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March 24, 2026
八bā(ba1)
The character 八 (bā) means 'eight' in Mandarin. It is used to denote the number 8, which is significant in various contexts, including counting, time, and pricing. Additionally, the shape of the character can represent the concept of 'all around' or 'all sides'.
Strokes2Radical八Frequency#1362DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number eight is considered very auspicious and is associated with wealth and prosperity. For example, many people choose to hold important events on dates that include the number eight.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 八 (bā) as two open arms reaching out on either side, representing the number eight – as if it's embracing everything around it. The pronunciation 'bā' sounds like 'ba', which can remind you of 'bouncing' around the number 8.
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AI Study Notes for 八
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 八 (bā) with other numbers, such as 七 (qī, seven) or 九 (jiǔ, nine). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tones when speaking, as mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 八 (bā) connects with other basic numbers like 一 (yī, one) and 二 (èr, two). Students should focus on recognizing and pronouncing this character correctly, as it forms the foundation for counting in Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 八 (bā) with 六 (liù, six) due to similar shapes. Always remember that 八 represents the number 8, while 六 represents 6.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 八
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Pictograph of two lines facing away from each other. The current meaning "eight" is a phonetic loan. The original meaning "separate" is now written as 别.
Pictograph of two lines facing away from each other. The current meaning "eight" is a phonetic loan. The original meaning "separate" is now written as 别.
1The giveawayTwo bent lines meaning "to divide"
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 八? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 八?
How to say eight in Chinese
“eight” in Chinese is八bā
The character 八 (bā) means 'eight' in Mandarin. It is used to denote the number 8, which is significant in various contexts, including counting, time, and pricing. Additionally, the shape of the character can represent the concept of 'all around' or 'all sides'.
When to use 八
Common mistakes include confusing 八 (bā) with other numbers, such as 七 (qī, seven) or 九 (jiǔ, nine). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tones when speaking, as mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 八 (bā) with 六 (liù, six) due to similar shapes. Always remember that 八 represents the number 8, while 六 represents 6.
Write 八
八
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Practice writing 八 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 八
八 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. 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.
