Meanings of 筆
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About 筆
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Podcast: 筆
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AI Study Notes for 筆
毛笔 (máobǐ) is specifically a brush used for calligraphy, while 筆 (bǐ) is a more general term for writing instruments.
Be mindful of the context when using 筆, as it can refer to different types of writing instruments. In informal settings, it might simply mean 'pen', while in formal contexts, it can refer to artistic tools like brushes. Common collocations include '簽字筆' (signature pen) and '毛筆' (writing brush).
Although 筆 is not explicitly listed in HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK Level 1 and 2 words related to writing and education, such as '書' (book) and '寫' (to write). Students should practice using it in sentences to reinforce its meaning and usage.
Learners often confuse 筆 with 鉛筆 (qiānbǐ), which means 'pencil.' For example, saying '我需要一支筆' (Wǒ xūyào yī zhī bǐ) when they mean 'I need a pencil' can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify the type of writing instrument.
Pronunciation of 筆
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Etymology of 筆
Simplified form of 筆. Depicts a utensil for writing (聿) made from bamboo (⺮).
A bamboo rod ⺮ used as a pencil 聿
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 筆
Simplified form of 筆. Depicts a utensil for writing (聿) made from bamboo (⺮).
- 1The giveawayA bamboo rod ⺮ used as a pencil 聿
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 筆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 筆
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How to say pen, pencil, writing brush; to compose, to write; Hanzi stroke in Chinese
“pen, pencil, writing brush; to compose, to write; Hanzi stroke” in Chinese is筆
The character 筆 (bǐ) refers to a writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, or brush. It is commonly used in contexts related to writing, drawing, or calligraphy, and can also denote the act of composing or writing text. In Chinese culture, the brush (毛笔) is especially significant, symbolizing artistic expression and traditional scholarship.
When to use 筆
Be mindful of the context when using 筆, as it can refer to different types of writing instruments. In informal settings, it might simply mean 'pen', while in formal contexts, it can refer to artistic tools like brushes. Common collocations include '簽字筆' (signature pen) and '毛筆' (writing brush).
筆 or something close to it
毛笔 (máobǐ) is specifically a brush used for calligraphy, while 筆 (bǐ) is a more general term for writing instruments.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 筆 with 鉛筆 (qiānbǐ), which means 'pencil.' For example, saying '我需要一支筆' (Wǒ xūyào yī zhī bǐ) when they mean 'I need a pencil' can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify the type of writing instrument.
Write 筆
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Practice writing 筆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 筆
Compound Meaning
What does 笔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 筆
鋼筆 specifically refers to a fountain pen, which has a metal nib, while 筆 can refer to any writing instrument including pens, pencils, and brushes.
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