About
杯 is a phonosemantic compound: the left component 木 (wood) serves as the semantic radical, while the right component 不 (bù) indicates the pronunciation. The inclusion of the wood radical tells us that the character originally referred to drinking vessels carved or constructed from wooden materials. Its primary meaning is a cup, glass, or mug for holding liquids like water, tea, or alcoholic beverages. As cup-making techniques advanced and materials such as ceramics, glass, and plastic became common, the character's form remained unchanged, preserving the wood radical regardless of the actual composition. In addition to its noun sense, 杯 functions as a measure word for the liquid contained in such a vessel and can denote a trophy or prize cup awarded in sports and other competitions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我每天用这个杯子。
请你给我一杯水。
桌子上有三个玻璃杯。
他高兴地举起了奖杯。
世界杯决赛非常精彩。
这杯咖啡的味道好极了。
他为客人斟满了一杯红酒。
冠军的奖杯将被陈列在博物馆里。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.