horizontal rectangular inscribed tablet hung over a door or on a wall
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
biǎn
basket-couch in coffin
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
biǎn
shallow round woven bamboo basket
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
pián
a board, sign, or tablet made from bamboo
n, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
pián
horizontal rectangular inscribed tablet hung over a door or on a wall
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
pián
basket-couch in coffin
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
匾
pián
shallow round woven bamboo basket
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
biǎn(bian3)
primary
T3
1a board, sign, or tablet made from bamboo
2horizontal rectangular inscribed tablet hung over a door or on a wall
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
匾biǎn(bian3)
The character 匾 (biǎn) refers to a flat, often rectangular board or tablet that is used for inscribing text, typically hung on walls or doors. It can also denote shallow woven bamboo baskets, commonly used in traditional Chinese settings, reflecting its versatile usage in both decorative and functional contexts.
Strokes11Radical匸Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, a beautifully inscribed 匾 is often used to convey good wishes or moral teachings, especially in temples and family homes, signifying respect and heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, rectangular sign (匾) hanging over a door that has a beautiful bamboo pattern. The shape of the character can remind you of a board, and the pronunciation 'biǎn' sounds like a 'band' that holds this sign in place.
Meanings of 匾
biǎn(bian3)
primary
1a board, sign, or tablet made from bamboo
2horizontal rectangular inscribed tablet hung over a door or on a wall
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 匾
匾Simplified
11Strokes
匸Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 匾
Podcast: 匾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 匾
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, rectangular sign (匾) hanging over a door that has a beautiful bamboo pattern. The shape of the character can remind you of a board, and the pronunciation 'biǎn' sounds like a 'band' that holds this sign in place.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 匾 with similar characters that depict different objects or concepts. It is often used in formal contexts, especially related to inscriptions or decorations in homes and temples. Common collocations include '匾额' (biǎn'é) meaning 'inscribed board'.
HSK Study Tips
While 匾 is not an HSK level character, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to home and decorations. Focus on memorizing the structure and pronunciation as it may appear in cultural contexts or historical discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, a beautifully inscribed 匾 is often used to convey good wishes or moral teachings, especially in temples and family homes, signifying respect and heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 匾 with the character 牌 (pái), which also means 'plate' or 'sign' but is used in different contexts. For example, using 匾 to refer to a name tag is incorrect; you should use 牌 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 匾
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Grammar Patterns of 匾
匾 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 4 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
大门口的一侧有块红色的____额。
On one side of the main entrance there's a red plaque.
Example Sentences for 匾 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
大门口的一侧有块红色的匾额。
dà mén kǒu de yī cè yǒu kuài hóng sè de biǎn é。
On one side of the main entrance there's a red plaque.
2
那所教师培训学院为该学院的创立者立了一块纪念牌匾。
nà suǒ jiào shī péi xùn xué yuàn wéi gāi xué yuàn de chuàng lì zhě lì le yī kuài jì niàn pái biǎn。
The teacher training college put up a plaque to the college's founder.
The names of those who died are recorded for posterity on a tablet at the back of the church.
Cultural Notes for 匾
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, a beautifully inscribed 匾 is often used to convey good wishes or moral teachings, especially in temples and family homes, signifying respect and heritage.
Word Family of 匾
Words Containing This Character4
匾biǎnshallow round woven bamboo basket
牌匾board (attached to a wall)
匾额a horizontal inscribed board匾額
横匾horizontal tablet (for an inscription)橫匾
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 匾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匾
You can use 匾 when referring to decorative signs in homes or temples, especially when discussing traditional Chinese architecture.
It is pronounced 'biǎn', with a falling tone on the 'a', so be sure to emphasize that tone.
Not exactly; it typically refers to a specific kind of inscribed or decorative board rather than just any flat board.
