The character 卜 (bǔ) means 'to divinate' or 'to predict' and is often associated with ancient Chinese fortune-telling practices, particularly using methods such as the I Ching. It can also refer to making choices based on intuition or foresight. In modern usage, it may appear in contexts relating to decision-making or predictions.
HSK 7, 8 strokes, Hard
bǔ(bo5) T3
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May 27, 2026
卜bǔ(bo5)
The character 卜 (bǔ) means 'to divinate' or 'to predict' and is often associated with ancient Chinese fortune-telling practices, particularly using methods such as the I Ching. It can also refer to making choices based on intuition or foresight. In modern usage, it may appear in contexts relating to decision-making or predictions.
Strokes8Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The practice of divination has deep roots in Chinese culture, specifically through the I Ching (易经), which is one of the earliest texts to discuss the concept of predicting the future and understanding the flow of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage holding a bamboo stick (the radical for 卜) and peering into a mystical crystal ball to predict the future. The sound 'bǔ' rhymes with 'boo,' as in a ghostly whisper foretelling what might come next!
About 卜
卜Simplified
8Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 卜
Podcast: 卜
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AI Study Notes for 卜
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old sage holding a bamboo stick (the radical for 卜) and peering into a mystical crystal ball to predict the future. The sound 'bǔ' rhymes with 'boo,' as in a ghostly whisper foretelling what might come next!
Usage Notes
Learners should be aware that 卜 is often used in more formal or literary contexts regarding predictions or divination, rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include 卜卦 (bǔguà), meaning 'to cast lots' or 'to consult the oracle.' Pay attention to the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 7 HSK word, focus on understanding its application in literary texts or discussions about Chinese philosophy and culture. Connect it with other HSK vocabulary related to fate or decision-making, such as 命 (mìng, fate) and 选择 (xuǎnzé, choice).
Cultural Note
The practice of divination has deep roots in Chinese culture, specifically through the I Ching (易经), which is one of the earliest texts to discuss the concept of predicting the future and understanding the flow of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 卜 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 不是 (bú shì, 'is not'). Remember that 卜 specifically refers to divination, while 不是 is a negative statement. Another common mistake is using the wrong tone; ensure you pronounce it as bǔ, not bù.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 卜
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Cultural Notes for 卜
🏮Cultural insight
The practice of divination has deep roots in Chinese culture, specifically through the I Ching (易经), which is one of the earliest texts to discuss the concept of predicting the future and understanding the flow of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 卜
You can use 卜 in contexts related to predictions, fortune-telling, or discussing decision-making processes, particularly in literary or philosophical discussions.
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation; instead, it appears more in literary, cultural, or historical contexts.
Make sure to use the third tone 'bǔ', which requires a slight dip in pitch before rising.
