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March 24, 2026
柏bǎi(Bai3)
The character 柏 (bǎi) primarily refers to the cypress or cedar tree, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. It is also a common surname in China and can be used in the context of transcribing foreign names. In literary and poetic contexts, 柏 evokes imagery of strength and longevity.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#6746DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the cypress tree symbolizes immortality and is often found in cemeteries as a protective measure against decay, reflecting the importance of honoring ancestors. The use of 柏 in names can signify strength and resilience.
Memory tip
Imagine a towering cypress tree (柏) standing strong against the wind. The left component resembles a tree (木), while the right part, with its horizontal lines, can be thought of as the branches of the tree, reinforcing the idea of sturdiness. The pronunciation 'bǎi' can be remembered by picturing a 'bark' of the tree, as both share the 'b' sound.
Meanings of 柏
bǎi(Bai3)
primary
1cypress, cedar
2(used for transcribing names)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 柏 means.
About 柏
柏Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柏
Podcast: 柏
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AI study notes for 柏
Usage Notes
When using 柏 (bǎi) as a surname, it is important to note that it is often found in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 白 (bái, white) or 败 (bài, defeat), particularly in spoken Mandarin. Pay attention to the tone as it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the theme of nature found in lower levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in written texts or names and practice its pronunciation to avoid confusion with homophones.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柏 (bǎi) with similar characters like 败 (bài) or 白 (bái) due to similar sounds. For example, saying 'bài' instead of 'bǎi' can lead to misunderstandings, so it's crucial to practice the tones.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柏
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 柏 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
柏 = 木 + 白. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 柏
IDS Structure⿰木白
柏Full character
=
木Mu4
left
白Bai2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 柏?
How to say surname Bai in Chinese
“surname Bai” in Chinese is柏bǎi
The character 柏 (bǎi) primarily refers to the cypress or cedar tree, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. It is also a common surname in China and can be used in the context of transcribing foreign names. In literary and poetic contexts, 柏 evokes imagery of strength and longevity.
When to use 柏
When using 柏 (bǎi) as a surname, it is important to note that it is often found in formal contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters, such as 白 (bái, white) or 败 (bài, defeat), particularly in spoken Mandarin. Pay attention to the tone as it can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柏 (bǎi) with similar characters like 败 (bài) or 白 (bái) due to similar sounds. For example, saying 'bài' instead of 'bǎi' can lead to misunderstandings, so it's crucial to practice the tones.
Write 柏
柏
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Grammar patterns of 柏
柏 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 4 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在东____林就餐曾经是一件危险而且沉闷无趣的事情。
Eating in East Berlin used to be a hazardous and joyless experience.
