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March 24, 2026
杯子bēizi(bei1zi5)
The word 杯子 (bēizi) refers to a 'cup' or 'glass' used for drinking. It can denote various types of containers for beverages, such as tea cups or drinking glasses, and is commonly used in everyday contexts, especially when ordering drinks or discussing dining. The character 杯 specifically relates to the drinking vessel, while the suffix 子 indicates a small object or item.
Frequency#3817DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, tea drinking is an important social activity, and different types of cups are used for different teas. The concept of using specific cups for specific beverages reflects the cultural significance of tea in daily life and hospitality.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big 'BAY' filled with water, representing a cup. The '子' sounds like 'zi', which can remind you of a small size, hinting at the cup's function as a vessel. Visualize someone using a big bay cup to drink, which makes the connection to '杯' and '子' memorable.
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AI Study Notes for 杯子
Quick Contrast
杯 (bēi) vs 杯子 (bēizi) — use 杯子 when referring to a cup in a general sense or when emphasizing its function as a drinking vessel.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big 'BAY' filled with water, representing a cup. The '子' sounds like 'zi', which can remind you of a small size, hinting at the cup's function as a vessel. Visualize someone using a big bay cup to drink, which makes the connection to '杯' and '子' memorable.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 杯子 with other containers like '碗' (wǎn, bowl) or '瓶' (píng, bottle). It's important to remember that 杯子 specifically refers to cups and glasses. In a formal context, you might prefer to say '茶杯' (chá bēi) for tea cup, while in casual situations, 杯子 is perfectly acceptable.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 杯子 connects with other basic vocabulary related to daily life, such as 饭 (fàn, rice/meal) and 水 (shuǐ, water). Students should focus on pronunciation and practice using it in sentences about meals and drinks.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, tea drinking is an important social activity, and different types of cups are used for different teas. The concept of using specific cups for specific beverages reflects the cultural significance of tea in daily life and hospitality.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget to include the '子' and just say '杯' when referring to a cup, which can sound incomplete. Always use 杯子 when you want to refer to a cup or glass.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 杯子
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Grammar Patterns of 杯子
杯子 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 3 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.
He spooned the ice cream into a cup and fed it to her.
Cultural Notes for 杯子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, tea drinking is an important social activity, and different types of cups are used for different teas. The concept of using specific cups for specific beverages reflects the cultural significance of tea in daily life and hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions about 杯子
杯 (bēi) refers specifically to the cup itself, while 杯子 (bēizi) refers to the cup as an item, often implying a more casual or general use.
Yes, 杯子 can refer to cups or glasses for various drinks, but specific types may be more appropriate depending on the beverage.
