`财运` is a profoundly important concept woven into the fabric of Chinese culture, reflecting a pragmatic and hopeful view of prosperity. It goes far beyond a simple desire to be rich; it's a fundamental aspect of one's overall well-being and life's journey. Many cultural practices are aimed at improving or maximizing one's `cáiyùn`:
Comparison to Western Concepts: In Western culture, financial success is often attributed primarily to hard work, talent, and smart decisions—the “self-made” ideal. While these are also valued in Chinese culture, `cáiyùn` introduces a powerful element of fate or cosmic luck. It's the acknowledgment that sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don't work out, and at other times, a lucky opportunity can change everything. It's the difference between “I worked hard to earn this promotion” and “My `cáiyùn` has been great lately, and a wonderful opportunity for a promotion came up.”
`财运` is used frequently in both formal and informal contexts.