Meanings of 扁
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About 扁
Podcast: 扁
Podcast: 扁
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AI Study Notes for 扁
扁 (biǎn, flat) vs 平 (píng, level) — use 扁 for physical flatness, while 平 often refers to smoothness or evenness.
Imagine a flat pancake (扁) lying on a surface. The character's left side (扁) resembles a person holding a flat object, while the right side suggests a flatness or breadth. Visualize cooking a pancake on a flat skillet and flipping it to see its flatness, helping you remember the pronunciation 'biǎn'.
Common mistakes include confusing 扁 with other characters that denote flatness or width, particularly in spoken language where tone can alter meaning. It's often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of the audience when using it in writing. Common collocations include 扁平 (biǎnpíng - flat) and 扁舟 (biǎnzhōu - small boat).
As an HSK Level 6 word, 扁 connects with other vocabulary about dimensions, shapes, and boats. Students should work on differentiating it from similar-sounding characters and practice using it in descriptive phrases. Understanding its versatility in context is key at this level.
In Chinese culture, the concept of flatness relates to simplicity and minimalism, often seen in traditional art forms and architecture. The use of flat signs (匾) is common in temples and historical sites, reflecting the importance of inscriptions in Chinese heritage.
Learners often confuse 扁 with 平 (píng), leading to incorrect usage in contexts requiring precision. For example, saying '这个桌子很平' (This table is very flat) is correct, but using 扁 here would sound awkward. Always choose based on the context of flatness vs. smoothness.
Pronunciation of 扁
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Etymology of 扁
Pictograph of a tablet affixed to a door.
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 扁?
Decomposition of 扁
Identify the Components
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Write 扁
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Practice writing 扁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 扁
扁 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Complete the Sentence
他上唇____平，下唇耷拉。
His upper lip was flat, but the lower one sagged.
Example Sentences for 扁 (10)
Cultural Notes for 扁
In Chinese culture, the concept of flatness relates to simplicity and minimalism, often seen in traditional art forms and architecture. The use of flat signs (匾) is common in temples and historical sites, reflecting the importance of inscriptions in Chinese heritage.
Word Family of 扁
Compound Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions about 扁
You can use 扁 in phrases like 扁平 (biǎnpíng - flat) and 扁舟 (biǎnzhōu - small boat).