wài bì
foreign currency
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我需要兑换一些外币。
wǒ xūyào duìhuàn yīxiē wàibì.
I need to exchange some foreign currency.
这家银行可以兑换外币吗？
zhè jiā yínháng kěyǐ duìhuàn wàibì ma?
Can I exchange foreign currency at this bank?
外币的汇率是多少？
wàibì de huìlǜ shì duōshǎo?
What is the exchange rate for foreign currency?
外汇 (wài huì)
foreign exchange
外洋币 (wài yáng bì)
foreign currency
本币 (běnbì)
domestic currency
人民币 (rénmínbì)
RMB
The Chinese word 外币 (wàibì) for "foreign currency" is composed of two characters: 外 (wài) meaning "outside" or "foreign", and 币 (bì) meaning "currency" or "money". Together, they literally mean "outside money" or "foreign money". This term is used to refer to currencies other than the Chinese yuan (人民币, rénmínbì), which is the official currency of China.The character 外 (wài) has a long history in Chinese, dating back to the oracle bone script of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC). In its original form, it depicted a person standing outside a gate, symbolizing the concept of "outside" or "beyond". Over time, the character evolved to its current form, which is still used today.The character 币 (bì) also has a long history, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). In its original form, it depicted a string of cowrie shells, which were used as currency in ancient China. Over time, the character evolved to its current form, which is still used today.The combination of these two characters, 外 (wài) and 币 (bì), creates the word 外币 (wàibì), which specifically refers to foreign currencies. This term is commonly used in China to distinguish foreign currencies from the Chinese yuan.
