Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
捌 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
to split, to break open; eight (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)m, 10 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
eight (banker's anti-fraud numeral)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
splitunknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
(ba1) T1
  1. 1to split, to break open; eight (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
  2. 2eight (banker's anti-fraud numeral)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(ba1)

The character 捌 (bā) primarily means 'to split' or 'to break open.' It is also used as the numeral for 'eight' in banking contexts to prevent fraud. This numeral form is distinct from the standard numeral 八 (bā), emphasizing its specific usage in financial transactions.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese banking, specific numerals like 捌 are used to prevent fraud, reflecting a high level of caution in financial transactions. This practice highlights the importance of security in China's economic activities.

Memory Tip

Imagine splitting a large number '8' into two halves, like breaking a piece of bread. The character 捌 has the radical 手 (hand), which suggests action, like using your hands to split something. The shape of the character also resembles two parts being separated.

Meanings of 捌

(ba1)
1to split, to break open; eight (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
2eight (banker's anti-fraud numeral)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 捌

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 捌

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 捌

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine splitting a large number '8' into two halves, like breaking a piece of bread. The character 捌 has the radical 手 (hand), which suggests action, like using your hands to split something. The shape of the character also resembles two parts being separated.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 捌 with 八 (bā) in everyday use, but 捌 is specifically for financial contexts. It is more formal and is not used in casual counting. Remember that in situations involving money or banking, 捌 is the correct choice.

HSK Study Tips

Although 捌 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its usage can enhance your financial vocabulary. Students should focus on distinguishing it from 八 and recognizing its context-specific applications in banking.

Cultural Note

In Chinese banking, specific numerals like 捌 are used to prevent fraud, reflecting a high level of caution in financial transactions. This practice highlights the importance of security in China's economic activities.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 捌 in casual conversation instead of 八. For example, saying '我有捌个苹果' (I have eight apples) is incorrect; it should be '我有八个苹果.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 捌

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 捌

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To separate 别 by hand 扌; 别 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 捌?

Decomposition of 捌

IDS Structure⿰扌别
Full Character
=
shou3
left
Bie2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 捌?

Write 捌

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 捌

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese banking, specific numerals like 捌 are used to prevent fraud, reflecting a high level of caution in financial transactions. This practice highlights the importance of security in China's economic activities.

Word Family of 捌

Words Containing This Character1
split
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 捌 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 捌

Use 捌 in financial documents, checks, and transactions to prevent fraud, while 八 is used in everyday counting.