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March 24, 2026
铅笔(鉛筆)qiānbǐ(qian1bi3)
铅笔 (qiānbǐ) refers to a pencil, specifically one made with lead for writing or drawing. It is commonly used in educational and artistic contexts, and can be found in various forms such as mechanical or colored pencils.
Frequency#6625DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Pencils are a staple in Chinese classrooms, much like in other parts of the world, but there's a particular emphasis on using pencils for early writing practice before transitioning to pens.
Memory Tip
Think of a pencil as a 'lead' tool for writing. The character 铅 (qiān) means 'lead,' which you can imagine as a heavy metal, and 笔 (bǐ) resembles a writing tool. Picture a giant pencil made of lead writing on paper, making it easier to remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 铅笔
qiānbǐ(qian1bi3)
1(lead) pencil
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 铅笔
铅笔Simplified
鉛筆Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6625Frequency Rank
支Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L3IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 铅笔
Podcast: 铅笔
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AI Study Notes for 铅笔
Quick Contrast
铅笔 (qiānbǐ) vs 笔 (bǐ) — use 铅笔 when specifying a pencil, while 笔 is a general term for any writing instrument.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a pencil as a 'lead' tool for writing. The character 铅 (qiān) means 'lead,' which you can imagine as a heavy metal, and 笔 (bǐ) resembles a writing tool. Picture a giant pencil made of lead writing on paper, making it easier to remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 铅笔 with other writing instruments like 圆珠笔 (yuánzhūbǐ, ballpoint pen). Use 铅笔 in informal contexts, while 圆珠笔 is more formal. Also, remember to use the correct measure word, 支 (zhī), when counting pencils.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 铅笔 is relevant for students learning basic vocabulary related to school supplies. Focus on the character structure and practice sentences that include this word, which will also help with related vocabulary like 书 (shū, book) and 纸 (zhǐ, paper).
Cultural Note
Pencils are a staple in Chinese classrooms, much like in other parts of the world, but there's a particular emphasis on using pencils for early writing practice before transitioning to pens.
Common Mistakes
Students often mistakenly say '铅笔字' (qiānbǐ zì) to mean 'pencil writing,' but the correct term is '用铅笔写的字' (yòng qiānbǐ xiě de zì). Another common error is misusing measure words, such as saying '两铅笔' instead of '两支铅笔' (liǎng zhī qiānbǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铅笔
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Grammar Patterns of 铅笔
铅笔 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 5
Complete the Sentence
他捡起一支____，无所事事地摆弄着。
He picked up a pencil and toyed with it idly.
Example Sentences for 铅笔 (10)
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1
他捡起一支铅笔，无所事事地摆弄着。
tā jiǎn qǐ yī zhī qiān bǐ， ， wú suǒ shì shì dì bǎi nòng。
Pencils are a staple in Chinese classrooms, much like in other parts of the world, but there's a particular emphasis on using pencils for early writing practice before transitioning to pens.
Frequently Asked Questions about 铅笔
铅笔 is specifically a pencil, while 圆珠笔 refers to a ballpoint pen that uses ink.
You can say '我需要一支铅笔' (Wǒ xūyào yī zhī qiānbǐ).
It's generally advised to use a pen (如圆珠笔) for official documents, as铅笔 can be erased.
