Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
鞭biān(bian1)
The character 鞭 (biān) primarily means 'whip' or 'lash.' It is commonly used in contexts related to punishment or control, such as in traditional practices or in literature. Additionally, it can refer to a conductor's baton in music, illustrating its versatile usage in different contexts.
Strokes18Radical革Frequency#14018DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, whips were often used in agricultural practices and in the training of animals. The term also appears in classical literature, symbolizing authority and discipline.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, flexible whip (鞭) that you can swing around. The character has a radical on the left that resembles a hand holding a whip, emphasizing the action of striking or lashing. To remember the pronunciation, think of a 'band' that 'bends' as it whips back and forth.
Meanings of 鞭
biān(bian1)
1whip or lash
2to flog
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞭
鞭Simplified
18Strokes
革Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14018Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞭
Podcast: 鞭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鞭
Quick Contrast
鞭 (biān) vs 拳 (quán) — choose 鞭 when referring specifically to a whip or lash, while 拳 refers to a fist.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 鞭 with similar-sounding words, such as 边 (biān - edge) due to tonal differences. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing music, the term should be used more formally. Common collocations include '鞭子' (biānzi - whip) and '鞭策' (biāncè - to spur on).
HSK Study Tips
While 鞭 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK 4 and 5 words related to animals and music. Focus on its use in literary and historical texts to understand cultural implications.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 鞭 due to its tone; ensure not to confuse it with biān (边 - edge). Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in contexts unrelated to its meanings, such as confusing it with '打' (dǎ - to hit), which has a broader application.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞭
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 鞭 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 革 represents the meaning and 便 represents the sound.
1The meaning half革 carries the sense.
2The sound half便 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鞭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 鞭?
Decomposition of 鞭
IDS Structure⿰革便
鞭Full Character
=
革ge2
left
便bian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鞭?
How to say whip or lash in Chinese
“whip or lash” in Chinese is鞭biān
The character 鞭 (biān) primarily means 'whip' or 'lash.' It is commonly used in contexts related to punishment or control, such as in traditional practices or in literature. Additionally, it can refer to a conductor's baton in music, illustrating its versatile usage in different contexts.
When to use 鞭
Learners often confuse 鞭 with similar-sounding words, such as 边 (biān - edge) due to tonal differences. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing music, the term should be used more formally. Common collocations include '鞭子' (biānzi - whip) and '鞭策' (biāncè - to spur on).
鞭 or something close to it
鞭 (biān) vs 拳 (quán) — choose 鞭 when referring specifically to a whip or lash, while 拳 refers to a fist.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 鞭 due to its tone; ensure not to confuse it with biān (边 - edge). Additionally, some may mistakenly use it in contexts unrelated to its meanings, such as confusing it with '打' (dǎ - to hit), which has a broader application.
Write 鞭
鞭
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鞭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 鞭
鞭 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
目击证人称梅尔顿先生抽打了这匹马16____之多。
Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times.
Example Sentences for 鞭 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
目击证人称梅尔顿先生抽打了这匹马16鞭之多。
mù jī zhèng rén chēng méi ěr dùn xiān shēng chōu dǎ le zhè pǐ mǎ16 16 biān zhī。
Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times.
