Meanings of 钵
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About 钵
Podcast: 钵
Podcast: 钵
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AI Study Notes for 钵
钵 is generally used in formal contexts related to Buddhism or religious practices. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 碗 (wǎn, bowl) or 盆 (pén, basin), which have different usages. Be mindful of its specific meaning related to alms and spirituality.
Although 钵 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to cultural themes prevalent in HSK Level 2 and 3, such as food and religious practices. Students should focus on recognizing its cultural significance alongside related vocabulary about Buddhism.
Learners often confuse 钵 with 碗 (wǎn), which means 'bowl' in a general sense. For example, saying '我有一个钵' (wǒ yǒu yí gè bō) when referring to a regular bowl is incorrect; it should be '我有一个碗' (wǒ yǒu yí gè wǎn).
Pronunciation of 钵
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Etymology of 钵
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 本 represents the sound. Simplified form of 缽.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 钵
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 本 represents the sound. Simplified form of 缽.
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half本 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaygold
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 钵? 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 钵
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How to say earthen basin; alms bowl in Chinese
“earthen basin; alms bowl” in Chinese is钵
The character 钵 (bō) refers to an earthen basin or alms bowl commonly used by monks for collecting food donations. It symbolizes humility and the practice of receiving alms in Buddhist culture. This character is often associated with religious and spiritual contexts, particularly within Buddhism.
When to use 钵
钵 is generally used in formal contexts related to Buddhism or religious practices. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 碗 (wǎn, bowl) or 盆 (pén, basin), which have different usages. Be mindful of its specific meaning related to alms and spirituality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 钵 with 碗 (wǎn), which means 'bowl' in a general sense. For example, saying '我有一个钵' (wǒ yǒu yí gè bō) when referring to a regular bowl is incorrect; it should be '我有一个碗' (wǒ yǒu yí gè wǎn).
Write 钵
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Practice writing 钵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 钵
钵 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 4 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
布赖恩如同旋转舞蹈的托____僧一样转来转去，一边拍打着蚊子一边抱怨不停。
Brian was whirling like a dervish, slapping at the mosquitoes and moaning.
Example Sentences for 钵 (1)
Word Family of 钵
Compound Meaning
What does 钵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钵
In Buddhism, 钵 refers to the alms bowl used by monks to collect food offerings from laypeople.
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