Meanings of 匹
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About 匹
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Podcast: 匹
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AI Study Notes for 匹
匹 (pǐ) vs 头 (tóu) — use 匹 for horses or pairs, while 头 is for larger animals or heads.
It is important to remember the correct pronunciation and context: while 匹 can refer to horses, it is not used for all animals. Learners often confuse 匹 (pī) with the similar sounding measure word for pieces (个, gè). Also, note that in Taiwan, 匹 is often pronounced as [pi1].
As an HSK Level 5 word, 匹 connects to other words related to animals and measures, making it essential for learners to practice its usage in context. Focus on its application in counting and describing pairs of items, especially in conversations about pets or clothing.
Learners often mistakenly use 匹 with non-horse animals, such as saying '三匹狗' (sān pǐ gǒu) for 'three dogs.' The correct measure word is 只 (zhī) for dogs. Another mistake is confusing the pronunciation with the similar character 皮 (pí), which means skin or leather.
Pronunciation of 匹
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Etymology of 匹
A roll of cloth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 匹
- 1The giveawayA roll of cloth
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 匹? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 匹
Identify the Components
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How to say mate in Chinese
“mate” in Chinese is匹
The character 匹 (pī) primarily functions as a classifier for horses and other similar animals, emphasizing the concept of 'one of a pair.' It is also used to measure cloth in bolts, which reflects its utility in trade and textile contexts. In some cases, it can denote an ordinary person, highlighting its versatility in everyday language.
When to use 匹
It is important to remember the correct pronunciation and context: while 匹 can refer to horses, it is not used for all animals. Learners often confuse 匹 (pī) with the similar sounding measure word for pieces (个, gè). Also, note that in Taiwan, 匹 is often pronounced as [pi1].
匹 or something close to it
匹 (pǐ) vs 头 (tóu) — use 匹 for horses or pairs, while 头 is for larger animals or heads.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 匹 with non-horse animals, such as saying '三匹狗' (sān pǐ gǒu) for 'three dogs.' The correct measure word is 只 (zhī) for dogs. Another mistake is confusing the pronunciation with the similar character 皮 (pí), which means skin or leather.
Write 匹
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Practice writing 匹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 匹
匹 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 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
目击证人称梅尔顿先生抽打了这____马16鞭之多。
Eye-witnesses claimed Mr Melton whipped the horse up to 16 times.
Common Confusions with 匹
Similar sound and shape, but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation but distinct meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "mate"?
Example Sentences for 匹 (10)
Word Family of 匹
Compound Meaning
What does 甚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匹
You can say '两匹马' (liǎng pǐ mǎ) to mean 'two horses,' illustrating its use as a measure word.
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