Meanings of 番
By ear
Play it, then pick what 番 means.
About 番
Podcast: 番
Podcast: 番
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 番
次 (cì) — use 番 (fān) for types or occurrences with a focus on foreign elements, while 次 (cì) generally refers to order or sequence.
番 can often be confused with similar sounding characters like 反 (fǎn) which means 'to oppose' or 'reverse'. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken in tone usage, as it is pronounced in the first tone. Common collocations include 番茄 (fānqié - tomato) and 一番 (yī fān - one time).
As an HSK Level 6 character, 番 connects with vocabulary related to foreign cultures and experiences. Students should focus on its various meanings and contexts, especially in distinguishing between its uses as a classifier and as an adjective for foreignness.
Learners often confuse 番 with the similar character 反 (fǎn), leading to incorrect usage such as saying '反外国' instead of '番外国' when referring to foreign countries. It's important to remember that 番 specifically indicates foreignness or iterations.
Pronunciation of 番
Drill the tone of 番, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 番 to you
Let me explain 番 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 番 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 番?
Learning Lab
Knowing 番 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 番
Phonosemantic compound. 田 represents the meaning and 釆 represents the sound. Original meaning unclear.
Sowing seeds 米 on the farm 田
Origin
What kind of character is 番?
Decomposition of 番
Parts
Which of these is part of 番?
How to say foreign country in Chinese
“foreign country” in Chinese is番
The character 番 (fān) primarily refers to something foreign or from a different country, often used to denote non-Chinese elements. It can also be a classifier for occurrences, indicating repetitions or types, such as in 'twofold'. In certain contexts, it is associated with the concept of 'taking turns' or 'kinds'.
When to use 番
番 can often be confused with similar sounding characters like 反 (fǎn) which means 'to oppose' or 'reverse'. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken in tone usage, as it is pronounced in the first tone. Common collocations include 番茄 (fānqié - tomato) and 一番 (yī fān - one time).
番 or something close to it
次 (cì) — use 番 (fān) for types or occurrences with a focus on foreign elements, while 次 (cì) generally refers to order or sequence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 番 with the similar character 反 (fǎn), leading to incorrect usage such as saying '反外国' instead of '番外国' when referring to foreign countries. It's important to remember that 番 specifically indicates foreignness or iterations.
Write 番
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 番 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 番
番 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 13 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.
经过一____讨论，大家终于达成了共识。
After a thorough discussion, everyone finally reached a consensus.
Example sentences for 番 (20)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 番?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 番
Characters with 番
What does 播 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 番
In contemporary usage, 番 generally refers to foreign things or people, and is often seen in discussions about international relations or cultural exchanges.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 番?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.