斑

bān

文 + 王

HSK 2.0Level 6

Definitions

bān (adjective) spotted; striped; variegated

bān (noun) spot; patch; stripe

Etymology

Markings 文 in jade 王

About

斑 is formed as a phono-semantic compound, with two 王 (jade) radicals flanking a central 文 (wén, pattern or text). The 文 component provides both the sound and a semantic idea of markings, while the two 王 pieces signify precious jade. Together they originally denoted the natural, irregular streaks, veins, and mottled patterns found within jade and other stones. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe any spots, speckles, or multi-colored markings on various surfaces. Today it is widely used for the spots on animal fur, stains on clothing, or any visual pattern of distinct, unblended colors.

Etymology Hide

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

斑马身上有条纹。

Bān mǎ shēn shàng yǒu tiáo wén.

Zebras have stripes on their bodies.

小猫的身上有斑点。

Xiǎo māo de shēn shàng yǒu bān diǎn.

The kitten has spots on its body.

这块石头有斑纹。

Zhè kuài shí tou yǒu bān wén.

This stone has streaks.

墙上出现了斑驳的痕迹。

Qiáng shàng chū xiàn le bān bó de hén jì.

Mottled marks have appeared on the wall.

斑马线是行人过马路的地方。

Bān mǎ xiàn shì xíng rén guò mǎ lù de dì fang.

The crosswalk is where pedestrians cross the road.

阳光透过树叶，在地上留下斑驳的光影。

Yáng guāng tòu guò shù yè, zài dì shàng liú xià bān bó de guāng yǐng.

Sunlight shines through the leaves, leaving dappled light and shadow on the ground.

她的脸上因为日晒而起了斑点。

Tā de liǎn shàng yīn wèi rì shài ér qǐ le bān diǎn.

Her face has developed spots due to sun exposure.

这件艺术品的色彩斑斓，令人赞叹。

Zhè jiàn yì shù pǐn de sè cǎi bān lán, lìng rén zàn tàn.

The colors of this artwork are brilliant and dazzling, making people admire it.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 文

Component: 王

斑