pen, pencil, writing brush; to compose, to write; Hanzi stroke
HSK 2, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #937, Easy
bǐ(bi3)bi T3
1pen
2pencil
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March 24, 2026
笔(筆)bǐ(bi3)
The character 笔 (bǐ) primarily means 'pen' or 'writing brush' and is used to refer to instruments for writing or composing text. It can also denote the strokes of Chinese characters themselves, reflecting its importance in the context of writing and calligraphy. Additionally, 笔 serves as a classifier for sums of money or deals, emphasizing its versatility in different contexts.
Strokes10Radical⺮Frequency#937DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, calligraphy is a highly esteemed art form, and the 笔 (writing brush) is essential for this craft. The skillful use of the brush reflects one’s education and character, making it a significant tool beyond mere writing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'bee' (sounds like 'bǐ') writing with a brush. The character 笔 combines the radical for bamboo (竹) on the left, symbolizing the material often used for pens, and the component for 'to write' on the right. Picture the bee using its tiny brush to paint beautiful characters on paper.
Meanings of 笔
bǐ(bi3)
1pen
2pencil
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About 笔
笔Simplified
筆Traditional
10Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#937Frequency Rank
支Measure Word
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 笔
Podcast: 笔
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AI Study Notes for 笔
Quick Contrast
笔 (bǐ, pen) vs 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush) — use 笔 for general writing instruments, and 毛笔 specifically for brushes used in calligraphy.
Usage Notes
When using 笔, be aware of its various contexts to avoid confusion. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with other writing instruments without considering the specific type, such as using 笔 for 'pencil' when you mean 'pen'. It's generally informal, but can be used in formal settings as well.
HSK Study Tips
Though 笔 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects well with other basic vocabulary related to writing, such as 写 (xiě - to write) and 纸 (zhǐ - paper). Focus on using 笔 in sentences related to education and daily writing activities to reinforce its meanings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 笔 with other writing-related terms. For example, saying '铅笔' (qiānbǐ) for pen is incorrect; '铅笔' specifically means pencil. Always clarify the type of writing instrument you are referring to.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笔
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How Well Do You Know 笔?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 笔 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.
The character 笔 (bǐ) primarily means 'pen' or 'writing brush' and is used to refer to instruments for writing or composing text. It can also denote the strokes of Chinese characters themselves, reflecting its importance in the context of writing and calligraphy. Additionally, 笔 serves as a classifier for sums of money or deals, emphasizing its versatility in different contexts.
When to use 笔
When using 笔, be aware of its various contexts to avoid confusion. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with other writing instruments without considering the specific type, such as using 笔 for 'pencil' when you mean 'pen'. It's generally informal, but can be used in formal settings as well.
笔 or something close to it
笔 (bǐ, pen) vs 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush) — use 笔 for general writing instruments, and 毛笔 specifically for brushes used in calligraphy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 笔 with other writing-related terms. For example, saying '铅笔' (qiānbǐ) for pen is incorrect; '铅笔' specifically means pencil. Always clarify the type of writing instrument you are referring to.
Write 笔
笔
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Practice writing 笔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 笔
笔 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 7 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.
