HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 手, rank #10357, Hard
掰
bāi
(fig.) to break off (a relationship)
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 手, rank #10357, Hard
掰
bāi
to rip, to tear
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 手, rank #10357, Hard
bāi(bai1) T1
1to break off or break open sth with one's hands
2(fig.) to break off (a relationship)
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March 24, 2026
掰bāi(bai1)
The verb 掰 (bāi) means to break off or open something using one's hands. It is commonly used in physical contexts, such as breaking a twig or tearing paper, but can also describe the act of ending a relationship in a figurative sense.
Strokes12Radical手Frequency#10357DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 'breaking' can symbolize endings or transitions, such as breaking off ties in relationships, reflecting the importance of interpersonal connections in social dynamics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a baker (sounds like 'bāi') breaking a loaf of bread with their hands. The character 掰 combines the hand radical (扌) on the left with the 'break' component (白) on the right, symbolizing the action of breaking something with your hands.
Meanings of 掰
bāi(bai1)
1to break off or break open sth with one's hands
2(fig.) to break off (a relationship)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 掰
掰Simplified
12Strokes
手Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10357Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 掰
Podcast: 掰
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AI Study Notes for 掰
Quick Contrast
掰 (break off) vs 折 (break, snap) — use 掰 for breaking off with hands, while 折 implies snapping or folding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a baker (sounds like 'bāi') breaking a loaf of bread with their hands. The character 掰 combines the hand radical (扌) on the left with the 'break' component (白) on the right, symbolizing the action of breaking something with your hands.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 掰 with other similar verbs like 打 (dǎ, to hit) or 破 (pò, to break). This word is informal and typically used in everyday conversations. It's also important to use the correct tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 掰 connects with other advanced vocabulary involving physical actions and relationships. Students should focus on its usage in different contexts, including both literal and figurative meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 'breaking' can symbolize endings or transitions, such as breaking off ties in relationships, reflecting the importance of interpersonal connections in social dynamics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掰 with similar verbs like 断 (duàn, to cut off) or 破 (pò, to break). A common mistake is saying '我掰了这段关系' when one should say '我断了这段关系' (I ended this relationship).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掰
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Grammar Patterns of 掰
掰 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他抓得很紧，但她还是____开他的手，把它拿走了。
He held on tight but she prised it from his fingers.
Example Sentences for 掰 (10)
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1
他抓得很紧，但她还是掰开他的手，把它拿走了。
tā zhuā dé hěn jǐn， ， dàn tā huán shì bāi kāi tā de， shǒu ， bǎ tā ná。
He held on tight but she prised it from his fingers.
2
她掰开玫瑰花，将花瓣撒在坟墓上。
tā bāi kāi méi guī huā， ， jiāng huā bàn sā zài fén mù。
She tore the rose apart and scattered the petals over the grave.
3
他试图把这条狗的嘴掰开。
tā shì tú bǎ zhè tiáo gǒu de zuǐ bāi kāi。
He tried to prize the dog's mouth open.
4
他掰开她的手指，把她手中的袋子抢走了。
tā bāi kāi tā de shǒu zhǐ， ， bǎ tā shǒu zhōng de dài zǐ qiāng zǒu。
He prised her fingers from the bag and took it from her.
Divide the broccoli into florets and wash them thoroughly.
8
她拿起一片面包，焦虑不安地把它掰碎，又放在一边。
tā ná qǐ yī piàn miàn bāo， ， jiāo lǜ bù ān dì bǎ tā bāi， suì ， yòu fàng zài。
She took up a slice of bread, broke it nervously, then put it aside.
9
李掰下一小瓣橘子递给他。
lǐ bāi xià yī xiǎo bàn jú zǐ dì gěi tā。
Lee broke off a small piece of orange and held it out to him.
10
他把面包掰成数块，给了米尔一块大的。
tā bǎ miàn bāo bāi chéng shù kuài， ， gěi le mǐ ěr yī kuài dà。
He broke the bread up into chunks and gave Meer a big one.
Cultural Notes for 掰
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of 'breaking' can symbolize endings or transitions, such as breaking off ties in relationships, reflecting the importance of interpersonal connections in social dynamics.
Word Family of 掰
Words Containing This Character6
掰bāi(fig.) to break off (a relationship)
掰开to pull apart掰開
掰掰bye-bye (loanword) (Tw)
瞎掰to fool around
掰腕子arm wrestling
掰扯to debate
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 掰 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掰
It refers to breaking off or ending a relationship, similar to how you would physically break something.
Yes, while it often describes physical actions, it can also metaphorically refer to breaking off relationships.
It is informal and usually used in casual conversation.
