unknown, 8 strokes, radical 禾, rank #31727, Very Hard
bǐng(Bing3) T3
1to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over
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March 24, 2026
秉bǐng(Bing3)
The character 秉 (bǐng) primarily means 'to grasp' or 'to hold,' often used in contexts where someone is maintaining or presiding over something, such as responsibilities or authority. It can also refer to a surname and is commonly encountered in formal or literary contexts.
Strokes8Radical禾Frequency#31727DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'holding authority' is significant, particularly in governance and leadership. The character reflects the importance of responsible leadership, which is often emphasized in Chinese philosophy and history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a large banner (the character's form resembles someone grasping something) while presiding over an important event. The image of 'holding' something tightly can help you remember the pronunciation 'bǐng' as you visualize it.
Meanings of 秉
bǐng(Bing3)
1to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 秉
秉Simplified
8Strokes
禾Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 秉
Podcast: 秉
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AI Study Notes for 秉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a large banner (the character's form resembles someone grasping something) while presiding over an important event. The image of 'holding' something tightly can help you remember the pronunciation 'bǐng' as you visualize it.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 秉 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 秉持 (to uphold) and 秉政 (to govern).
HSK Study Tips
While 秉 is not part of the current HSK vocabulary, it relates to other HSK Level 4 words such as 持 (to hold) and 管 (to manage). Focus on understanding the nuances of control and authority in its usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'holding authority' is significant, particularly in governance and leadership. The character reflects the importance of responsible leadership, which is often emphasized in Chinese philosophy and history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 秉 with the character 持 (chí), which also means 'to hold' but is used more broadly in everyday contexts. For example, saying '我秉这个文件' (I hold this document) is incorrect; it should be '我持这个文件'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 秉
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Grammar Patterns of 秉
秉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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
我爱上他，是因为他____性善良。
I fell in love with him because of his kind nature.
Example Sentences for 秉 (1)
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1
我爱上他，是因为他秉性善良。
wǒ ài shàng tā， ， shì yīn wéi tā bǐng xìng shàn。
I fell in love with him because of his kind nature.
Cultural Notes for 秉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'holding authority' is significant, particularly in governance and leadership. The character reflects the importance of responsible leadership, which is often emphasized in Chinese philosophy and history.
Word Family of 秉
Words Containing This Character10
秉承bǐngchéngto take orders
秉bǐngto grasp
秉性innate character
秉公justly
秉持to uphold
戴秉国Dai Bingguo (1941-), a Chinese politician and professional diplomat戴秉國
施秉Shibing county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture 黔東南州|黔东南州[Qiándōngnánzhōu], Guizhou
秉烛by bright candlelight秉燭
施秉县Shibing county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture 黔東南州|黔东南州[Qiándōngnánzhōu], Guizhou施秉縣
秉笔直书to record faithfully秉筆直書
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 秉承 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 秉
You can say 秉持原则 (bǐngchí yuánzé), meaning 'to uphold principles.'
No, 秉 is more commonly found in formal writing and discussions about authority or governance.
Synonyms include 持 (chí) which means 'to hold' and 管 (guǎn) which means 'to manage.'
