classifier for certain containers of liquids: glass, cup
HSK 1, q, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #445, Easy
杯
bēi
cup, glass; measure word for liquids
HSK 1, q, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #445, Easy
bēi(bei1) T1
1trophy cup
2cup
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
杯bēi(bei1)
The character 杯 (bēi) refers to a cup or glass used for drinking, and it can also denote a trophy cup. It's commonly used in contexts involving beverages, such as ordering drinks in a restaurant or discussing toasts in celebrations. Additionally, it serves as a measure word for certain containers of liquids.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#445DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, toasting with cups during meals is a significant social ritual, symbolizing respect and good wishes among diners. The use of 杯 in these contexts is common during gatherings and celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny trophy cup (杯) that stands tall, filled to the brim with your favorite drink. Visualize the shape of the cup as it resembles the character itself, with the top open like a vessel ready to be filled. Remember 'bēi' sounds like 'bay,' where you might enjoy a refreshing drink by the water.
Meanings of 杯
bēi(bei1)
1trophy cup
2cup
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 杯
杯Simplified
8Strokes
木Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#445Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 杯
Podcast: 杯
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AI Study Notes for 杯
Usage Notes
Be attentive to the classifier usage: when counting cups, use '一杯' (yī bēi) for 'one cup.' Avoid using 杯 in very formal situations, as it's more casual. Ensure correct pronunciation with the first tone, as using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
While 杯 is not a specific HSK level word, it is useful for beginners as it connects to everyday vocabulary related to food and drink. Focus on practicing its usage with other food-related words like '水' (shuǐ, water) and '茶' (chá, tea) to build relevant phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 杯 by trying to apply it to solid containers, such as saying '一杯苹果' (yī bēi píngguǒ). The correct phrase should be '一只苹果' (yī zhī píngguǒ) for 'one apple.' Additionally, some may confuse the pronunciation with the second tone, which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 杯
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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 不 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half不 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaytree
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 杯? 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 杯?
Decomposition of 杯
IDS Structure⿰木不
杯Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
不bu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 杯?
How to say trophy cup in Chinese
“trophy cup” in Chinese is杯bēi
The character 杯 (bēi) refers to a cup or glass used for drinking, and it can also denote a trophy cup. It's commonly used in contexts involving beverages, such as ordering drinks in a restaurant or discussing toasts in celebrations. Additionally, it serves as a measure word for certain containers of liquids.
When to use 杯
Be attentive to the classifier usage: when counting cups, use '一杯' (yī bēi) for 'one cup.' Avoid using 杯 in very formal situations, as it's more casual. Ensure correct pronunciation with the first tone, as using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstanding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 杯 by trying to apply it to solid containers, such as saying '一杯苹果' (yī bēi píngguǒ). The correct phrase should be '一只苹果' (yī zhī píngguǒ) for 'one apple.' Additionally, some may confuse the pronunciation with the second tone, which is incorrect.
Write 杯
杯
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Practice writing 杯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 杯
杯 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. 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.
