Definitions

(verb) to long for; to wish; to cling to; to stick to
(particle) particle used as nominalizing suffix

Etymology

Depicts a person grabbing something with their hand. Original form of . In modern Chinese this character is usually used only for its sound.

About

The character 巴 originated as a pictograph of a large, coiled snake with a prominent head and curving tail. From this image of a creature clinging to an object, its meaning extended to denote actions like adhering closely and expressing earnest hope. Due to its simple sound, 巴 is now widely used as a phonetic component in transliterations, such as in words for buses and foreign place names.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

西是一个国家。

Bāxī shì yī gè guójiā.

Brazil is a country.

黎是法国首都。

Bālí shì Fǎguó shǒudū.

Paris is the capital of France.

他打了我一掌。

Tā dǎle wǒ yī bāzhǎng.

He slapped me.

不得早点回家。

Wǒ bābude zǎo diǎn huí jiā.

I can't wait to go home early.

他喜欢结领导。

Tā xǐhuan bājie lǐngdǎo.

He likes to curry favor with the leader.

小狗摇着尾跑。

Xiǎo gǒu yáo zhe wěiba pǎo.

The puppy runs wagging its tail.

他嘴张得很大。

Tā zuǐba zhāng dé hěn dà.

His mouth is wide open.

望着假期到来。

Wǒ bāwàng zhe jiàqī dàolái.

I am eagerly looking forward to the holiday.