把脉 (bǎmài) literally means 'to feel the pulse,' referring to the traditional Chinese diagnostic practice of examining a patient's pulse to assess their health. It is often used metaphorically to mean understanding or gauging a situation or someone's feelings deeply, similar to getting a 'pulse' on something in English.
HSK 6, 16 strokes, Hard
bǎmài(ba3mai4) T3
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
May 27, 2026
把脉bǎmài(ba3mai4)
把脉 (bǎmài) literally means 'to feel the pulse,' referring to the traditional Chinese diagnostic practice of examining a patient's pulse to assess their health. It is often used metaphorically to mean understanding or gauging a situation or someone's feelings deeply, similar to getting a 'pulse' on something in English.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis is a critical skill for practitioners, reflecting a holistic approach to health that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Understanding the concept of 把脉 can also enhance one's appreciation for the significance of traditional practices in modern Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a doctor with a giant hand reaching out to feel the pulse of a giant heart, symbolizing the act of examining health. The character 把 (bǎ) means 'to hold' or 'to grasp,' and 脉 (mài) means 'pulse' or 'vein,' together creating a vivid image of someone holding a heartbeat.
About 把脉
把脉Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 把脉
Podcast: 把脉
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 把脉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a doctor with a giant hand reaching out to feel the pulse of a giant heart, symbolizing the act of examining health. The character 把 (bǎ) means 'to hold' or 'to grasp,' and 脉 (mài) means 'pulse' or 'vein,' together creating a vivid image of someone holding a heartbeat.
Usage Notes
This term is primarily used in medical contexts or discussions about traditional Chinese medicine, but it can also be used in everyday language to describe assessing situations. Be careful not to confuse 把脉 with similar phrases that might imply just a superficial understanding; this term emphasizes a deeper insight.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, focus on its application in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Students should connect this term with other health-related vocabulary and phrases that describe understanding or assessment, enhancing their fluency in nuanced discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis is a critical skill for practitioners, reflecting a holistic approach to health that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Understanding the concept of 把脉 can also enhance one's appreciation for the significance of traditional practices in modern Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake 把脉 for just 'to check' without the nuanced understanding element. Instead of saying '我把脉他的情况' (Wǒ bǎmài tā de qíngkuàng - 'I check his situation'), it should be '我把脉他的感受' (Wǒ bǎmài tā de gǎnshòu - 'I gauge his feelings').
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 把脉
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 把脉 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 把脉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 把脉
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis is a critical skill for practitioners, reflecting a holistic approach to health that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Understanding the concept of 把脉 can also enhance one's appreciation for the significance of traditional practices in modern Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 把脉
While it originates from medical terminology, 把脉 can also be used metaphorically in everyday language to describe gauging a situation.
The correct pronunciation is bǎmài, with the third tone for 把 and the fourth tone for 脉.
Yes, 把脉 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about health or assessments.
