Meanings of 跋
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Podcast: 跋
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AI Study Notes for 跋
Imagine a brave traveler (the character) climbing steep mountains (the radical '足' meaning foot). Visualize that after a long trek, they write a note at the summit to share their journey (the literary meaning). The pronunciation 'bá' sounds like 'bar'—think of a bar where travelers share their adventures.
Be mindful not to confuse 跋 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature. Common collocations include '跋文' (postscript) and '跋涉' (to trek), so familiarize yourself with these phrases.
Although 跋 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enrich your reading of classical texts. Focus on recognizing it in literary works and connecting it with other characters related to movement or travel, like 行 (xíng) and 走 (zǒu).
In traditional Chinese literature, the use of a 跋 is common in poetry and essays to provide a personal reflection or commentary, often adding depth to the main text and connecting the author's thoughts to the reader.
Learners often mistakenly use 跋 in casual conversation, where simpler terms like 走 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我今天要跋去商店' (I want to trek to the store) instead of '我今天要走去商店' (I want to walk to the store) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 跋
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Etymology of 跋
foot
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 跋?
Decomposition of 跋
Identify the Components
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Write 跋
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Practice writing 跋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 跋
跋 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 3 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
这趟上山是一次艰难的____涉.
It was a hard trudge up the hill.
Example Sentences for 跋 (2)
Cultural Notes for 跋
In traditional Chinese literature, the use of a 跋 is common in poetry and essays to provide a personal reflection or commentary, often adding depth to the main text and connecting the author's thoughts to the reader.
Word Family of 跋
Compound Meaning
What does 跋涉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 跋
While both relate to movement, 跋 emphasizes the idea of trekking or walking in difficult conditions, while 走 is more general, meaning 'to walk' or 'to leave'.
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