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卟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
卟bǔa chemical compound; divination; to considerx, 5 strokes, radical 口
bǔ(bu3)bu T3
  1. 1a chemical compound; divination; to consider
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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
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

By ear

Play it, then pick what 卟 means.

About 卟

卟Simplified
5Strokes
口Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 卟

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Podcast: 卟

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AI Study Notes for 卟

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.

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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Jason Explains 卟 to You

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Learning Lab

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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

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Etymology of 卟

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To speak 口 of the future 卜; 卜 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 卟?

Decomposition of 卟

IDS Structure⿰口卜
卟Full Character
=
口kou3
left
卜—
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 卟?

How to say a chemical compound; divination; to consider in Chinese

“a chemical compound; divination; to consider” in Chinese is卟bǔ

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.

When to use 卟

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.

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 卟

卟

Practice writing 卟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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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 1

Words with 卟

What does 卟啉 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 卟

In chemistry, 卟 refers to specific chemical compounds such as porphyrin and porphin.

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