Meanings of 般
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About 般
Podcast: 般
Podcast: 般
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AI Study Notes for 般
类 (lèi) - use 般 when referring to a manner or way of doing something, while 类 is more focused on categorization or classification of types.
Imagine a 'band' (which sounds like 'bān') playing different kinds of music. Each 'band' represents a different sort or category of music, helping you remember that 般 relates to kinds and sorts.
This character is often used in a more formal context, and beginners might confuse it with similar-sounding characters. Be cautious with the tone; it's pronounced with a high level tone (bān). Common collocations include 般的 (bān de) meaning 'of this kind'.
Though 般 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary that categorizes or describes things. Students at this level should focus on using it in phrases that describe types or manners of actions.
In Chinese culture, the categorization of things is important, often seen in traditional practices such as medicine, where different types of herbs are categorized by their effects and uses.
Learners often confuse 般 (bān) with 版 (bǎn), which means 'version' or 'edition'. For example, saying '这种版的音乐' instead of '这种般的音乐' would be incorrect.
Pronunciation of 般
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Etymology of 般
Phonosemantic compound. 殳 represents the meaning and 凡 represents the sound. The original 凡 component was later reanalyzed as 舟 (boat).
Using a tool 殳 to sort items on a tray 舟
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 般?
Decomposition of 般
Identify the Components
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Write 般
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Practice writing 般 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 般
般 functions as a grammatical particle — it carries no standalone meaning but signals a grammatical relationship. Particles attach to specific positions in the sentence (clause-final 吗/吧/呢, post-verbal 了/过/着, post-noun 的) and rarely move. It carries 6 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.
Complete the Sentence
一____来说，选手参加了比赛是不能退出的。
Generally speaking, once a contestant enters a competition, they cannot withdraw.
Common Confusions with 般
Similar pronunciation but different meanings and shapes.
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "sort"?
Example Sentences for 般 (10)
Cultural Notes for 般
'般' has its roots in the character 殳, which depicts a tool used for sorting items, combined with 舟, symbolizing a tray or platform. This etymology emphasizes the idea of classification and categorization.
In Chinese culture, the categorization of things is important, often seen in traditional practices such as medicine, where different types of herbs are categorized by their effects and uses.
In Chinese culture, categorizing things is essential, as it helps in understanding and organizing the world. This is similar to how Western cultures use classifications in science and philosophy.
Word Family of 般
Compound Meaning
What does 搬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 般
Some common phrases that include 般 (bān) are '一般' (yībān), meaning 'generally' or 'usually,' and '般配' (bānpèi), which means 'to match or be compatible.' These phrases show how 般 can be used in various contexts.