printing block, edition; register; volume, version
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 片, rank #2508, Hard
bǎn(ban3)ban T3
1a register
2block of printing
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March 24, 2026
版bǎn(ban3)
The character 版 (bǎn) refers to a version or edition of a printed work, such as a book or magazine. It can also denote a printing block used in traditional printing methods. In modern contexts, it often relates to software versions or updates.
Strokes8Radical片Frequency#2508DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of multiple editions is significant, especially in traditional literature where different versions of the same text may exist. The printing technique has historical importance in the spread of literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ban' of printers working hard to produce different editions of books. The radical '版' resembles a block, reminding you of the printing blocks used in traditional publishing.
Meanings of 版
bǎn(ban3)
1a register
2block of printing
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 版 means.
About 版
版Simplified
8Strokes
片Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2508Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 版
Podcast: 版
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AI Study Notes for 版
Quick Contrast
版 (bǎn) vs 版本 (bǎnběn) — use 版 for the physical or basic concept of a version, while 版本 refers specifically to the edition of a work, often emphasizing the different iterations.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 版 with similar-sounding characters like 版面 (bǎnmiàn), which means 'page layout.' It's typically used in formal contexts, especially in publishing. Be careful with tone; the second tone in bǎn can change meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 版 is not in the HSK levels, it connects to other vocabulary about books and publishing, such as 书 (book) and 文章 (article). Focus on understanding its usage in context, especially in discussions about editions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 版 with 版面 (bǎnmiàn) which means 'page layout.' For example, saying '我需要版面' (wǒ xūyào bǎn) instead of '我需要版' (wǒ xūyào bǎn) when referencing a specific edition.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 版
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How Well Do You Know 版?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 版 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.
版 = 片 + 反. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 版
IDS Structure⿰片反
版Full Character
=
片pian1
left
反fan3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 版?
How to say a register in Chinese
“a register” in Chinese is版bǎn
The character 版 (bǎn) refers to a version or edition of a printed work, such as a book or magazine. It can also denote a printing block used in traditional printing methods. In modern contexts, it often relates to software versions or updates.
When to use 版
Learners often confuse 版 with similar-sounding characters like 版面 (bǎnmiàn), which means 'page layout.' It's typically used in formal contexts, especially in publishing. Be careful with tone; the second tone in bǎn can change meaning.
版 or something close to it
版 (bǎn) vs 版本 (bǎnběn) — use 版 for the physical or basic concept of a version, while 版本 refers specifically to the edition of a work, often emphasizing the different iterations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 版 with 版面 (bǎnmiàn) which means 'page layout.' For example, saying '我需要版面' (wǒ xūyào bǎn) instead of '我需要版' (wǒ xūyào bǎn) when referencing a specific edition.
Write 版
版
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Practice writing 版 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 版
版 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 6 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.
《每日邮报》的头____标题为“良知的声音”。
The Daily Mail has the headline "The Voice of Conscience"
Common Confusions with 版
版vs班
bān
Similar pronunciation and structure but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “a register”?
or
Example Sentences for 版 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
《每日邮报》的头版标题为“良知的声音”。
《 《 měi rì yóu》 bào 》 de tóu bǎn biāo“ tí wéi “ liáng zhī”。
The Daily Mail has the headline "The Voice of Conscience"
2
关于我们的出版目的存在着某些误解。
guān yú wǒ mén de chū bǎn mù de cún zài zháo mǒu xiē wù jiě。
There has been some misunder-standing of our publishing aims.
Demand picked up and a reprint was required last November.
4
作者们不了解出版界的实际情况，这是人所共知的。
zuò zhě mén bù le jiě chū bǎn jiè de shí jì qíng kuàng， ， zhè shì rén suǒ gòng zhī。
Authors are famously ignorant about the realities of publishing.
5
这几乎就是苏格兰局势的翻版。
zhè jī hū jiù shì sū gé lán jú shì de fān bǎn。
This is almost the mirror image of the situation in Scotland.
6
尽管是10年前出版的，这本书仍值得大力推荐。
jìn guǎn shì10 10 nián qián chū bǎn， de ， zhè běn shū réng zhí dé dà lì。
Though ten years old, this book is highly recommended.
7
各家报纸都以整个头版醒目地刊登了这一报道。
gè jiā bào zhǐ dū yǐ zhěng gè tóu bǎn xǐng mù dì kān dēng le zhè yī bào dào。
The newspapers splashed the story all over their front pages.
8
《卫报》的头版刊登了两国外交部长的一张合影。
《 《 wèi》 bào 》 de tóu bǎn kān dēng le liǎng guó wài jiāo bù cháng de yī zhāng。
The Guardian's front page carries a photograph of the two foreign ministers.
9
公司名录大全每季度出版一次。
gōng sī míng lù dà quán měi jì dù chū bǎn yī cì。
A full listing of the companies will be published quarterly.
10
他通过网络把作品发给了出版商。
tā tōng guò wǎng luò bǎ zuò pǐn fā gěi le chū bǎn shāng。
He sent his work to his publishers by modem.
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Word Family of 版
Compounds1
蝂
Words Containing This Character19
版bǎna register
出版chūbǎnto publish
版本bǎnběnversion
出版社chūbǎnshèpublishing house
头版(newspaper's) front page頭版
版权copyright版權
盗版dàobǎnpirated盜版
版面page layout
翻版to reprint
出版物publications
版图domain版圖
改版gǎibǎnrevised edition
绝版out of print絕版
版税royalty (on books)版稅
排版typesetting
版画printmaking版畫
再版reprint
海外版foreign edition (of a newspaper)
新版new edition
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 版
What does 出版 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 版
版 (bǎn) generally refers to a 'block' or 'edition', while 版本 (bǎnběn) specifically means 'version'. 版本 emphasizes the aspect of variation among different renditions of a work, whereas 版 can be used more broadly.
You would say '第二版' (dì èr bǎn) for 'second edition' in Chinese. This can be used in contexts like books, publications, or any material that has multiple editions.
版 (bǎn) means 'edition' or 'version' in Chinese. It can refer to a printed block, such as in publishing, or a specific version of a document or software. It is commonly used in contexts involving publications or media.
You can use 版 in a sentence like '这本书的最新版本是2021年出版的' (The latest edition of this book was published in 2021). It is often used in discussions about different editions of books, articles, or other media.
In software, 版 refers to the version of the application, often indicating updates or changes.
Yes, 版 can refer to digital editions or versions of content, similar to printed materials.
It is more common in specific contexts like publishing or technology, rather than casual conversation.
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