Meanings of 片
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Podcast: 片
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AI Study Notes for 片
薄 (bó, thin) — use 片 (piàn) for a piece or slice, while 薄 (bó) specifically describes the thinness of an object.
A common mistake is using 片 in contexts where a different classifier might be more appropriate, such as using 张 (zhāng) for flat objects like paper. It's often used in informal settings but can also fit formal contexts depending on the subject matter, especially in media discussions.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 片 connects with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to media and descriptions of objects. Students should practice using it in sentences that involve both physical items (like food) and abstract concepts (like scenes or feelings) to fully grasp its versatility.
Learners often confuse 片 with similar classifiers like 张 (zhāng) or 块 (kuài). For instance, saying '一片纸' (yī piān zhǐ) for 'a piece of paper' is correct, but using '一张纸' (yī zhāng zhǐ) is also common and more widely accepted in standard usage.
Pronunciation of 片
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Jason Explains 片 to You
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Etymology of 片
Pictograph of a slice of a tree, taken from the right half of 木 (tree).
Half of a tree trunk; compare 爿
Origin
What kind of character is 片?
How to say thin piece in Chinese
“thin piece” in Chinese is片
The character 片 (piān) primarily means a thin piece or slice, and is commonly used for various contexts such as food (like a slice of meat), media (like a film or TV show), or even in describing a partial aspect of something. It can also serve as a classifier for flat objects, making it versatile in both everyday conversation and more formal contexts.
When to use 片
A common mistake is using 片 in contexts where a different classifier might be more appropriate, such as using 张 (zhāng) for flat objects like paper. It's often used in informal settings but can also fit formal contexts depending on the subject matter, especially in media discussions.
片 or something close to it
薄 (bó, thin) — use 片 (piàn) for a piece or slice, while 薄 (bó) specifically describes the thinness of an object.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 片 with similar classifiers like 张 (zhāng) or 块 (kuài). For instance, saying '一片纸' (yī piān zhǐ) for 'a piece of paper' is correct, but using '一张纸' (yī zhāng zhǐ) is also common and more widely accepted in standard usage.
Write 片
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Practice writing 片 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 片
片 carries 17 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
...
这部片是我看的。
This film is the one I watched.
Build it
Put the words in order to say “This film is the one I watched.”.
Common Confusions with 片
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “thin piece”?
Example Sentences for 片 (14)
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Cultural Notes for 片
'片' is often used in film titles, such as '爱情片' (romantic film), and reflects a significant part of modern Chinese entertainment culture.
Word Family of 片
Characters with 片
What does 牌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 片
片 (piān) refers to a thin piece or slice of something, while 切 (qiē) is the verb 'to cut'. In essence, you use 切 to perform the action of cutting, and 片 describes the result of that action, which is the slice or piece that is produced.
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