Quick Answer
Cups represent emotions and relationships, Wands represent passion and action, Swords represent thought and conflict, and Pentacles represent money, work, health, and the material world.
Cups
Cups are connected with water, emotions, intuition, love, grief, and relationships. In a spread, Cups ask what is being felt and what the heart needs.
Wands
Wands are connected with fire, energy, passion, creativity, and ambition. In a spread, Wands ask where your will and desire are moving.
Swords and Pentacles
Swords are connected with air, thought, truth, decisions, and conflict. Pentacles are connected with earth, money, health, work, and the body.