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平面 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
平面
píngmiàn
plane (flat surface)
HSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #11068, Very Hard
平面
píngmiàn
print media
HSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #11068, Very Hard
píngmiàn(ping2mian4)ping mian T2
1plane (flat surface)
2print media
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March 24, 2026
平面píngmiàn(ping2mian4)
平面 (píngmiàn) refers to a flat surface or plane, often used in contexts related to geometry, design, or print media. It can describe both physical surfaces, such as a tabletop, and abstract concepts, like the layout of a printed page.
Strokes14Frequency#11068DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese architecture and design, the concept of a 'flat plane' is crucial, especially in traditional aesthetics where symmetry and flat surfaces play a significant role in harmony and balance.
Memory tip
Imagine a flat plane where everything lies evenly on a surface, like a smooth sheet of paper. The character 平 (píng) looks like a flat horizon, while 面 (miàn) can be visualized as a face or surface, coming together to represent 'flat surface' or 'plane'.
Meanings of 平面
píngmiàn(ping2mian4)
1plane (flat surface)
2print media
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 平面 means.
About 平面
平面Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11068Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 平面
Podcast: 平面
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AI Study Notes for 平面
Quick Contrast
平面 (plane) vs 表面 (surface) — use 平面 for geometric or abstract contexts, while 表面 refers specifically to the outer layer of an object.
Usage Notes
While 平面 can refer to both physical and abstract surfaces, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with other similar terms like 表面 (biǎomiàn), which means 'surface' but carries different contexts. This term is more formal and is commonly used in academic or technical discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 vocabulary word, 平面 connects to other terms related to geometry and design. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe dimensions, layouts, or in discussions about artistic design.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 平面 with other surface-related terms. For instance, saying '我在平面上写字' (I write on the plane) is vague; it's better to specify, '我在纸的平面上写字' (I write on the flat surface of the paper).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 平面
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平面 (píngmiàn) refers to a flat surface or plane, often used in contexts related to geometry, design, or print media. It can describe both physical surfaces, such as a tabletop, and abstract concepts, like the layout of a printed page.
When to use 平面
While 平面 can refer to both physical and abstract surfaces, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with other similar terms like 表面 (biǎomiàn), which means 'surface' but carries different contexts. This term is more formal and is commonly used in academic or technical discussions.
平面 or something close to it
平面 (plane) vs 表面 (surface) — use 平面 for geometric or abstract contexts, while 表面 refers specifically to the outer layer of an object.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 平面 with other surface-related terms. For instance, saying '我在平面上写字' (I write on the plane) is vague; it's better to specify, '我在纸的平面上写字' (I write on the flat surface of the paper).
Write 平面
平
面
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Practice writing 平面 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 平面
平面 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 2 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.
有些建筑的立面图能比____图提供更多的信息。
For some buildings a vertical section is more informative than a plan.
Example Sentences for 平面 (10)
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1
有些建筑的立面图能比平面图提供更多的信息。
yǒu xiē jiàn zhù de lì miàn tú néng bǐ píng miàn tú tí gōng gēng duō de xìn xī。
For some buildings a vertical section is more informative than a plan.