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杷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
loquat tree; axe handlex, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
handle or shaft (of an axe etc)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
hoeunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
to harrowunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
loquat tree; axe handlex, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
handle or shaft (of an axe etc)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
hoeunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
to harrowunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
(ba4)
primary
T4
  1. 1loquat tree; axe handle
  2. 2handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(ba4)

The character 杷 (bà) primarily refers to the loquat tree, known for its sweet, edible fruit. It can also denote the handle or shaft of tools like axes or hoes. In various contexts, the character may symbolize agricultural tools or the natural world associated with loquat cultivation.

Strokes8RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the loquat tree is valued not just for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often featured in traditional herbal remedies. Its presence in gardens symbolizes prosperity and health.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large, sturdy axe (the handle is 杷) next to a loquat tree. The shape of the character resembles the long handle of the axe, while the fruit hanging from the tree reminds you of its connection to the loquat.

Meanings of 杷

(ba4)
primary
1loquat tree; axe handle
2handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 杷

Simplified
8Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 杷

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 杷

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a large, sturdy axe (the handle is 杷) next to a loquat tree. The shape of the character resembles the long handle of the axe, while the fruit hanging from the tree reminds you of its connection to the loquat.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 杷 with similar characters in pronunciation or meaning. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more commonly found in agricultural discussions. Remember that the tone is crucial; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 杷 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary related to agriculture and tools. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context and how it relates to the broader theme of nature and farming.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the loquat tree is valued not just for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often featured in traditional herbal remedies. Its presence in gardens symbolizes prosperity and health.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 杷 with similar-sounding characters, leading to mispronunciation. For example, saying 'mǎ' (马) instead of 'bà' (杷) changes the meaning entirely. Always remember to practice the correct tones.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 杷

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Etymology of 杷

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 杷?

Decomposition of 杷

IDS Structure⿰木巴
Full Character
=
Mu4
left
Ba1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 杷?

Write 杷

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

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Cultural Notes for 杷

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the loquat tree is valued not just for its fruit but also for its medicinal properties, often featured in traditional herbal remedies. Its presence in gardens symbolizes prosperity and health.

Word Family of 杷

Words Containing This Character2
枇杷loquat fruit
hoe
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 枇杷 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 杷

The loquat tree is a fruit-bearing tree that produces sweet, yellow-orange fruits, commonly found in southern China.