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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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How Well Do You Know 八?
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Knowing 八 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.
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.
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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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.
