Meanings of 坯
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About 坯
Podcast: 坯
Podcast: 坯
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AI Study Notes for 坯
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.
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').
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 坯
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Etymology of 坯
earth
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 坯
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Write 坯
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Practice writing 坯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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)
Cultural Notes for 坯
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
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.
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