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March 24, 2026
鞭biān(bian1)
The character 鞭 (biān) primarily means 'whip' or 'lash.' It is commonly used in contexts related to punishment or control, such as in traditional practices or in literature. Additionally, it can refer to a conductor's baton in music, illustrating its versatile usage in different contexts.
Strokes18Radical革Frequency#14018DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, whips were often used in agricultural practices and in the training of animals. The term also appears in classical literature, symbolizing authority and discipline.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, flexible whip (鞭) that you can swing around. The character has a radical on the left that resembles a hand holding a whip, emphasizing the action of striking or lashing. To remember the pronunciation, think of a 'band' that 'bends' as it whips back and forth.
Meanings of 鞭
biān(bian1)
1whip or lash
2to flog
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞭
鞭Simplified
18Strokes
革Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14018Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞭
Podcast: 鞭
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AI Study Notes for 鞭
Quick Contrast
鞭 (biān) vs 拳 (quán) — choose 鞭 when referring specifically to a whip or lash, while 拳 refers to a fist.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a long, flexible whip (鞭) that you can swing around. The character has a radical on the left that resembles a hand holding a whip, emphasizing the action of striking or lashing. To remember the pronunciation, think of a 'band' that 'bends' as it whips back and forth.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 鞭 with similar-sounding words, such as 边 (biān - edge) due to tonal differences. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing music, the term should be used more formally. Common collocations include '鞭子' (biānzi - whip) and '鞭策' (biāncè - to spur on).
HSK Study Tips
While 鞭 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK 4 and 5 words related to animals and music. Focus on its use in literary and historical texts to understand cultural implications.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, whips were often used in agricultural practices and in the training of animals. The term also appears in classical literature, symbolizing authority and discipline.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 鞭 due to its tone; ensure not to confuse it with biān (边 - edge). Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in contexts unrelated to its meanings, such as confusing it with '打' (dǎ - to hit), which has a broader application.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞭
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Grammar Patterns of 鞭
鞭 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 7 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
目击证人称梅尔顿先生抽打了这匹马16____之多。
Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times.
Example Sentences for 鞭 (10)
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1
目击证人称梅尔顿先生抽打了这匹马16鞭之多。
mù jī zhèng rén chēng méi ěr dùn xiān shēng chōu dǎ le zhè pǐ mǎ16 16 biān zhī。
Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times.
English schoolmasters used to cane the boys as a punishment.
8
他轻抽一下鞭子.
tā qīng chōu yī xià biān zǐ.
He gave a flick of the whip.
9
我自己那一点点的虚荣心和史朵夫给我的帮助, 却不知怎么鞭策了我.
wǒ zì jǐ nà yī diǎn diǎn de xū róng xīn hé shǐ duǒ fū gěi wǒ de bāng zhù, , què bù zhī zěn mó biān cè le.
My little vanity, and Steerforth's help, urged me on somehow.
10
赶大车的人扬鞭朝着马轻轻地抽打.
gǎn dà chē de rén yáng biān zhāo zháo mǎ qīng qīng dì chōu dǎ.
The carter flipped at the horse with his whip.
Cultural Notes for 鞭
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, whips were often used in agricultural practices and in the training of animals. The term also appears in classical literature, symbolizing authority and discipline.
Word Family of 鞭
Words Containing This Character20
鞭biānto flog
鞭炮biānpàofirecrackers
鞭子whip
鞭打to whip
鞭策biāncèto spur on
放鞭炮to set off firecrackers
皮鞭lash
教鞭teacher's pointer
鞭笞to flog
马鞭horsewhip馬鞭
鞭挞to lash鞭撻
扬鞭to whip on揚鞭
快马加鞭to go as fast as possible快馬加鞭
鞭长莫及too far to be able to help鞭長莫及
鞭毛flagellum
牛鞭pizzle
钢鞭mace (weapon)鋼鞭
鞭辟入里penetrated鞭闢入裡
掘墓鞭尸to exhume a body for public flogging (idiom)掘墓鞭屍
投鞭断流arms enough to stem the stream (idiom); formidable army投鞭斷流
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鞭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞭
Common phrases include '鞭子' (biānzi - whip) and '抽鞭' (chōubiān - to whip).
Yes, 鞭 can be used metaphorically to describe encouragement or motivation, similar to how one might 'whip' someone into shape.
Yes, while it has historical connotations, 鞭 is still relevant in discussions about music and discipline.
