Meanings of 秉
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About 秉
Podcast: 秉
Podcast: 秉
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AI Study Notes for 秉
Be careful not to confuse 秉 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 秉持 (to uphold) and 秉政 (to govern).
While 秉 is not part of the current HSK vocabulary, it relates to other HSK Level 4 words such as 持 (to hold) and 管 (to manage). Focus on understanding the nuances of control and authority in its usage.
Learners often confuse 秉 with the character 持 (chí), which also means 'to hold' but is used more broadly in everyday contexts. For example, saying '我秉这个文件' (I hold this document) is incorrect; it should be '我持这个文件'.
Pronunciation of 秉
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Etymology of 秉
A hand 彐 grasping a bundle of grain 禾
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 秉
- 1The giveawayA hand 彐 grasping a bundle of grain 禾
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 秉? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 秉?
Decomposition of 秉
Identify the Components
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How to say to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over in Chinese
“to grasp, to hold; to maintain, to preside over” in Chinese is秉
The character 秉 (bǐng) primarily means 'to grasp' or 'to hold,' often used in contexts where someone is maintaining or presiding over something, such as responsibilities or authority. It can also refer to a surname and is commonly encountered in formal or literary contexts.
When to use 秉
Be careful not to confuse 秉 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal and is often used in written contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 秉持 (to uphold) and 秉政 (to govern).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 秉 with the character 持 (chí), which also means 'to hold' but is used more broadly in everyday contexts. For example, saying '我秉这个文件' (I hold this document) is incorrect; it should be '我持这个文件'.
Write 秉
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Practice writing 秉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 秉
秉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Complete the Sentence
我爱上他，是因为他____性善良。
I fell in love with him because of his kind nature.
Example Sentences for 秉 (1)
Word Family of 秉
Compound Meaning
What does 秉承 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 秉
You can say 秉持原则 (bǐngchí yuánzé), meaning 'to uphold principles.'
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