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March 24, 2026
百bǎi(bai3)
The character 百 (bǎi) primarily means 'hundred' and is used to denote the number 100 in various contexts. It can also imply 'numerous' or 'many', often appearing in expressions that describe a large quantity or variety of things. In addition, 百 is a common surname in China.
Strokes6Radical白Frequency#2456DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number 100 symbolizes perfection and completeness, often used in celebrations and auspicious occasions. For example, the phrase '百年好合' (bǎi nián hǎo hé) conveys the wish for a harmonious marriage that lasts a hundred years.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big 'bag' (bǎi) filled with 100 colorful balls, representing numerous options. The character's two components, '白' (white) on top and '一' (one) below, can remind you of having many (hundreds) of items all in one place.
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AI Study Notes for 百
Usage Notes
When using 百, be mindful of its tone; it should be pronounced as 'bǎi' with a falling tone. A common mistake is to confuse 百 (hundred) with 千 (thousand), so ensure you distinguish between the two when expressing quantities.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 百 connects with basic numerals and is essential for counting and describing quantities. Students should practice using it in phrases, such as '一百' (one hundred) and in combination with other numbers.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 百 as 'bái', confusing it with the word for 'white'. Remember, it should be pronounced 'bǎi'. Another mistake is using 百 without context; always specify what you are counting or referring to.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 百
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Phonosemantic compound. 一 represents the meaning and 白 represents the sound.
1The meaning half一 carries the sense.
2The sound half白 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayone
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 百?
Decomposition of 百
IDS Structure⿱一白
百Full Character
=
一yi1
top
白Bai2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 百?
How to say hundred in Chinese
“hundred” in Chinese is百bǎi
The character 百 (bǎi) primarily means 'hundred' and is used to denote the number 100 in various contexts. It can also imply 'numerous' or 'many', often appearing in expressions that describe a large quantity or variety of things. In addition, 百 is a common surname in China.
When to use 百
When using 百, be mindful of its tone; it should be pronounced as 'bǎi' with a falling tone. A common mistake is to confuse 百 (hundred) with 千 (thousand), so ensure you distinguish between the two when expressing quantities.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 百 as 'bái', confusing it with the word for 'white'. Remember, it should be pronounced 'bǎi'. Another mistake is using 百 without context; always specify what you are counting or referring to.
Write 百
百
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Practice writing 百 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 百
百 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 5 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.
