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半边天 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
半边天bànbiāntiānhalf the skyHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #38647, Very Hard
半边天bànbiāntiānwomen of the new societyHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #38647, Very Hard
半边天bànbiāntiānwomenfolkHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #38647, Very Hard
bànbiāntiān(ban4bian1tian1)ban bian tian T4
  1. 1half the sky
  2. 2women of the new society
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March 24, 2026

半边天(半邊天)bànbiāntiān(ban4bian1tian1)

半边天 refers to the phrase 'half the sky,' symbolizing the significant role women play in society. It is often used to emphasize gender equality and the important contributions of women in various fields, particularly in the context of modern Chinese society.

Strokes14Frequency#38647DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The phrase 半边天 became popular during the Cultural Revolution, when women's contributions to labor and society were heavily promoted. It reflects the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender roles in contemporary China.

Memory tip

Imagine a vast sky divided into two halves. One side represents men, and the other side, women—hence, 'half the sky.' The characters 半 (ban4) means 'half,' 边 (bian1) represents 'side,' and 天 (tian1) means 'sky.' Visualize women soaring to the same heights as men in this shared sky.

Meanings of 半边天

bànbiāntiān(ban4bian1tian1)
1half the sky
2women of the new society
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 半边天

半边天Simplified
半邊天Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 半边天

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AI study notes for 半边天

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about women's rights and gender issues, often in a positive or empowering context. Be cautious with using it in overly formal situations, and ensure you understand the audience's views on gender to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 半边天 is not an HSK vocab word, it connects to themes in HSK Level 3 and above, where discussions about family and societal roles often arise. Focus on gender terms and phrases that can be used in similar contexts to enhance comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 半边天 with phrases that refer to men, leading to misinterpretation. For example, saying '半边天' refers to men instead of its correct attribution to women is incorrect. Always associate it with women.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 半边天

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Component characters

半bànhalf
HSK 15 strokes十
View full entry
边biānside
HSK 15 strokes辶
View full entry
天tiānday
HSK 14 strokes大
View full entry

How to say half the sky in Chinese

“half the sky” in Chinese is半边天bànbiāntiān

半边天 refers to the phrase 'half the sky,' symbolizing the significant role women play in society. It is often used to emphasize gender equality and the important contributions of women in various fields, particularly in the context of modern Chinese society.

When to use 半边天

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about women's rights and gender issues, often in a positive or empowering context. Be cautious with using it in overly formal situations, and ensure you understand the audience's views on gender to avoid misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 半边天 with phrases that refer to men, leading to misinterpretation. For example, saying '半边天' refers to men instead of its correct attribution to women is incorrect. Always associate it with women.

Write 半边天

半
边
天

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Frequently asked questions about 半边天

It literally translates to 'half the sky,' symbolizing women's equal role in society.

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