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March 24, 2026
霸(覇)bà(ba4)
The character 霸 (bà) refers to a tyrant or someone who rules by might, often usurping power. It can be used in various contexts, including historical references to feudal lords or in modern usage to denote a dominant figure in advertising or business. The nuance often implies a negative connotation of oppression or authoritarianism.
Strokes21Radical雨Frequency#10385DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 霸 has been significant, particularly during the Warring States period when various states vied for dominance. The term reflects the historical struggle for power and the perception of rulers as tyrants or benevolent leaders.
Memory Tip
Imagine a powerful king sitting on a throne, surrounded by symbols of might like swords and shields — this represents 霸 (bà). The character's shape resembles a ruler imposing their will, and the pronunciation 'bà' can be remembered as 'bad king' to emphasize the tyrannical aspect.
Meanings of 霸
bà(ba4)
1tyrant; to usurp, to rule by might
2lord
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 霸
霸Simplified
覇Traditional
21Strokes
雨Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10385Frequency Rank
Podcast: 霸
Podcast: 霸
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AI Study Notes for 霸
Quick Contrast
霸 (bà) vs 强 (qiáng) — choose 霸 when emphasizing tyrannical power, while 强 focuses on strength or capability without the oppressive connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a powerful king sitting on a throne, surrounded by symbols of might like swords and shields — this represents 霸 (bà). The character's shape resembles a ruler imposing their will, and the pronunciation 'bà' can be remembered as 'bad king' to emphasize the tyrannical aspect.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 霸 (bà) in conversation, as it has strong negative connotations. It's more appropriate in formal contexts or discussions about history and power dynamics. Common collocations include 霸权 (bàquán, hegemony) and 霸道 (bàdào, tyrannical).
HSK Study Tips
Although 霸 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects with words like 权 (quán, power) and 势 (shì, force), which are crucial for expressing authority and influence. Focus on understanding its negative implications and how it interacts with other words related to power.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 霸 has been significant, particularly during the Warring States period when various states vied for dominance. The term reflects the historical struggle for power and the perception of rulers as tyrants or benevolent leaders.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 霸 (bà) with other words for authority like 权 (quán), which is more neutral. For example, saying '他是一个霸权' (Tā shì yīgè bàquán) can be misleading; instead, say '他是一个霸主' (Tā shì yīgè bàzhǔ) to clarify it refers to a tyrant.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 霸
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Grammar Patterns of 霸
霸 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 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
管事者专横____道，典型的小地方人。
The guy in charge was the typical smalltown tyrant.
Example Sentences for 霸 (4)
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1
管事者专横霸道，典型的小地方人。
guǎn shì zhě zhuān héng bà dào， ， diǎn xíng de xiǎo dì fāng。
The guy in charge was the typical smalltown tyrant.
2
他不想让自己显得太专横霸道。
tā bù xiǎng ràng zì jǐ xiǎn dé tài zhuān héng bà dào。
He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.
I say it's a good sign when the bastards have to throw their weight about.
Cultural Notes for 霸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of 霸 has been significant, particularly during the Warring States period when various states vied for dominance. The term reflects the historical struggle for power and the perception of rulers as tyrants or benevolent leaders.
Word Family of 霸
Compounds3
灞Ba4a river in Shanxi province
壩ba4embankment; dam
欛
Words Containing This Character20
争霸a power struggle爭霸
霸bàhegemon
霸气imperious霸氣
霸王hegemon
霸道bàdàoabbr. for 霸王之道
霸占bàzhànto seize霸佔
称霸to take a leading role稱霸
霸主overlord
巨无霸giant巨無霸
恶霸evil tyrant惡霸
横行霸道to oppress橫行霸道
霸权hegemony霸權
霸权主义hegemonism霸權主義
独霸to monopolize獨霸
霸业the task of establishing and maintaining hegemony霸業
霸州Bazhou county level city in Langfang 廊坊[Lángfáng], Hebei
独霸一方to hold as one's personal fiefdom獨霸一方
路霸brigand
霸州市Bazhou county level city in Langfang 廊坊[Lángfáng], Hebei
霸县Ba county in Tianjin霸縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 灞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 霸
霸 (bà) specifically refers to a tyrant or someone who rules by force, while other terms may have more neutral or positive connotations.
Typically, no. It carries a negative connotation and is mostly used to describe oppressive rulers or domineering figures.
It is pronounced with a falling tone, as in 'bà', similar to how you would emphasize 'bad' in English.
