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March 24, 2026
柏bǎi(Bai3)
The character 柏 (bǎi) primarily refers to the cypress or cedar tree, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. It is also a common surname in China and can be used in the context of transcribing foreign names. In literary and poetic contexts, 柏 evokes imagery of strength and longevity.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#6746DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the cypress tree symbolizes immortality and is often found in cemeteries as a protective measure against decay, reflecting the importance of honoring ancestors. The use of 柏 in names can signify strength and resilience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a towering cypress tree (柏) standing strong against the wind. The left component resembles a tree (木), while the right part, with its horizontal lines, can be thought of as the branches of the tree, reinforcing the idea of sturdiness. The pronunciation 'bǎi' can be remembered by picturing a 'bark' of the tree, as both share the 'b' sound.
Meanings of 柏
bǎi(Bai3)
primary
1cypress, cedar
2(used for transcribing names)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柏
柏Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柏
Podcast: 柏
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AI Study Notes for 柏
Usage Notes
When using 柏 (bǎi) as a surname, it is important to note that it is often found in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 白 (bái, white) or 败 (bài, defeat), particularly in spoken Mandarin. Pay attention to the tone as it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the theme of nature found in lower levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in written texts or names and practice its pronunciation to avoid confusion with homophones.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柏 (bǎi) with similar characters like 败 (bài) or 白 (bái) due to similar sounds. For example, saying 'bài' instead of 'bǎi' can lead to misunderstandings, so it's crucial to practice the tones.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柏
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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 白 represents the sound. Simplified form of 栢.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half白 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaytree
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 柏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 柏?
Decomposition of 柏
IDS Structure⿰木白
柏Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
白Bai2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 柏?
How to say surname Bai in Chinese
“surname Bai” in Chinese is柏bǎi
The character 柏 (bǎi) primarily refers to the cypress or cedar tree, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. It is also a common surname in China and can be used in the context of transcribing foreign names. In literary and poetic contexts, 柏 evokes imagery of strength and longevity.
When to use 柏
When using 柏 (bǎi) as a surname, it is important to note that it is often found in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 白 (bái, white) or 败 (bài, defeat), particularly in spoken Mandarin. Pay attention to the tone as it can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柏 (bǎi) with similar characters like 败 (bài) or 白 (bái) due to similar sounds. For example, saying 'bài' instead of 'bǎi' can lead to misunderstandings, so it's crucial to practice the tones.
Write 柏
柏
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Practice writing 柏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 柏
柏 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 4
Complete the Sentence
在东____林就餐曾经是一件危险而且沉闷无趣的事情。
Eating in East Berlin used to be a hazardous and joyless experience.
