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March 24, 2026
一般yìbān(yi4ban1)
一般 (yì bān) means 'ordinary' or 'common,' often used to describe things that are typical or average. It can also refer to something that is generally accepted or understood, making it useful in various contexts, such as describing quality or level in conversation.
Frequency#1134DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 一般 reflects a societal value of humility; people often downplay their skills or achievements by describing them as 'ordinary.' This cultural nuance can influence how one expresses self-assessment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a simple, flat road (一) that stretches far and wide (般), representing the idea of 'ordinary' and 'usual'. The '一' symbolizes uniformity, while '般' suggests a broad category, helping you remember that 一般 refers to something that is not special or exceptional.
Meanings of 一般
yìbān(yi4ban1)
1same
2ordinary
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 一般
一般Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1134Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 一般
Podcast: 一般
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AI Study Notes for 一般
Quick Contrast
普通 (pǔtōng) vs 一般 (yìbān): use 普通 for 'common' in a more neutral sense, while 一般 emphasizes typicality or general acceptance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a simple, flat road (一) that stretches far and wide (般), representing the idea of 'ordinary' and 'usual'. The '一' symbolizes uniformity, while '般' suggests a broad category, helping you remember that 一般 refers to something that is not special or exceptional.
Usage Notes
一般 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful to avoid using it in overly formal writing. Common collocations include 一般来说 (generally speaking) and 一般情况 (ordinary circumstances). Remember that it is pronounced with the first tone followed by the first tone, which can be tricky for some learners.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 一般 connects well with other basic adjectives and adverbs, helping to build your descriptive vocabulary. Focus on practicing this word in sentences to convey generalizations, which will aid in conversation skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 一般 reflects a societal value of humility; people often downplay their skills or achievements by describing them as 'ordinary.' This cultural nuance can influence how one expresses self-assessment.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 一般 with better or more positive adjectives like 优秀 (excellent). For example, saying '他一般' (He is ordinary) may come off as too harsh; consider using '他还不错' (He is not bad) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一般
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Grammar Patterns of 一般
一般 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 7 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.
Pubs are dirty, smelly and unfriendly, according to the Good Pub Guide.
8
一般来说，超重的人往往低估自己摄入食物的量。
yī bān lái shuō， ， chāo zhòng de rén wǎng wǎng dī gū zì jǐ shè rù shí wù de。
Classically, overweight people underestimate the volume of food that they consume.
9
对于很多人来说，他们显然可以作为一般旅行车的替代品。
duì yú hěn duō rén lái shuō， ， tā mén xiǎn rán kě yǐ zuò wéi yī bān lǚ háng chē de tì dài。
For many they clearly represent an alternative to run-of-the-mill estate cars.
10
一般人认为有压力的事情在他看来却是快乐无比的事。
yī bān rén rèn wéi yǒu yā lì de shì qíng zài tā kàn lái què shì kuài lè wú bǐ de shì。
What normal people considered pressure was meat and drink to him.
Cultural Notes for 一般
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 一般 reflects a societal value of humility; people often downplay their skills or achievements by describing them as 'ordinary.' This cultural nuance can influence how one expresses self-assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一般
Yes, but be cautious; describing someone as 一般 can imply they are average or unremarkable, which may not be polite.
Not necessarily; it depends on context. While it can imply 'so-so,' it can also simply mean 'common' without a negative connotation.
You can say '一般来说，这个问题很简单' (Generally speaking, this problem is very simple).
