Definitions

pái bamboo raft

Etymology

About

The Chinese character is a phono-semantic compound, with the semantic radical (bamboo) placed above and the phonetic component providing the sound below. It precisely names a bamboo raft, a flat, buoyant platform made by lashing together thick bamboo stalks. This distinguishes it as a rudimentary watercraft separate from wooden boats or other vessels, with the top radical directly marking the construction material.