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柄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
柄
bǐng
handle, lever, knob; authority
n, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #9652, Very Hard
柄
bǐng
handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #9652, Very Hard
柄
bǐng
(of a flower, leaf or fruit) stem
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #9652, Very Hard
柄
bǐng
sth that affords an advantage to an opponent
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #9652, Very Hard
柄
bǐng
classifier for knives or blades
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 木, rank #9652, Very Hard
bǐng(bing3)bing T3
1handle, lever, knob; authority
2handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
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March 24, 2026
柄bǐng(bing3)
The character 柄 (bǐng) primarily means 'handle' or 'lever,' referring to the part of an object that is held or operated. It can also imply authority or power in certain contexts, such as having a 'handle' on a situation. Additionally, it is used as a classifier for knives and blades, and can denote the stem of a flower or leaf.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#9652DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of having a 'handle' or control over a situation is significant, often reflecting Confucian values of leadership and responsibility. The character is commonly encountered in discussions about governance and social structures.
Memory tip
Imagine a powerful warrior holding a sword by its 柄 (bǐng), the handle, as he wields his authority. The character's radical 木 (wood) suggests its connection to something made of wood, like a handle, while the pronunciation 'bǐng' sounds similar to the 'b' in 'blade', reminding you of knives and handles.
Meanings of 柄
bǐng(bing3)
1handle, lever, knob; authority
2handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 柄
柄Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柄
Podcast: 柄
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AI study notes for 柄
Quick Contrast
把 (bǎ) - use this entry when referring to a handle in a more functional or practical context, while 柄 (bǐng) often implies a more static or structural aspect.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 柄 (bǐng) with its homophone '病' (bìng), meaning 'illness.' This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing authority or tools. Be careful with tone; it’s pronounced with a falling tone (bǐng), which is crucial for correct understanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柄 (bǐng) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of related vocabulary, especially in contexts involving tools or authority. Focus on recognizing its use in both physical and metaphorical senses.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 柄 in contexts where they should use 把 (bǎ), leading to confusion about the type of handle or its usage. For example, saying '我喜欢这把柄' (wǒ xǐhuān zhè bǎng) incorrectly instead of '我喜欢这个把' (wǒ xǐhuān zhège bǎ) for 'I like this handle.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柄
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 柄 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
柄 = 木 + 丙. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 柄
IDS Structure⿰木丙
柄Full character
=
木Mu4
left
丙bing3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 柄?
How to say handle, lever, knob; authority in Chinese
“handle, lever, knob; authority” in Chinese is柄bǐng
The character 柄 (bǐng) primarily means 'handle' or 'lever,' referring to the part of an object that is held or operated. It can also imply authority or power in certain contexts, such as having a 'handle' on a situation. Additionally, it is used as a classifier for knives and blades, and can denote the stem of a flower or leaf.
When to use 柄
Learners often confuse 柄 (bǐng) with its homophone '病' (bìng), meaning 'illness.' This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing authority or tools. Be careful with tone; it’s pronounced with a falling tone (bǐng), which is crucial for correct understanding.
柄 or something close to it
把 (bǎ) - use this entry when referring to a handle in a more functional or practical context, while 柄 (bǐng) often implies a more static or structural aspect.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 柄 in contexts where they should use 把 (bǎ), leading to confusion about the type of handle or its usage. For example, saying '我喜欢这把柄' (wǒ xǐhuān zhè bǎng) incorrectly instead of '我喜欢这个把' (wǒ xǐhuān zhège bǎ) for 'I like this handle.'
Write 柄
柄
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Grammar patterns of 柄
柄 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 5 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
锹和耙的手____较长，可发挥较好的杠杆作用。
The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.
This telescopic umbrella has 8 close button is fitted into the handle.
10
他用烟斗柄指着我。
tā yòng yān dòu bǐng zhǐzhe wǒ。
He pointed at me with the stem of his pipe.
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Word Family of 柄
Words containing this character12
柄bǐnghandle or shaft (of an axe etc)
把柄bǎbǐnghandle
笑柄a matter for ridicule
手柄handle
权柄authority權柄
曲柄crank handle
话柄a pretext for gossip話柄
叶柄petiole葉柄
授人以柄to hand someone the swordhilt (idiom)
菌柄mushroom stem
斗柄handle of the Big Dipper
锤骨柄manubrium of malleus (handle of hammer bone), connecting ossicles 聽小骨|听小骨 to tympanum 鼓膜錘骨柄
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 柄
What does 把柄 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 柄
While both can mean 'handle,' 柄 specifically refers to the part of a tool or weapon you hold, while 把 (bǎ) is often used as a measure word for objects with handles.
You can remember the pronunciation 'bǐng' by associating it with 'blade,' as both relate to tools that have handles.
Yes, but it's more common in written or formal contexts. In daily conversation, you might hear more casual terms for handles.
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