Don't walk outside when there's a thunderstorm. Out of ten thousand (万) people, only one (一) person gets struck by lightning, but just in case, you should still be careful.
wàn yī
Reading Mnemonic
One (wàn) out of ten thousand? It's (yī) not such a big deal then!
ten million, countless, many, one must by all means
Meaning Mnemonic
An art collector is getting aggressive to try to negotiate for a painting he desperately wants. The price started at one thousand (千), then ten thousand (万) but the owner wouldn't budge even with an offer of ten million!
qiān wàn
Reading Mnemonic
"Anything to change (qiān) your mind! I want (wàn) that painting!"