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March 24, 2026
捭bǎi(bai3)
The character 捭 (bǎi) means 'to open up' or 'to spread out.' It is often used in contexts involving the action of separating or splitting, suggesting a physical or metaphorical opening. This character is less commonly used in everyday language and may appear in literary or classical texts.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of opening up or spreading out can relate to ideas of enlightenment and knowledge, symbolizing the expansion of one's mind and understanding.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of hands spreading out a large map (the character 捭 looks like hands pushing apart). The sound 'bǎi' can be remembered by associating it with the idea of 'broadening' your perspective as you open up the map.
Meanings of 捭
bǎi(bai3)
primary
1to open up, to spread out
2to open
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 捭
捭Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 捭
Podcast: 捭
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AI Study Notes for 捭
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of hands spreading out a large map (the character 捭 looks like hands pushing apart). The sound 'bǎi' can be remembered by associating it with the idea of 'broadening' your perspective as you open up the map.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 捭 with similar characters like 开 (kāi) which also means 'to open.' While 开 is more general and widely used, 捭 may appear in more specialized contexts. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As 捭 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners at lower levels should focus on more common synonyms like 开. However, understanding this character can provide insights into classical texts, which may enhance comprehension of advanced vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of opening up or spreading out can relate to ideas of enlightenment and knowledge, symbolizing the expansion of one's mind and understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 捭 in place of 开 (kāi) when referring to general opening actions. For example, saying '我捭门' (wǒ bǎi mén) instead of '我开门' (wǒ kāi mén) would be incorrect. Always consider the context to choose the appropriate word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捭
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Cultural Notes for 捭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of opening up or spreading out can relate to ideas of enlightenment and knowledge, symbolizing the expansion of one's mind and understanding.
Word Family of 捭
Words Containing This Character1
捭bǎito split
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 捭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捭
An example sentence is '捭阖之道' (bǎi hé zhī dào), which refers to the principle of opening and closing, often used in strategic contexts.
No, 捭 is less common in everyday language and is more often found in classical literature.
The correct pronunciation is in the third tone (bǎi).
