Meanings of 匕
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Podcast: 匕
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AI Study Notes for 匕
While 匕 is not frequently used in everyday conversation, it is important in historical and literary contexts. Learners may confuse it with similar characters such as 刀 (dāo), which means 'knife'. It's crucial to note that 匕 has a more specific meaning related to ancient utensils.
Although not part of the HSK levels, learning 匕 can help students understand characters related to utensils and weapons. Students should focus on recognizing its form and usage in historical texts to build a broader vocabulary related to tools and instruments.
Learners often confuse 匕 with 刀 due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我用匕切东西' (I use a spoon to cut things) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我用刀切东西' (I use a knife to cut things).
Pronunciation of 匕
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Etymology of 匕
Pictograph of a ladle.
A spoon
Origin
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Decomposition of 匕
Parts
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How to say spoon, ladle; knife, dirk in Chinese
“spoon, ladle; knife, dirk” in Chinese is匕
The character 匕 (bǐ) primarily refers to a type of spoon or ladle, often associated with ancient utensils. It can also denote a dagger or knife, indicating its sharpness or utility. In modern contexts, it is less commonly used, but it appears in historical references and certain phrases.
When to use 匕
While 匕 is not frequently used in everyday conversation, it is important in historical and literary contexts. Learners may confuse it with similar characters such as 刀 (dāo), which means 'knife'. It's crucial to note that 匕 has a more specific meaning related to ancient utensils.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 匕 with 刀 due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我用匕切东西' (I use a spoon to cut things) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我用刀切东西' (I use a knife to cut things).
Write 匕
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Practice writing 匕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 匕
匕 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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他拔出____首转身面向追他的人。
He drew his dagger and turned to face his pursuers.
Example Sentences for 匕 (2)
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Word Family of 匕
Words with 匕
What does 匕首 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匕
In modern usage, 匕 primarily refers to a type of spoon or ladle, though it can also imply a dagger or knife.
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