Meanings of 匕
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About 匕
Podcast: 匕
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
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 匕
Pictograph of a ladle.
- 1The giveawayA spoon
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 匕? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 匕
Identify the Components
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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 In modern contexts, it is less commonly used, but it appears in historical references and certain phrases.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.
Complete the Sentence
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)
Word Family of 匕
Compound Meaning
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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