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March 24, 2026
跋bá(ba2)
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.
Strokes12Radical足Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature, the use of a 跋 is common in poetry and essays to provide a personal reflection or commentary, often adding depth to the main text and connecting the author's thoughts to the reader.
Memory Tip
Imagine a brave traveler (the character) climbing steep mountains (the radical '足' meaning foot). Visualize that after a long trek, they write a note at the summit to share their journey (the literary meaning). The pronunciation 'bá' sounds like 'bar'—think of a bar where travelers share their adventures.
Meanings of 跋
bá(ba2)
1to walk, to travel; epilogue, colophon
2postscript
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 跋
跋Simplified
12Strokes
足Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 跋
Podcast: 跋
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AI Study Notes for 跋
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a brave traveler (the character) climbing steep mountains (the radical '足' meaning foot). Visualize that after a long trek, they write a note at the summit to share their journey (the literary meaning). The pronunciation 'bá' sounds like 'bar'—think of a bar where travelers share their adventures.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature, the use of a 跋 is common in poetry and essays to provide a personal reflection or commentary, often adding depth to the main text and connecting the author's thoughts to the reader.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 跋
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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.
Exercise 1 of 3
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)
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1
这趟上山是一次艰难的跋涉.
zhè tàng shàng shān shì yī cì jiān nán de bá shè.
It was a hard trudge up the hill.
2
大部分时候都是沿着被人踩得坑坑洼洼的小路跋涉。
dà bù fēn shí hòu dū shì yán zháo bèi rén cǎi dé kēng kēng wā wā de xiǎo lù bá shè。
Most of the trek is along worn paths.
Cultural Notes for 跋
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese literature, the use of a 跋 is common in poetry and essays to provide a personal reflection or commentary, often adding depth to the main text and connecting the author's thoughts to the reader.
Word Family of 跋
Words Containing This Character9
跋涉to trudge
长途跋涉long and difficult trek長途跋涉
跋bápostscript
拓跋also written 拓拔
跋扈bossy
跋山涉水to travel over land and water (idiom)
飞扬跋扈bossy and domineering飛揚跋扈
题跋short comments題跋
序跋preface and postscript
Exercise 1 of 4
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'.
It's primarily used in literary contexts rather than in everyday speech, so reserve it for reading or writing.
The pinyin 'bá' has a rising tone, similar to the intonation you might use when asking a question.
