a mistake or shortcoming that may be exploited by an opponent
HSK 7, n, rank #11171, Hard
辫子
biànzi
handle
HSK 7, n, rank #11171, Hard
辫子
biànzi
>条[tiáo]
HSK 7, n, rank #11171, Hard
biànzi(bian4zi5) T4
1plait
2braid
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March 24, 2026
辫子(辮子)biànzi(bian4zi5)
辫子 (biànzi) refers primarily to a braid or plait, often used to describe a hairstyle involving intertwined hair strands. Additionally, it can metaphorically denote a flaw or shortcoming that someone might take advantage of, reflecting a dual meaning in both physical and abstract contexts.
Frequency#11171DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, braids have historical significance, often associated with ethnic identity, particularly among the Han and various minority groups. Additionally, braiding hair can symbolize femininity or childhood innocence.
Memory Tip
Imagine two strands of hair weaving together to form a braid, resembling a 'bent' (辫) shape. The word 'zi' can remind you of 'zip,' as in zipping together strands of hair. Picture a person with a beautiful braid at one end and a sign saying 'Don't let your flaws be your downfall' at the other.
Meanings of 辫子
biànzi(bian4zi5)
1plait
2braid
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About 辫子
辫子Simplified
辮子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11171Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 辫子
Podcast: 辫子
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AI Study Notes for 辫子
Quick Contrast
辫子 (biànzi) vs 发辫 (fàbiàn): use 辫子 for general braids, while 发辫 specifically refers to hair braids.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two strands of hair weaving together to form a braid, resembling a 'bent' (辫) shape. The word 'zi' can remind you of 'zip,' as in zipping together strands of hair. Picture a person with a beautiful braid at one end and a sign saying 'Don't let your flaws be your downfall' at the other.
Usage Notes
辫子 is generally used in informal contexts, especially among younger generations. Common collocations include 辫子头 (braided hairstyle) and 辫子女孩 (braided girl). Be careful with the tones; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone, and the second with a neutral tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 辫子 connects with other advanced vocabulary about hair and fashion. Focus on understanding its dual meanings and practice using it in different contexts, especially in conversational Chinese about personal appearance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, braids have historical significance, often associated with ethnic identity, particularly among the Han and various minority groups. Additionally, braiding hair can symbolize femininity or childhood innocence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 辫子 with 头发 (tóufa) which means 'hair' in general. For example, saying '我喜欢她的头发' (I like her hair) when they mean 'braid' should use 辫子 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 辫子
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Cultural Notes for 辫子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, braids have historical significance, often associated with ethnic identity, particularly among the Han and various minority groups. Additionally, braiding hair can symbolize femininity or childhood innocence.
Frequently Asked Questions about 辫子
You can say, '她的辫子编得很漂亮' (Her braid is beautifully done).
辫子 specifically refers to a braid or plait, whereas other words might denote general hair or styles.
It's typically informal, so it's better suited for casual conversations about hairstyles.
