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斑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
斑
bān
spot
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
colored patch
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
stripe
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
spotted
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
striped
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
variegated
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
斑
bān
freckled, mottled, spotted, striped
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, radical 文, rank #9218, Hard
bān(ban1)ban T1
1spot
2colored patch
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March 24, 2026
斑bān(ban1)
The character 斑 (bān) refers to a spot, colored patch, or stripe. It is commonly used to describe something that is mottled, freckled, or has various colors, such as animal fur or patterns on fabric. In a broader context, it can also imply diversity or variation in appearance.
Strokes12Radical文Frequency#9218DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, various patterns and colors are often tied to symbolism and aesthetics. For example, the 斑马 (zebra) is not just an animal; it's a metaphor for diversity and uniqueness, which is appreciated in Chinese art and literature.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'band' of colors on a zebra's back. The '斑' looks like a band (bān) of spots that create an interesting pattern, helping you remember both its pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 斑
bān(ban1)
1spot
2colored patch
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 斑 means.
About 斑
斑Simplified
12Strokes
文Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9218Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 斑
Podcast: 斑
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AI study notes for 斑
Quick Contrast
斑点 (bāndiǎn) refers specifically to a spot or dot, while 斑纹 (bānwén) refers to a pattern or design; choose 斑 when discussing a more general or abstract concept of mottling rather than specific spots or patterns.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in descriptive contexts, especially in art or nature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; its tone is the first tone (bān), which is high and level. Common collocations include 斑马 (bān mǎ) meaning zebra, highlighting its connection to spots.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 斑 is a good example of how descriptive language can enhance your vocabulary. Focus on using it in context with other descriptive words to build your fluency in painting vivid pictures with your language.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 斑 (bān) with the character 班 (bān), which means 'class' or 'group'. Ensure you remember the context of spots and patterns for 斑, as in 斑马 (zebra) instead of using it in a classroom context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斑
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Learning Lab
Knowing 斑 is seven skills, not one.
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.
The character 斑 (bān) refers to a spot, colored patch, or stripe. It is commonly used to describe something that is mottled, freckled, or has various colors, such as animal fur or patterns on fabric. In a broader context, it can also imply diversity or variation in appearance.
When to use 斑
This character is often used in descriptive contexts, especially in art or nature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; its tone is the first tone (bān), which is high and level. Common collocations include 斑马 (bān mǎ) meaning zebra, highlighting its connection to spots.
斑 or something close to it
斑点 (bāndiǎn) refers specifically to a spot or dot, while 斑纹 (bānwén) refers to a pattern or design; choose 斑 when discussing a more general or abstract concept of mottling rather than specific spots or patterns.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斑 (bān) with the character 班 (bān), which means 'class' or 'group'. Ensure you remember the context of spots and patterns for 斑, as in 斑马 (zebra) instead of using it in a classroom context.
Write 斑
斑
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Practice writing 斑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 斑
斑 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他戴帽以遮____秃。
He wears a cap to cover a spot of baldness.
Example sentences for 斑 (10)
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1
他戴帽以遮斑秃。
tā dài mào yǐ zhē bān tū。
He wears a cap to cover a spot of baldness.
2
戒指内侧有一层厚厚的锈斑。
jièzhi nèi cè yǒu yī céng hòu hòu de xiù bān。
The tarnish lay thick on the inside of the ring.
3
她那些色彩斑斓的油画与纸上作品给人一种天真、梦幻般的感觉。
tā nàxiē sècǎi bān lán de yóuhuà yǔ zhǐ shàng zuòpǐn gěi rén yī zhǒng tiānzhēn、 mènghuàn bān de gǎnjué。
Her colourful oils and works on paper have a naive, dreamlike quality.
4
牙齿和牙龈之间会滋生牙斑。
yáchǐ hé yá kěn zhījiān huì zī shēng yá bān。
Deposits of plaque build up between the tooth and the gum.
5
牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿蛀蚀和牙龈疾病。
yá bān rúguǒ bù qīngchú jiù huì dǎozhì yáchǐ zhù shí hé yá kěn jíbìng。
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
6
清晨，天空呈现出斑驳的深灰色。
qīngchén， tiānkōng chéngxiàn chū bān bó de shēn huīsè。
In the mornings the sky appeared a heavy shade of mottled gray.
7
树下凉爽斑驳的光点
shù xià liángshuǎng bān bó de guāng diǎn
the cool dappled light under the trees
8
去年10月他被捕时，身上还带着一把血迹斑斑的刀。
qùnián10 yuè tā bèibǔ shí， shēnshang hái dài zhe yī bǎ xuè jì bān bān de dāo。
He was arrested last October still carrying a bloody knife.
