Meanings of 褊
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 褊
Podcast: 褊
Podcast: 褊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 褊
When using 褊, be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters. It is generally more formal and can be used in both written and spoken contexts, but is particularly prevalent in descriptive or literary language. Common collocations include 褊迫 (crowded) and 褊急 (urgent).
Although 褊 is not present in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other descriptive words in the HSK levels, like 窄 (narrow) and 急 (urgent). Students should focus on understanding its nuances in describing both physical and emotional states.
Learners often confuse 褊 with similar characters like 窄 (narrow) or 急 (urgent). For example, saying '这个地方很急' (This place is very urgent) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '这个地方很褊' to convey it is cramped.
Pronunciation of 褊
Drill the tone of 褊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 褊
cloth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 褊
- 1The meaning half衤 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half扁 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaycloth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 褊? 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
What type of character formation is 褊?
Decomposition of 褊
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 褊?
How to say 4cramped, narrow; crowded; urgent in Chinese
“4cramped, narrow; crowded; urgent” in Chinese is褊
The character 褊 (biǎn) refers to something that is cramped, narrow, or crowded. It can describe physical spaces, such as a narrow path or tight quarters, as well as metaphorical situations, like urgent circumstances or a sense of being overwhelmed. It embodies a feeling of constriction or urgency in various contexts.
When to use 褊
When using 褊, be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters. It is generally more formal and can be used in both written and spoken contexts, but is particularly prevalent in descriptive or literary language. Common collocations include 褊迫 (crowded) and 褊急 (urgent).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 褊 with similar characters like 窄 (narrow) or 急 (urgent). For example, saying '这个地方很急' (This place is very urgent) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '这个地方很褊' to convey it is cramped.
Write 褊
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 褊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 褊
Compound Meaning
What does 褊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 褊
You can say: '这个房间太褊了,放不下更多的家具。' (This room is too cramped to fit more furniture.)
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 褊?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.