Chinese coins were round with a square hole in the middle! Even today, the symbol for yuan (¥) looks similar to the dollar sign, reflecting how both are major world currencies.

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