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March 24, 2026
簸bǒ(bo3)
The character 簸 (bǒ) primarily means 'to winnow,' which refers to the process of separating grain from chaff using a fan or basket. It can also denote a 'dustpan,' a tool used for collecting dust and debris. This word is often used in agricultural contexts or when discussing cleaning tools.
Strokes19Radical⺮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese farming, winnowing is a crucial step in harvesting grain, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture and history. The use of simple tools like a 簸箕 (bǒjī - winnowing basket) is still common in rural areas.
Memory Tip
Imagine a farmer using a dustpan to toss away chaff while winnowing grain, and notice how the shape of the character 簸 resembles a fan being used to toss the grain. The pronunciation 'bǒ' can be remembered by picturing a big wave (the '波' radical) tossing the grain in the air.
Meanings of 簸
bǒ(bo3)
primary
1to winnow
2dust pan
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 簸
簸Simplified
19Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 簸
Podcast: 簸
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AI Study Notes for 簸
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer using a dustpan to toss away chaff while winnowing grain, and notice how the shape of the character 簸 resembles a fan being used to toss the grain. The pronunciation 'bǒ' can be remembered by picturing a big wave (the '波' radical) tossing the grain in the air.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 簸 with similar-sounding words. It is generally used in informal contexts related to farming or cleaning. Be careful with the tone; the third tone can change the meaning significantly if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Although 簸 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to agricultural terms often encountered in HSK Level 3 and beyond. Focus on how it relates to actions of separating and cleaning, which can enhance your understanding of similar verbs.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese farming, winnowing is a crucial step in harvesting grain, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture and history. The use of simple tools like a 簸箕 (bǒjī - winnowing basket) is still common in rural areas.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 簸 to mean 'to throw' in a general sense, which is incorrect. For example, saying '我想簸球' (wǒ xiǎng bǒ qiú - I want to toss the ball) should be corrected to '我想扔球' (wǒ xiǎng rēng qiú).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 簸
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Grammar Patterns of 簸
簸 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 4 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
那辆长途汽车危险地颠____摇晃。
The coach rocked dangerously.
Example Sentences for 簸 (8)
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1
那辆长途汽车危险地颠簸摇晃。
nà liàng cháng tú qì chē wēi xiǎn dì diān bò yáo huǎng。
The coach rocked dangerously.
2
我们担心稍微颠簸一下就可能会使她的伤势恶化。
wǒ mén dān xīn shāo wēi diān bò yī xià jiù kě néng huì shǐ tā de shāng shì è huà。
We were worried that one tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
3
卡车嘎吱嘎吱地在凹凸不平的地面上颠簸而行。
kǎ chē gā zhī gā zhī dì zài āo tū bù píng de dì miàn shàng diān bò ér háng。
The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground.
4
这辆旧卡车在蜿蜒的公路上缓慢地颠簸前行。
zhè liàng jiù kǎ chē zài wān yán de gōng lù shàng huǎn màn dì diān bò qián háng。
The old truck stuttered along the winding road.
5
那批易碎的瓷器经过颠簸的旅途仍完好无损.
nà pī yì suì de cí qì jīng guò diān bò de lǚ tú réng wán hǎo wú sǔn.
The fragile china survived the bumpy journey safe and sound.
6
这小舱房的甲板剧烈地颠簸了一下.
zhè xiǎo cāng fáng de jiǎ bǎn jù liè dì diān bò le yī xià.
The deck of the small cabin sharply pitched and bumped.
She was in the kitchen sweeping crumbs into a dust pan.
Cultural Notes for 簸
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese farming, winnowing is a crucial step in harvesting grain, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture and history. The use of simple tools like a 簸箕 (bǒjī - winnowing basket) is still common in rural areas.
Word Family of 簸
Words Containing This Character5
颠簸diānbǒto shake顛簸
簸箕dustpan
簸bǒto winnow
簸扬winnow簸揚
簸荡roll簸蕩
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 颠簸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 簸
While both involve tossing, 簸 specifically refers to the action of winnowing or using a dustpan, whereas 扔 (rēng) is a more general term for throwing.
You might hear 簸 used when discussing cleaning a room or during a farming conversation about harvesting crops.
