Meanings of 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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Jason Explains 匹 to You
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Learning Lab
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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.
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Etymology of 匹
A roll of cloth
Origin
What kind of character is 匹?
Decomposition of 匹
Parts
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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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
Which one
Which one means “mate”?
Example Sentences for 匹 (10)
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Word Family of 匹
Words with 匹
What does 匹配 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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