斑

bān

文 + 王

Frequency#2053

Definitions

bān (adjective) spotted; striped; variegated

bān (noun) spot; patch; stripe

Etymology

Markings 文 in jade 王

About

The character "斑" is structured with two "王" components surrounding a central "文", a form that etymologically associates with jade and pattern, reflecting its original sense of speckles or streaks on jade. Its meaning gradually extended from describing ornamental markings on precious stone to encompassing any spotted, striped, or mottled appearance in broader usage. The modern character's components continue to indicate this conceptual basis, where "文" signifies a design or marking and the "王" elements derive from the idea of jade, together representing the notion of variegation.

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