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March 24, 2026
拜bài(bai4)
The character 拜 (bài) primarily means to pay respect or to worship. It is commonly used in the context of formal greetings, paying homage during ceremonies, or visiting someone with respect. This character conveys a sense of reverence and acknowledgment, often seen in traditional or ceremonial contexts.
Strokes9Radical手Frequency#2143DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
拜 is often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, where people拜年 (bài nián) to wish family and friends prosperity and health. This practice reflects the importance of familial respect and connection in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person bowing deeply while holding a bow (拜 sounds like 'bye'). The character 拜 has the radical for 'hand' (扌), symbolizing the action of bowing or saluting with a hand gesture, reinforcing the idea of respect and worship.
Meanings of 拜
bài(bai4)
1to pay respect
2worship
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 拜
拜Simplified
9Strokes
手Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2143Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1
Podcast: 拜
Podcast: 拜
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AI Study Notes for 拜
Quick Contrast
敬 (jìng) - use 拜 (bài) when emphasizing the act of paying respect in a ceremonial context, while 敬 (jìng) is more about showing respect in general interactions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person bowing deeply while holding a bow (拜 sounds like 'bye'). The character 拜 has the radical for 'hand' (扌), symbolizing the action of bowing or saluting with a hand gesture, reinforcing the idea of respect and worship.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 拜 with other similar-sounding characters. Ensure you use 拜 in appropriate formal contexts, such as rituals or formal greetings, rather than casual settings. It often collocates with terms like 拜年 (bài nián, to pay New Year respects) or 拜访 (bài fǎng, to visit respectfully).
HSK Study Tips
While 拜 is not part of HSK lists, it is relevant for learners aiming to understand cultural practices. Focus on its usage in greetings and ceremonies, and relate it with other verbs of respect and interaction.
Cultural Note
拜 is often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, where people拜年 (bài nián) to wish family and friends prosperity and health. This practice reflects the importance of familial respect and connection in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拜 with 吗 (ma, a question particle) or 败 (bài, to lose), leading to incorrect sentences. For example, saying '我拜吗' instead of '我拜年' is incorrect; it should be '我去拜年' meaning 'I am going to pay New Year respects.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拜
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Grammar Patterns of 拜
拜 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
圣犹大教堂是做礼____的公共场所.
St Jude's church is a public place of worship.
Common Confusions with 拜
拜vs摆
bǎi
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to pay respect"?
or
Usage Notes for 拜
Misuse in Formal SettingsCommon Error
Using '拜' in overly casual contexts can be seen as disrespectful.
1
在正式场合使用'拜'不太合适。
Using '拜' in formal occasions is not very appropriate.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
在正式场合使用'____'不太合适。
Using '拜' in formal occasions is not very appropriate.
Most members of the congregation begin arriving a few minutes before services.
10
只要她在那一带，她总会去拜访教区牧师。
zhī yào tā zài nà yī dài， ， tā zǒng huì qù bài fǎng jiào qū mù。
She always called at the vicarage whenever she was in the area.
Cultural Notes for 拜
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, 拜 is often associated with respect towards elders and ancestors. During festivals like Qingming Festival, people visit graves to pay their respects, emphasizing familial bonds and honoring lineage.
🏮Cultural insight
拜 is often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, where people拜年 (bài nián) to wish family and friends prosperity and health. This practice reflects the importance of familial respect and connection in Chinese culture.
📜Proverb
As a proverb goes, 'Respect is given to those who deserve it.' This reflects the importance of showing respect in Chinese society, whether through physical gestures like 拜 or through words.
Word Family of 拜
Compounds1
湃pai4turbulent, surging; the sound of waves crashing
Words Containing This Character20
拜托bàituōplease!拜託
拜bàiworship
崇拜chóngbàito worship
礼拜lǐbàiweek禮拜
拜访bàifǎngto pay a visit拜訪
拜拜(loanword) bye-bye
拜年bàiniánto pay a New Year call
参拜to formally call on參拜
迪拜Dubai
膜拜to worship
拜见bàijiànto pay a formal visit拜見
拜读(polite) to read (sth)拜讀
阿塞拜疆Azerbaijan, former Soviet Republic and region of northwest Iran in Caucasus
拜会bàihuìcall on拜會
拜师to formally become an apprentice to a master拜師
崇拜者worshipper
祭拜to offer sacrifice (to one's ancestors)
礼拜天lǐbàitiānSunday禮拜天
拜伦George Byron (1788-1824), English poet拜倫
拜倒to grovel
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 湃 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拜
拜 has deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition, often associated with respect towards ancestors and elders. It is an important aspect of social etiquette, especially during festivals and family gatherings.
拜 (bài) means to pay respect or worship. It is commonly used in contexts related to visiting someone to show respect, such as during traditional ceremonies or when greeting elders.
拜 can be used in various contexts, such as '我去拜访我的祖父' (Wǒ qù bàifǎng wǒ de zǔfù), meaning 'I will visit my grandfather.' It is also used in religious contexts, like '他每天拜佛' (Tā měitiān bàifó), meaning 'He worships Buddha every day.'
You can use 拜 in a sentence like '我去拜访我的祖父' (Wǒ qù bàifǎng wǒ de zǔfù), meaning 'I am going to visit my grandfather.'
拜 is primarily used in formal contexts, particularly in ceremonies or when showing respect, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations.
Common collocations include 拜年 (bài nián, to pay New Year respects) and 拜访 (bài fǎng, to visit respectfully).
