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絆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
絆bàna loop of thread; shackles, fetters; to stumble, to tripx, 11 strokes, radical 糹
bàn(ban4) T4
  1. 1a loop of thread; shackles, fetters; to stumble, to trip
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March 24, 2026

絆bàn(ban4)

The character 絆 (bàn) primarily means a loop of thread or a form of restraint, such as shackles or fetters. It is also used in a figurative sense to describe stumbling or tripping, highlighting the idea of being impeded or hindered in some way. This word can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often related to physical or emotional obstacles.

Strokes11Radical糹
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of overcoming obstacles is significant, often reflected in literature and proverbs. The word 絆 can symbolize not just physical tripping, but emotional setbacks that one must learn to navigate, similar to the challenges faced in life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a loose thread (the loop) that you trip over while walking. The character 絆 forms a visual loop at the top, reminiscent of the thread, and the bottom part resembles someone stumbling. Picture yourself saying 'bàn' as you trip, making it easier to remember both sound and meaning.

Meanings of 絆

bàn(ban4)
1a loop of thread; shackles, fetters; to stumble, to trip
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 絆

絆Simplified
11Strokes
糹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 絆

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Podcast: 絆

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AI Study Notes for 絆

Quick Contrast

绊 (bàn) vs 拖 (tuō) — use 絆 when emphasizing restraint or stumbling, while 拖 focuses on dragging or pulling something along.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone, as 'bàn' has a falling tone that can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often used in informal contexts, particularly in conversation about personal experiences or storytelling. Common collocations include '絆倒' (to trip over) and '絆腿' (to catch someone's leg).

HSK Study Tips

While 絆 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words related to obstacles and challenges, such as 障碍 (obstacle) and 跌倒 (to fall). Focus on recognizing how this character can be used in sentences to express various forms of hindrances.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 絆 with similar-sounding words and mispronounce it, saying 'ban' instead of 'bàn'. Another common mistake is misunderstanding its usage in context, such as using it in a formal setting where it might not be appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 絆

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Etymology of 絆

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 半 represents the sound. Simplified form of 絆.

Memory Hint

thread

Semantic (meaning)糹
+
Phonetic (sound)半
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

絆 = 糹 + 半. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 絆

IDS Structure⿰糹半
絆Full Character
=
糹si1
left
半ban4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 絆?

How to say a loop of thread; shackles, fetters; to stumble, to trip in Chinese

“a loop of thread; shackles, fetters; to stumble, to trip” in Chinese is絆bàn

The character 絆 (bàn) primarily means a loop of thread or a form of restraint, such as shackles or fetters. It is also used in a figurative sense to describe stumbling or tripping, highlighting the idea of being impeded or hindered in some way. This word can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often related to physical or emotional obstacles.

When to use 絆

Be cautious with the tone, as 'bàn' has a falling tone that can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often used in informal contexts, particularly in conversation about personal experiences or storytelling. Common collocations include '絆倒' (to trip over) and '絆腿' (to catch someone's leg).

絆 or something close to it

绊 (bàn) vs 拖 (tuō) — use 絆 when emphasizing restraint or stumbling, while 拖 focuses on dragging or pulling something along.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 絆 with similar-sounding words and mispronounce it, saying 'ban' instead of 'bàn'. Another common mistake is misunderstanding its usage in context, such as using it in a formal setting where it might not be appropriate.

Write 絆

絆

Practice writing 絆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 絆

Words Containing This Character8
绊倒to trip絆倒
绊bànto trip絆
羁绊trammels羈絆
绊脚石obstacle絆腳石
牵绊to bind牽絆
磕磕绊绊bumpy (of a road)磕磕絆絆
绊住to entangle絆住
绊脚to stumble over sth絆腳
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 絆

What does 绊倒 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 絆

Common phrases include '絆倒' (to trip over) and '絆腿' (to catch someone's leg).

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