Meanings of 巴
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About 巴
Podcast: 巴
Podcast: 巴
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AI Study Notes for 巴
巴 is versatile and can appear in both formal and informal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters; remember that 巴 specifically relates to the meanings associated with attachment or proximity. Be cautious with its pronunciation, as the fourth tone (bā) conveys different meanings than other tones.
Though 巴 is not an HSK level character, it connects well with the HSK 1 vocabulary related to transportation, like 公共汽车 (gōnggòng qìchē, bus). Focus on understanding its various usages, especially in colloquial language.
Learners often confuse 巴 with other similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, using it to mean 'father' (父) instead of its correct context of longing or sticking can create confusion.
Pronunciation of 巴
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Etymology of 巴
Pictograph of a person grabbing something with their hand.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 巴
Pictograph of a person grabbing something with their hand.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 巴? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 巴?
Decomposition of 巴
Identify the Components
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How to say surname Ba in Chinese
“surname Ba” in Chinese is巴
The character 巴 (bā) has multiple meanings, predominantly relating to the ancient Ba state during the Zhou dynasty, located in modern Sichuan. It also signifies a desire or longing for something, and can mean to cling or stick to something. Additionally, it is used informally to refer to a bus, and serves as an abbreviation for locations like Palestine and Pakistan.
When to use 巴
巴 is versatile and can appear in both formal and informal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters; remember that 巴 specifically relates to the meanings associated with attachment or proximity. Be cautious with its pronunciation, as the fourth tone (bā) conveys different meanings than other tones.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 巴 with other similar characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, using it to mean 'father' (父) instead of its correct context of longing or sticking can create confusion.
Write 巴
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Practice writing 巴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 巴
巴 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 19 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.
Complete the Sentence
他跑了十个多小时，____不得一步就到家。
He had been running for over ten hours and desperately wished he could get home in a single step.
Common Confusions with 巴
Different meanings and uses despite similar pronunciation.
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "surname Ba"?
Example Sentences for 巴 (22)
Word Family of 巴
Compound Meaning
What does 吧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巴
Yes, 巴 (bā) is a recognized surname in China, although it may not be as common as other surnames. It is often associated with certain regions and historical contexts, adding to its significance in Chinese culture.
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