Meanings of 跋
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About 跋
Podcast: 跋
Podcast: 跋
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AI Study Notes for 跋
Be mindful not to confuse 跋 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature. Common collocations include '跋文' (postscript) and '跋涉' (to trek), so familiarize yourself with these phrases.
Although 跋 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enrich your reading of classical texts. Focus on recognizing it in literary works and connecting it with other characters related to movement or travel, like 行 (xíng) and 走 (zǒu).
Learners often mistakenly use 跋 in casual conversation, where simpler terms like 走 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我今天要跋去商店' (I want to trek to the store) instead of '我今天要走去商店' (I want to walk to the store) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 跋
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Etymology of 跋
foot
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 跋
- 1The meaning half足 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half犮 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayfoot
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 跋? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 跋
Identify the Components
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How to say to walk, to travel; epilogue, colophon in Chinese
“to walk, to travel; epilogue, colophon” in Chinese is跋
The character 跋 (bá) primarily refers to the act of walking or traveling, particularly in challenging terrains like mountains. It is also used in literary contexts to denote an epilogue, colophon, or postscript, often found at the end of a book or document to provide additional information or commentary.
When to use 跋
Be mindful not to confuse 跋 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in literature. Common collocations include '跋文' (postscript) and '跋涉' (to trek), so familiarize yourself with these phrases.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 跋 in casual conversation, where simpler terms like 走 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我今天要跋去商店' (I want to trek to the store) instead of '我今天要走去商店' (I want to walk to the store) is incorrect.
Write 跋
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Practice writing 跋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 跋
跋 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 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
这趟上山是一次艰难的____涉.
It was a hard trudge up the hill.
Example Sentences for 跋 (2)
Word Family of 跋
Compound Meaning
What does 跋涉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 跋
While both relate to movement, 跋 emphasizes the idea of trekking or walking in difficult conditions, while 走 is more general, meaning 'to walk' or 'to leave'.
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