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March 24, 2026
卟bǔ(bu3)
The character 卟 (bǔ) refers to a chemical compound and is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry. It can also imply the act of considering or divining, making it a term that can bridge both technical and philosophical discussions.
Strokes5Radical口Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese medicine and ancient practices, divination plays a significant role; thus, the dual meaning of 卟 connects science and traditional beliefs, reflecting how both can coexist in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bubbling potion in a lab (the chemical aspect of 卟), and visualize a wizard contemplating the future (the divination aspect). The character looks like a bubbling cauldron over a fire, reminding you of transformation and consideration in both science and foresight.
Meanings of 卟
bǔ(bu3)
1a chemical compound; divination; to consider
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 卟
卟Simplified
5Strokes
口Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 卟
Podcast: 卟
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AI Study Notes for 卟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bubbling potion in a lab (the chemical aspect of 卟), and visualize a wizard contemplating the future (the divination aspect). The character looks like a bubbling cauldron over a fire, reminding you of transformation and consideration in both science and foresight.
Usage Notes
This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in scientific literature. Learners often confuse it with more common characters; ensure you use it in the right context to avoid sounding overly formal or esoteric.
HSK Study Tips
While 卟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to advanced scientific terms and compounds. Students should focus on understanding its usage in chemistry and its role in specialized discussions to build a broader vocabulary in technical subjects.
Cultural Note
In Chinese medicine and ancient practices, divination plays a significant role; thus, the dual meaning of 卟 connects science and traditional beliefs, reflecting how both can coexist in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 卟 with similar characters like 不 (bù) or 否 (fǒu), which have different meanings. A common mistake is using 卟 in casual contexts or when expressing negation, where 不 would be appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 卟
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Cultural Notes for 卟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese medicine and ancient practices, divination plays a significant role; thus, the dual meaning of 卟 connects science and traditional beliefs, reflecting how both can coexist in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 卟
Words Containing This Character2
卟bǔsee 卟啉, porphyrin
卟啉porphyrin (organic chemical essential to hemoglobin and chlorophyll) (loanword)
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 卟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卟
In chemistry, 卟 refers to specific chemical compounds such as porphyrin and porphin.
It is not commonly used in casual conversation and is best reserved for scientific discussions.
It is considered a formal term primarily used in academic or scientific settings.