Meanings of 秉
By ear
Play it, then pick what 秉 means.
About 秉
Podcast: 秉
Podcast: 秉
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 秉
Be careful not to confuse 秉 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 秉持 (to uphold) and 秉政 (to govern).
While 秉 is not part of the current HSK vocabulary, it relates to other HSK Level 4 words such as 持 (to hold) and 管 (to manage). Focus on understanding the nuances of control and authority in its usage.
Learners often confuse 秉 with the character 持 (chí), which also means 'to hold' but is used more broadly in everyday contexts. For example, saying '我秉这个文件' (I hold this document) is incorrect; it should be '我持这个文件'.
Pronunciation of 秉
Drill the tone of 秉 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 秉 to You
Let me explain 秉 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 秉 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 秉?
Learning Lab
Knowing 秉 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 秉
A hand 彐 grasping a bundle of grain 禾
Origin
What kind of character is 秉?
Decomposition of 秉
Parts
Which of these is part of 秉?
How to say to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over in Chinese
“to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over” in Chinese is秉
The character 秉 (bǐng) primarily means 'to grasp' or 'to hold,' often used in contexts where someone is maintaining or presiding over something, such as responsibilities or authority. It can also refer to a surname and is commonly encountered in formal or literary contexts.
When to use 秉
Be careful not to confuse 秉 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 秉持 (to uphold) and 秉政 (to govern).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 秉 with the character 持 (chí), which also means 'to hold' but is used more broadly in everyday contexts. For example, saying '我秉这个文件' (I hold this document) is incorrect; it should be '我持这个文件'.
Write 秉
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 秉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 秉
秉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我爱上他，是因为他____性善良。
I fell in love with him because of his kind nature.
Example Sentences for 秉 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 秉?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 秉
Words with 秉
What does 秉承 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 秉
You can say 秉持原则 (bǐngchí yuánzé), meaning 'to uphold principles.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 秉?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.