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部分 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
部分
bùfen
part
HSK 4, n, 14 strokes, rank #623, Medium
部分
bùfen
share
HSK 4, n, 14 strokes, rank #623, Medium
部分
bùfen
section
HSK 4, n, 14 strokes, rank #623, Medium
部分
bùfen
piece
HSK 4, n, 14 strokes, rank #623, Medium
bùfen(bu4fen5)bu fen T4
1part
2share
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March 24, 2026
部分bùfen(bu4fen5)
部分 (bùfèn) refers to a part or section of a whole. It is commonly used in both everyday contexts, such as dividing objects or time, and in more formal situations, like discussions of data or policy. Understanding this term is essential for discussing portions in both practical and abstract terms.
Strokes14Frequency#623DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 部分 can relate to the idea of unity in diversity. For example, the importance of each part in traditional Chinese medicine reflects how individual elements contribute to overall health and balance.
Memory tip
Think of 部 (bù) as a 'door' leading to a 'part' of a 'whole'. Visualize a door (部) opening to reveal a slice of cake (分), representing a share or piece of something larger, helping you to remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
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AI study notes for 部分
Quick Contrast
部分 (bùfen) vs 片段 (piànduàn) — use 部分 for broader sections of a whole, while 片段 refers specifically to segments or excerpts.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 部 (bù) is pronounced with a falling tone and can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is often used with classifiers, so remember to pair it correctly, e.g., 一部分 (yī bùfèn) means 'a part of'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 部分 connects to other vocabulary related to division and categorization, such as 整体 (zhěngtǐ, 'whole') and 组成 (zǔchéng, 'to compose'). Students should practice using it in sentences to strengthen their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 部分 with 整体 (zhěngtǐ, 'whole'), mistakenly using 部分 to imply 'whole' in sentences. For example, saying '这部分是整个' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěnggè) is incorrect; it should be '这部分是整体的一部分' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěngtǐ de yī bùfèn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 部分
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Knowing 部分 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.
部分 (bùfèn) refers to a part or section of a whole. It is commonly used in both everyday contexts, such as dividing objects or time, and in more formal situations, like discussions of data or policy. Understanding this term is essential for discussing portions in both practical and abstract terms.
When to use 部分
Be cautious with the tone; 部 (bù) is pronounced with a falling tone and can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is often used with classifiers, so remember to pair it correctly, e.g., 一部分 (yī bùfèn) means 'a part of'.
部分 or something close to it
部分 (bùfen) vs 片段 (piànduàn) — use 部分 for broader sections of a whole, while 片段 refers specifically to segments or excerpts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 部分 with 整体 (zhěngtǐ, 'whole'), mistakenly using 部分 to imply 'whole' in sentences. For example, saying '这部分是整个' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěnggè) is incorrect; it should be '这部分是整体的一部分' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěngtǐ de yī bùfèn).
Write 部分
部
分
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Grammar patterns of 部分
部分 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 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.
