unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #48278, Very Hard
坯
pī
semifinished product
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #48278, Very Hard
坯
pī
Taiwan pr. [pei1]
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #48278, Very Hard
pī(pi1) T1
1clay; unburnt earthenware
2blank (e.g. for a coin)
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March 24, 2026
坯pī(pi1)
The character 坯 (pī) refers to unburnt clay or earthenware, often used in pottery before it is fired. It can also denote a semifinished product or a blank form, such as a coin that has not yet been minted. In practical contexts, it is commonly used in discussions about ceramics or construction materials.
Strokes8Radical土Frequency#48278DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, pottery and ceramics have a long history, and the use of 坯 signifies the important steps in creating functional and artistic items. Pottery is often linked to regional styles and techniques that are celebrated in various Chinese festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a potter shaping a piece of clay (坯) on a spinning wheel. The character 坯 looks like a flat base (土) on which the clay (the upper part) sits, reminding you that it’s still in its raw form, waiting to be fired.
Meanings of 坯
pī(pi1)
1clay; unburnt earthenware
2blank (e.g. for a coin)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坯
坯Simplified
8Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 坯
Podcast: 坯
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AI Study Notes for 坯
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a potter shaping a piece of clay (坯) on a spinning wheel. The character 坯 looks like a flat base (土) on which the clay (the upper part) sits, reminding you that it’s still in its raw form, waiting to be fired.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 坯 (pī) with similar-sounding words or characters, as it is a specific term in ceramics. It is used in more formal contexts related to pottery and manufacturing. Common collocations include 坯体 (pī tǐ, 'unfired body') or 坯料 (pī liào, 'raw material').
HSK Study Tips
While 坯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 3 and 4 words related to materials and crafts. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in crafting and manufacturing contexts as well as learning related terms.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, pottery and ceramics have a long history, and the use of 坯 signifies the important steps in creating functional and artistic items. Pottery is often linked to regional styles and techniques that are celebrated in various Chinese festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 坯 (pī) with similar characters like 批 (pī, 'to approve') or 皮 (pí, 'skin'). Ensure you remember that 坯 specifically relates to clay and pottery, not approval or skin.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坯
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Grammar Patterns of 坯
坯 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
他用拉____轮机把一团粘土加工成了一只碗.
He throws a bowl from a ball of clay.
Example Sentences for 坯 (2)
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1
他用拉坯轮机把一团粘土加工成了一只碗.
tā yòng lā pī lún jī bǎ yī tuán nián tǔ jiā gōng chéng le yī zhī wǎn.
In traditional Chinese culture, pottery and ceramics have a long history, and the use of 坯 signifies the important steps in creating functional and artistic items. Pottery is often linked to regional styles and techniques that are celebrated in various Chinese festivals.
Word Family of 坯
Words Containing This Character7
坯pīunburnt earthenware
毛坯semifinished products
坯子base
钢坯billet (steel industry)鋼坯
土坯mud brick
坯布gray cloth
坯料semifinished materials
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 坯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坯
While 坯 specifically refers to unburnt clay or semifinished products, other terms like 陶 (táo) refer to finished pottery.
It is more commonly used in specialized contexts, such as pottery or construction, rather than in everyday conversation.
The correct pronunciation is pī, with a high-level tone.
