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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
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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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
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.
Tens of thousands lined the route from Dublin airport.
4
伦敦的音乐生活可能会变得像柏林的一样令人兴奋。
lún dūn de yīn lè shēng huó kě néng huì biàn dé xiàng bǎi lín de yī yàng líng rén xīng fèn。
London's musical life might become as exciting as Berlin's.
5
原来的柏油操场已经覆上了草皮或种满了鲜花。
yuán lái de bǎi yóu cāo cháng yǐ jīng fù shàng le cǎo pí huò zhǒng mǎn le xiān huā。
The asphalt playgrounds have been grassed over or sown with flowers.
6
柏油路面两边的辅道上布满车辙，凹凸不平。
bǎi yóu lù miàn liǎng biān de fǔ dào shàng bù mǎn chē zhé， ， āo tū bù。
The side tracks off the tarred road were rutted and uneven.
7
火车倒出了阿德莱德调车场，开上了都柏林-贝尔法斯特线。
huǒ chē dǎo chū le ā dé lái dé tiáo chē cháng， ， kāi shàng le dū bǎi- lín - bèi ěr fǎ sī。
The train backed out of Adelaide Yard on to the Dublin-Belfast line.
8
在1974年被揭穿身份的数年里，他设法成功地把一些绝密文件交给了东柏林。
zài1974 1974 nián bèi jiē chuān shēn fèn de shù nián， lǐ ， tā shè fǎ chéng gōng dì bǎ yī xiē jué mì wén jiàn jiāo gěi le dōng。
He managed to pass top secret documents to East Berlin for many years before he was unmasked in
9
四所主要的外科学院，即伦敦、格拉斯哥、爱丁堡和都柏林
sì suǒ zhǔ yào de wài kē xué yuàn， ， jí lún、 dūn 、 gé lā、 sī gē 、 ài dīng bǎo hé
four major colleges of surgery, viz. London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin
10
路虽窄，可铺了柏油。
lù suī zhǎi， ， kě pū le bǎi。
The road was narrow but tarred.
Cultural Notes for 柏
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 柏
Words Containing This Character13
柏林Berlin, capital of Germany
柏bǎicedar
张柏芝Cecilia Cheung (1980-), Hong Kong actress and pop singer張柏芝
柏拉图Plato (c. 427-c. 347 BC), Greek philosopher柏拉圖
都柏林Dublin, capital of Ireland
松柏pine and cypress
柏油asphalt
黄柏cork-tree bark (Chinese medicine)黃柏
柏树bǎishùcypress tree柏樹
柏油路tarred road
柏林墙Berlin Wall柏林牆
双柏Shuangbai county in Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture 楚雄彞族自治州|楚雄彝族自治州[ChǔxióngYízúzìzhìzhōu], Yunnan雙柏
桐柏Tongbai county in Nanyang 南陽|南阳[Nányáng], Henan
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 柏林 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柏
柏 translates to 'cypress' or 'cedar' in English, and it can also be a surname.
No, 柏 is more commonly found in written Chinese, particularly in literary contexts or as a surname.
柏 is pronounced as 'bǎi', with a falling-rising tone.
