# yuan

/juˈɑn/ (US) · /jˈuːən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yuan
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. Chinese currency

noun · CEFR B2

the basic unit of money used in the People's Republic of China.

For teachers: the primary unit of currency in the People's Republic of China, often used interchangeably with 'renminbi' in international contexts.

- The price of the meal was fifty yuan, which was quite cheap.
- Economists monitored the slight fluctuation of the yuan against the dollar following the central bank's announcement regarding interest rates.

Usage: The plural form is usually 'yuan' rather than 'yuans'.

### 2. historical dynasty

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the period from 1279 to 1368 when the Mongols ruled China.

For teachers: the Mongol-led imperial dynasty of China established by Kublai Khan, lasting from 1279 to 1368.

- We studied a beautiful blue and white vase from the Yuan dynasty.
- The Yuan era saw significant cultural exchange between East and West, largely due to the vast extent of the Mongol Empire.

### 3. Taiwanese government branch

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

one of the five main parts of the government in Taiwan.

For teachers: one of the five branches of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), such as the Legislative Yuan or Executive Yuan.

- The Legislative Yuan passed the new law after a long debate.
- Under the current constitutional framework, the Executive Yuan serves as the highest administrative organ of the state.

## Examples

- The meal costs fifty yuan.
- Investors are watching the value of the yuan closely as international trade tensions continue to rise.
- The central bank's decision to devalue the yuan sent shockwaves through global markets, affecting everything from commodity prices to the valuation of tech stocks in Silicon Valley.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.