Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
孛 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
bèicometzg, 7 strokes, radical 子, rank #16041, Hard
bèi(bei4) T4
  1. 1comet
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
bèi(bei4)

The character 孛 (bèi) refers specifically to a comet, which is a celestial object composed of ice, dust, and gas that orbits the sun. In ancient Chinese astronomy, comets were often seen as omens or significant events in the sky, making this term carry a sense of wonder and respect for astronomical phenomena.

Strokes7RadicalFrequency#16041DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, comets were often interpreted as omens of change, impacting political and social events. This belief highlights the historical significance placed on celestial events in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 孛 (bèi) as a 'comet' that 'breaks' through the sky. The '子' (zǐ) at the bottom resembles a star, while the '丿' (piě) at the top can remind you of the comet's tail streaking across the night.

Meanings of 孛

bèi(bei4)
1comet
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 孛

Simplified
7Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 孛

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 孛

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the character 孛 (bèi) as a 'comet' that 'breaks' through the sky. The '子' (zǐ) at the bottom resembles a star, while the '丿' (piě) at the top can remind you of the comet's tail streaking across the night.

Usage Notes

While 孛 (bèi) is the technical term for a comet, in everyday conversation, people might simply refer to celestial objects more generally. Be cautious with pronunciation, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other terms.

HSK Study Tips

As 孛 (bèi) is not a commonly used word in daily conversation, students should focus on understanding its astronomical context. It can be connected to other terms related to nature and space, which may appear in advanced HSK levels.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, comets were often interpreted as omens of change, impacting political and social events. This belief highlights the historical significance placed on celestial events in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 孛 (bèi) with similar-sounding characters like 背 (bèi), which means 'to carry' or 'back.' Ensure you practice the correct pronunciation and context to avoid this mix-up.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 孛

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 孛

Decomposition of 孛

IDS Structure⿱十⿱冖子
Full Character
=
shi2
top
mi4
top
zi3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 孛?

Write 孛

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 孛

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, comets were often interpreted as omens of change, impacting political and social events. This belief highlights the historical significance placed on celestial events in Chinese society.

Word Family of 孛

Words Containing This Character1
bèicomet
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 孛 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 孛

It is pronounced as bèi, with a falling tone.