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March 24, 2026
部分bùfen(bu4fen5)
部分 (bùfèn) refers to a part or section of a whole. It is commonly used in both everyday contexts, such as dividing objects or time, and in more formal situations, like discussions of data or policy. Understanding this term is essential for discussing portions in both practical and abstract terms.
Frequency#623DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 部分 can relate to the idea of unity in diversity. For example, the importance of each part in traditional Chinese medicine reflects how individual elements contribute to overall health and balance.
Memory Tip
Think of 部 (bù) as a 'door' leading to a 'part' of a 'whole'. Visualize a door (部) opening to reveal a slice of cake (分), representing a share or piece of something larger, helping you to remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
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AI Study Notes for 部分
Quick Contrast
部分 (bùfen) vs 片段 (piànduàn) — use 部分 for broader sections of a whole, while 片段 refers specifically to segments or excerpts.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 部 (bù) as a 'door' leading to a 'part' of a 'whole'. Visualize a door (部) opening to reveal a slice of cake (分), representing a share or piece of something larger, helping you to remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 部 (bù) is pronounced with a falling tone and can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is often used with classifiers, so remember to pair it correctly, e.g., 一部分 (yī bùfèn) means 'a part of'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 部分 connects to other vocabulary related to division and categorization, such as 整体 (zhěngtǐ, 'whole') and 组成 (zǔchéng, 'to compose'). Students should practice using it in sentences to strengthen their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 部分 can relate to the idea of unity in diversity. For example, the importance of each part in traditional Chinese medicine reflects how individual elements contribute to overall health and balance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 部分 with 整体 (zhěngtǐ, 'whole'), mistakenly using 部分 to imply 'whole' in sentences. For example, saying '这部分是整个' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěnggè) is incorrect; it should be '这部分是整体的一部分' (zhè bùfèn shì zhěngtǐ de yī bùfèn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 部分
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Grammar Patterns of 部分
部分 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.
This involved the deletion of a great deal of irrelevant material.
Cultural Notes for 部分
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 部分 can relate to the idea of unity in diversity. For example, the importance of each part in traditional Chinese medicine reflects how individual elements contribute to overall health and balance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 部分
You can say, '这部分很重要' (zhè bùfèn hěn zhòngyào), meaning 'This part is very important.'
Yes, 部分 is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile word.
Absolutely! 部分 can describe parts of concepts or ideas, such as '社会的一部分' (shèhuì de yī bùfèn), meaning 'a part of society'.
