Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
柄bǐng(bing3)
The character 柄 (bǐng) primarily means 'handle' or 'lever,' referring to the part of an object that is held or operated. It can also imply authority or power in certain contexts, such as having a 'handle' on a situation. Additionally, it is used as a classifier for knives and blades, and can denote the stem of a flower or leaf.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#9652DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of having a 'handle' or control over a situation is significant, often reflecting Confucian values of leadership and responsibility. The character is commonly encountered in discussions about governance and social structures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a powerful warrior holding a sword by its 柄 (bǐng), the handle, as he wields his authority. The character's radical 木 (wood) suggests its connection to something made of wood, like a handle, while the pronunciation 'bǐng' sounds similar to the 'b' in 'blade', reminding you of knives and handles.
Meanings of 柄
bǐng(bing3)
1handle, lever, knob; authority
2handle or shaft (of an axe etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柄
柄Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柄
Podcast: 柄
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 柄
Quick Contrast
把 (bǎ) - use this entry when referring to a handle in a more functional or practical context, while 柄 (bǐng) often implies a more static or structural aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a powerful warrior holding a sword by its 柄 (bǐng), the handle, as he wields his authority. The character's radical 木 (wood) suggests its connection to something made of wood, like a handle, while the pronunciation 'bǐng' sounds similar to the 'b' in 'blade', reminding you of knives and handles.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 柄 (bǐng) with its homophone '病' (bìng), meaning 'illness.' This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing authority or tools. Be careful with tone; it’s pronounced with a falling tone (bǐng), which is crucial for correct understanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柄 (bǐng) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of related vocabulary, especially in contexts involving tools or authority. Focus on recognizing its use in both physical and metaphorical senses.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of having a 'handle' or control over a situation is significant, often reflecting Confucian values of leadership and responsibility. The character is commonly encountered in discussions about governance and social structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 柄 in contexts where they should use 把 (bǎ), leading to confusion about the type of handle or its usage. For example, saying '我喜欢这把柄' (wǒ xǐhuān zhè bǎng) incorrectly instead of '我喜欢这个把' (wǒ xǐhuān zhège bǎ) for 'I like this handle.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柄
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 柄 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 柄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 柄
柄 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 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
锹和耙的手____较长，可发挥较好的杠杆作用。
The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.
Example Sentences for 柄 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
锹和耙的手柄较长，可发挥较好的杠杆作用。
qiāo hé bà de shǒu bǐng jiào cháng， ， kě fā huī jiào hǎo de gàng gān zuò。
The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.
2
金属柄的锅可能会热得烫手。
jīn shǔ bǐng de guō kě néng huì rè dé tàng shǒu。
Metal-handled pans can get really hot and burn you.
Transfer this sauce to a separate saucepan, if desired.
4
他手里拿着一根有金制曲柄的手杖。
tā shǒu lǐ ná zháo yī gēn yǒu jīn zhì qū bǐng de shǒu zhàng。
In his hand, he carried a gold-tipped crook.
5
手柄可以从包上取下来.
shǒu bǐng kě yǐ cóng bāo shàng qǔ xià lái.
The handle is detachable from the bag.
6
锤子头是纯银制成的，雕刻着神圣符文，而握柄则被精心地包裹在蓝色的皮革中。
chuí zǐ tóu shì chún yín zhì chéng de， ， diāo kè zháo shén shèng fú， wén ， ér wò bǐng zé bèi jīng xīn dì bāo guǒ zài lán sè de pí。
The hammer's silvery head was etched with holy runs and its haft was meticulously wrapped in blue leather.
7
他提着一根柄上镶银的红木手杖.
tā tí zháo yī gēn bǐng shàng xiāng yín de hóng mù shǒu zhàng.
He carried a mahogany cane with a silver head to it.
8
菌柄:蘑菇或伞菌结构的一部分,其上着生菌盖.
jūn bǐng: : mó gū huò sǎn jūn jié gòu de yī bù, fēn , qí shàng zháo shēng.
The stalk of mushroom or toadstool , which bears the cap or pileus.
9
这种折叠伞伞架有8根,开合伞的按钮在伞柄中.
zhè zhǒng zhē dié sǎn sǎn jià yǒu8 8, gēn , kāi hé sǎn de àn niǔ zài sǎn.
This telescopic umbrella has 8 close button is fitted into the handle.
10
他用烟斗柄指着我。
tā yòng yān dǒu bǐng zhǐ zháo wǒ。
He pointed at me with the stem of his pipe.
Cultural Notes for 柄
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of having a 'handle' or control over a situation is significant, often reflecting Confucian values of leadership and responsibility. The character is commonly encountered in discussions about governance and social structures.
Word Family of 柄
Words Containing This Character12
柄bǐnghandle or shaft (of an axe etc)
把柄bǎbǐnghandle
笑柄a matter for ridicule
手柄handle
权柄authority權柄
曲柄crank handle
话柄a pretext for gossip話柄
叶柄petiole葉柄
授人以柄to hand someone the swordhilt (idiom)
菌柄mushroom stem
斗柄handle of the Big Dipper
锤骨柄manubrium of malleus (handle of hammer bone), connecting ossicles 聽小骨|听小骨 to tympanum 鼓膜錘骨柄
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 柄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柄
While both can mean 'handle,' 柄 specifically refers to the part of a tool or weapon you hold, while 把 (bǎ) is often used as a measure word for objects with handles.
You can remember the pronunciation 'bǐng' by associating it with 'blade,' as both relate to tools that have handles.
Yes, but it's more common in written or formal contexts. In daily conversation, you might hear more casual terms for handles.
