pen, pencil, writing brush; to compose, to write; Hanzi stroke
HSK 2, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #937, Easy
bǐ(bi3) T3
1pen
2pencil
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
笔(筆)bǐ(bi3)
The character 笔 (bǐ) primarily means 'pen' or 'writing brush' and is used to refer to instruments for writing or composing text. It can also denote the strokes of Chinese characters themselves, reflecting its importance in the context of writing and calligraphy. Additionally, 笔 serves as a classifier for sums of money or deals, emphasizing its versatility in different contexts.
Strokes10Radical⺮Frequency#937DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, calligraphy is a highly esteemed art form, and the 笔 (writing brush) is essential for this craft. The skillful use of the brush reflects one’s education and character, making it a significant tool beyond mere writing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'bee' (sounds like 'bǐ') writing with a brush. The character 笔 combines the radical for bamboo (竹) on the left, symbolizing the material often used for pens, and the component for 'to write' on the right. Picture the bee using its tiny brush to paint beautiful characters on paper.
Meanings of 笔
bǐ(bi3)
1pen
2pencil
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 笔
笔Simplified
筆Traditional
10Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#937Frequency Rank
支Measure Word
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 笔
Podcast: 笔
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AI Study Notes for 笔
Quick Contrast
笔 (bǐ, pen) vs 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush) — use 笔 for general writing instruments, and 毛笔 specifically for brushes used in calligraphy.
Usage Notes
When using 笔, be aware of its various contexts to avoid confusion. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with other writing instruments without considering the specific type, such as using 笔 for 'pencil' when you mean 'pen'. It's generally informal, but can be used in formal settings as well.
HSK Study Tips
Though 笔 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects well with other basic vocabulary related to writing, such as 写 (xiě - to write) and 纸 (zhǐ - paper). Focus on using 笔 in sentences related to education and daily writing activities to reinforce its meanings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 笔 with other writing-related terms. For example, saying '铅笔' (qiānbǐ) for pen is incorrect; '铅笔' specifically means pencil. Always clarify the type of writing instrument you are referring to.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笔
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Drill the tone of 笔 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Simplified form of 筆. Depicts a utensil for writing (聿) made from bamboo (⺮).
1The giveawayA bamboo rod ⺮ tipped with hair 毛
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 笔? 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 笔?
Decomposition of 笔
IDS Structure⿱⺮毛
笔Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
毛Mao2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 笔?
How to say pen in Chinese
“pen” in Chinese is笔bǐ
The character 笔 (bǐ) primarily means 'pen' or 'writing brush' and is used to refer to instruments for writing or composing text. It can also denote the strokes of Chinese characters themselves, reflecting its importance in the context of writing and calligraphy. Additionally, 笔 serves as a classifier for sums of money or deals, emphasizing its versatility in different contexts.
When to use 笔
When using 笔, be aware of its various contexts to avoid confusion. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with other writing instruments without considering the specific type, such as using 笔 for 'pencil' when you mean 'pen'. It's generally informal, but can be used in formal settings as well.
笔 or something close to it
笔 (bǐ, pen) vs 毛笔 (máobǐ, brush) — use 笔 for general writing instruments, and 毛笔 specifically for brushes used in calligraphy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 笔 with other writing-related terms. For example, saying '铅笔' (qiānbǐ) for pen is incorrect; '铅笔' specifically means pencil. Always clarify the type of writing instrument you are referring to.
Write 笔
笔
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Practice writing 笔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 笔
笔 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.
