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March 24, 2026
鼙pí(pi2)
The character 鼙 (pí) refers to a type of drum traditionally carried on horseback, often used in military contexts to signal commands or boost morale. It represents a specific cultural artifact associated with historical Chinese warfare and ceremonies, highlighting the importance of music in these settings.
Strokes21Radical鼓Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 鼙 played a crucial role in military history, as it was used in battle to communicate and coordinate troops. Understanding this character can provide insight into the significance of music and communication in Chinese military traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse galloping through a battlefield, with a large drum (the 鼙) strapped to its side. The sound of the drum echoes, rallying the troops. The radical 鼠 (rat) can remind you of the sound 'pí' as it scurries, linking the image of sound with the character's meaning.
Meanings of 鼙
pí(pi2)
1drum carried on horseback
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About 鼙
鼙Simplified
21Strokes
鼓Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鼙
Podcast: 鼙
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AI Study Notes for 鼙
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horse galloping through a battlefield, with a large drum (the 鼙) strapped to its side. The sound of the drum echoes, rallying the troops. The radical 鼠 (rat) can remind you of the sound 'pí' as it scurries, linking the image of sound with the character's meaning.
Usage Notes
This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more suited for historical or cultural discussions. Learners should be careful not to confuse it with related terms for different types of drums, and be aware that it may sound formal or archaic in modern contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鼙 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects to the theme of musical instruments, which can help learners associate it with other related terms such as 鼓 (gǔ), meaning drum. Focus on pronunciation and the historical context to enrich your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 鼙 played a crucial role in military history, as it was used in battle to communicate and coordinate troops. Understanding this character can provide insight into the significance of music and communication in Chinese military traditions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼙 with other types of drums, like 鼓 (gǔ). Remember that 鼙 specifically refers to the horse-carried drum, while 鼓 is a more general term for drums.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼙
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Cultural Notes for 鼙
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the 鼙 played a crucial role in military history, as it was used in battle to communicate and coordinate troops. Understanding this character can provide insight into the significance of music and communication in Chinese military traditions.
Word Family of 鼙
Words Containing This Character1
鼙pídrum carried on horseback
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 鼙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼙
It is pronounced as 'pí', with a rising tone.
No, 鼙 is mostly historical and not used in modern conversational Chinese.
It was significant in military settings, used to boost morale and relay commands.
