赢

You can use it as a simple verb. For example, 'I won' is 我赢了 (wǒ yíng le). The 了 at the end shows the action is finished. You can also specify what you won. You might say 赢了比赛 (yíng le bǐsài) to mean 'won the match'. It is very flexible. You can use it for small bets or global championships. Just remember to put the person who wins before the word.

Use it during game nights with friends. Use it when discussing sports results. It is great for business contexts too. If your company beats a competitor, you 赢ed. You can even use it when arguing. If your friend finally admits you were right, you won the argument! It feels triumphant and satisfying to say.

Do not use 赢 when you receive a gift. That is 'getting' or 'receiving'. Do not use it for earning money through work. For a salary, use 挣 (zhèng). Also, avoid using it if you just 'passed' an exam. For exams, use 通过 (tōngguò). 赢 implies a direct competition where someone else likely lost. Using it for a solo achievement might sound a bit too aggressive.

The character 赢 is actually quite complex. It is made of five different parts. These parts represent money, longevity, and communication. Traditionally, winning wasn't just about luck. It was about having the resources and time to succeed. In modern China, there is a popular concept called 'Win-Win' or 双赢 (shuāngyíng). It shows that Chinese culture values mutual benefit. People love the idea that everyone can go home happy.

You will often hear 赢家 (yíngjiā), which means 'the winner'. If you want to say 'win back' something, use 赢回 (yínghuí). In recent years, internet slang has used 赢麻了 (yíng má le). This literally means 'winning until you are numb'. It is a funny, sarcastic way to say someone is winning way too much. It is like saying 'I'm tired of all this winning!'