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March 24, 2026
百bǎi(bai3)
The character 百 (bǎi) primarily means 'hundred' and is used to denote the number 100 in various contexts. It can also imply 'numerous' or 'many', often appearing in expressions that describe a large quantity or variety of things. In addition, 百 is a common surname in China.
Strokes6Radical白Frequency#2456DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number 100 symbolizes perfection and completeness, often used in celebrations and auspicious occasions. For example, the phrase '百年好合' (bǎi nián hǎo hé) conveys the wish for a harmonious marriage that lasts a hundred years.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big 'bag' (bǎi) filled with 100 colorful balls, representing numerous options. The character's two components, '白' (white) on top and '一' (one) below, can remind you of having many (hundreds) of items all in one place.
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AI Study Notes for 百
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big 'bag' (bǎi) filled with 100 colorful balls, representing numerous options. The character's two components, '白' (white) on top and '一' (one) below, can remind you of having many (hundreds) of items all in one place.
Usage Notes
When using 百, be mindful of its tone; it should be pronounced as 'bǎi' with a falling tone. A common mistake is to confuse 百 (hundred) with 千 (thousand), so ensure you distinguish between the two when expressing quantities.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 百 connects with basic numerals and is essential for counting and describing quantities. Students should practice using it in phrases, such as '一百' (one hundred) and in combination with other numbers.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number 100 symbolizes perfection and completeness, often used in celebrations and auspicious occasions. For example, the phrase '百年好合' (bǎi nián hǎo hé) conveys the wish for a harmonious marriage that lasts a hundred years.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 百 as 'bái', confusing it with the word for 'white'. Remember, it should be pronounced 'bǎi'. Another mistake is using 百 without context; always specify what you are counting or referring to.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 百
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Grammar Patterns of 百
百 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 5 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 produced "A Chorus Line", Broadway's longest running show.
7
她因在百老汇出演了一部诺埃尔·科沃德的戏一炮而红。
tā yīn zài bǎi lǎo huì chū yǎn le yī bù nuò āi ěr· · kē wò dé de xì yī páo ér。
She shot to stardom on Broadway in a Noel Coward play.
8
他称曼德拉先生为鼓舞了数百万民众的英雄。
tā chēng màn dé lā xiān shēng wéi gǔ wǔ le shù bǎi wàn mín zhòng de yīng xióng。
He called Mr Mandela a hero who had inspired millions.
9
几百张卷紧的报纸在为数5万的人群中被点燃。
jī bǎi zhāng juàn jǐn de bào zhǐ zài wéi shù5 5 wàn de rén qún zhōng bèi diǎn。
Hundreds of tightly rolled newspapers were set aflame among the 50,000 crowd.
10
他在办公室闲荡了一会儿，感到百无聊赖。
tā zài bàn gōng shì xián dàng le yī huì ér， ， gǎn dào bǎi wú liáo。
He moped around the office for a while, feeling bored.
Cultural Notes for 百
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the number 100 symbolizes perfection and completeness, often used in celebrations and auspicious occasions. For example, the phrase '百年好合' (bǎi nián hǎo hé) conveys the wish for a harmonious marriage that lasts a hundred years.
Word Family of 百
Compounds19
陌mo4raised path
弼bi4to aid, to help; to correct
佰bai3hundred
兡
凮
奭Shi4majestic, red; anger, ire; surname
瓸
皕bi4two hundred
竡
粨
貊mo4leopard; an ancient tribe in northeast China
咟
戞
栢
洦
絔
蛨
袹
銆
Words Containing This Character17
老百姓lǎobǎixìngordinary people
百姓common people
百分点bǎifēndiǎnpercentage point百分點
百bǎihundred
百年century
百万million百萬
数百several hundred數百
百货bǎihuògeneral merchandise百貨
百老汇Broadway (New York City)百老匯
百合bǎihélily
千方百计qiānfāngbǎijìlit. thousand ways, a hundred plans (idiom); by every possible means千方百計
数百万several million數百萬
百万富翁millionaire百萬富翁
百分percent
百分之百a hundred percent
百家many schools of thought
百分比bǎifēnbǐpercentage
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 陌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 百
Common phrases include '一百' (one hundred) and '百花齐放' (hundreds of flowers bloom), which expresses diverse opinions or ideas.
Yes, 百 is frequently used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when discussing quantities, prices, or ages.
Absolutely! You can combine 百 with other numerals, like '二百' (two hundred) or '三百' (three hundred), to express larger quantities.
