The characters combine in a perfectly logical sequence: 有 (to have) + 钱 (money) + 人 (person) = A person who has money.
In a country that has experienced one of the most rapid economic transformations in human history, the concept of the “有钱人” holds significant weight. It is a constant topic of conversation, media portrayal, and societal aspiration. While an American might talk about “the wealthy” or “the one percent,” the term “有钱人” feels more immediate and grounded in everyday life. The rise of a new class of wealthy individuals in China over the last few decades has led to a complex social dynamic. On one hand, becoming a “有钱人” is a common goal, a symbol of success and hard work in a competitive society. On the other hand, it can be associated with social tensions and the phenomenon of 仇富 (chóufù), or “resentment of the rich,” especially if the wealth is perceived as ill-gotten or flaunted excessively. Unlike the Western concept of “old money,” which implies a long-established, cultured elite, the majority of “有钱人” in China are first- or second-generation wealthy. This leads to important distinctions, such as the difference between a general “有钱人” and a 土豪 (tǔháo), a “nouveau riche” individual known for ostentatious and sometimes unrefined displays of wealth.
“有钱人” is a versatile term used across all levels of formality, though it's most common in spoken language and informal writing.