Meanings of 钵
By ear
Play it, then pick what 钵 means.
About 钵
Podcast: 钵
Podcast: 钵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 钵, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 钵 to you
Let me explain 钵 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 钵 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 钵?
Learning Lab
Knowing 钵 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 钵
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 本 represents the sound. Simplified form of 缽.
gold
Origin
钵 = 钅 + 本. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 钵
Parts
Which of these is part of 钵?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 钵?
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 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 钵
Words with 钵
What does 衣钵 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 钵
In Buddhism, 钵 refers to the alms bowl used by monks to collect food offerings from laypeople.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 钵?
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.